Excerpts

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, difficulty with communication, repetitive behaviors, and narrow, obsessive interests. Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because it can manifest in various ways and its severity can range from mild to disabling. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately three to six of every 1,000 children are diagnosed with the disorder, and such diagnoses have become more common in recent years.Autismexamines the nature of the disorder, its symptoms, the various types, related disorders, and treatments that may help those affected. Readers will gain an understanding of what scientists believe may cause these spectrum disorders and where the latest research is leading. This informative book also examines the controversy over childhood vaccines that some believe may contribute to autism spectrum disorders.Chapters include: What Is Autism? Who Develops Autism? Causes of Autism Treatment of Autism: Intervention and Education Asperger's Disorder Autism: Is There an Epidemic? Excerpted from Autism by Heather Barnett Veague, Christine Collins, Research Assistant Professor of Psychology Staff, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development Staff All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.