TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction 9
- Important Terms to Know 10
- Chapter One: What is Autism? 17
- Defining Autism 19
- Myths about Autism Spectrum Disorder 21
- History of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 27
- Chapter Two: Types of Autism 31
- Types of Autism 33
- Autistic Disorder 33
- Asperger’s Syndrome 33
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) 34
- Rett Syndrome 35
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) 36
- Chapter Three: Causes of Autism 37
- 1. Genetic Factors 38
- 2. Environmental Factors 40
- Prenatal Environment 41
- Perinatal Environment 45
- Postnatal Environment 45
- Chapter Four: Brain Development and ASD 47
- Brain Overgrowth followed by Premature Arrest of Growth 49
- Brain Connectivity 50
- Underactive Amygdala 53
- Chapter Five: Symptoms and Diagnosis 55
- Signs and Symptoms 56
- Diagnostic Criteria for ASD 59
- ICD-10 Diagnosis 59
- DSM-5 Diagnosis 60
- Developmental Milestones and Autism 62
- 1. Two Months 64
- 2. Four Months 65
- 3. Six Months 66
- 4. Nine Months 67
- 5. One Year 68
- 6. Two Years 69
- 7. Three Years 71
- 8. Four Years 73
- 9. Five Years 74
- Co-occurring Conditions and Co-Morbidities 76
- Chapter Six: Treatment, Intervention and Therapies 79
- Medical Treatments 81
- Behavioral Interventions 82
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 83
- Other Therapies 84
- Chapter Seven: The Future of Autism Spectrum Disorder 87
- Future Directions for Research in ASD 89
- The Necessity of Better Future Planning 90
- Long-term Prognosis of People with ASD 91
- Index 93
- Photo References 103
- References 105
