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

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