Autism is a baffling condition. This second edition includes all the basic information needed by parents of a child who has been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder, adults who want to gain more insight and self-help skills, and professionals working with individuals on the autistic spectrum. Covers medical overviews, recent research, diagnosis, treatment, insurance, school, family issues, money and management ideas, building a support system, and an inside look at life on the autistic spectrum. Author Mitzi Waltz, an advocate for adults and children with neurological disorders, has included the stories of dozens of people with autistic spectrum disorders.

Autistic spectrum disorders--including autism, pervasive developmental disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), Asperger's syndrome, and others--are labels to describe neurological conditions that can affect a person's speech and communication, emotional growth, social skills, and physical and mental abilities. Up to 1 in 150 children in some geographical areas have these conditions; children affected are disproportionately boys. This second edition is for parents (or newly diagnosed adults) who struggle with these neurological conditions that profoundly impact the life of child and family. Author and patient advocate Mitzi Waltz, now studying at the Autism Research Unit in the UK, incorporates the latest medical findings on possible causes for ASDs and on treatments. Topics include:

• Getting a diagnosis, including preparing for a diagnostic interview in a medical, psychiatric, or school setting
• Treatment options, including pharmaceutical medications, vitamins and supplements, sensory integration, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, behavior modification, floor time play therapy, talk therapy, and others
• Coping with diagnosis and treatment, including emotions and support systems, insurance system, and educational plans
• Stories from dozens of families living with autistic spectrum disorders