Library Journal Review

In this entry of the publisher's excellent "Topics in Autism" series, Bruey, a Psy.D. who has worked with autistic children and adults for 20-plus years, provides a lay reader's guide to the difficult task of properly diagnosing ASD. She interprets and explains the Diagnostic Statistical Manual IV (DSM-IV), making a case for a more consistent application of ASD terms. Since there is no medical test for ASD, a diagnosis is based on observations, reports from parents and/or teachers, and a professional's own interpretation of the DSM-IV; this diagnosis is critical for school and insurance purposes, as well as for implementing early intervention programs. Bruey clarifies the very thin lines distinguishing the various ASD conditions (e.g., Asperger's syndrome, autism, PDD-NOS, and Rett's Disorder), taking DSM-IV descriptions and offering more thorough explanation with examples and comments from parents and professionals. One of the best features identifies common manifestations of ASD-including sleeping and eating irregularities-that are not part of the DSM-IV. While many books describe the different ASD diagnoses, this guide is more in-depth. Strongly recommended for all public libraries and for academic libraries with ASD collections. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.