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Help support families caring for loved ones with autism. 

I found Autism Spectrum Disorder to be filled with clear, easy-to-read, practical advice and recommendations.  Chantal Sicile-Kira writes with first-hand information about autism in part because her son Jeremy, now in his twenties, is autistic.  While the book, which was voted “Outstanding Book of the Year” by the Autism Society of America, it is filled with her practical, experienced-based advice. The author recommends discussing any of the therapies or strategies mentioned with a competent professional.

Here are the book’s chapter listings and some observations I found most useful for a few:

Chapter 1: “The Myths and History of Autism Spectrum Disorder”
One myth about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is that when we see a person who is obsessive around a particular thing, that is a bad thing.  It just might be that they have a strong talent in that subject /area and parents should encourage and help foster that area.  Advances in neuroscience, genetics, and environmental factors are being studied so we can better understand the causes and treatments of ASD.

Chapter 2: “What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder and How to Know If a Person Has ASD"
ASD is a neuro-developmental disability, however, research and doctors are still not sure what causes it.  Having your child diagnosed as early as possible if you see something that does not seem right is very important. Since 1970, neuro-(MRI) imaging has been used to look at the structure of the brain. Since 1991, MRI images are used to indicate how the brain functions in response to sensory stimuli.  Since 2012 (HDFT) high definition fiber images of the brain have been used.  Some ASD symptoms described are; no reaction or else a strong reaction to sounds, lining up objects, lack of verbal communication and eye contact and an inappropriate attachment to particular objects.  In the (DSMV), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders other symptoms of ASD are described.

Chapter 3: “What Causes Autism Spectrum and Why Do People with ASD act the Way They Do?”
The causes of autism are still not clear. There continues to be discussions around “whether or not autism is a disease that needs to be cured or a brain difference -- a neuro-diversity which should be considered “a gift”. Studies of the connection between genes and autism grows, and it is clear that technology has greatly advanced the understanding and causes of autism.  The author suggests the best way to learn about the research and findings about autism is to dig into resources such as The Autism Research Institute (ARI) website (autism.com)which publishes a quarterly newsletter, The National Library of Medicine PubMed, and Autism Speaks.

This is just a sampling of insight in this fact-filled book.  Other chapters include: “Newly Diagnosed Adults and Parents of Children with ASD”; ”After the Diagnosis”; “Treatments, Therapies, and Interventions”; “Family Life”; “Education”; “Community Life”; and “Adults Living and Working with Autism Spectrum Disorder”.

I found Autism Spectrum Disorder to be filled with clearly-written, experience-based advice.  It is an excellent resource!   In the Foreword, Temple Grandin writes, “This book gives the general public, professionals, and parents a better understanding of the Autism/Asperger Spectrum, as well as providing lists of resources useful to those who are on the spectrum and those who work and care for them.”

Autism Spectrum Disorder by Chantal Sicile-Kira

Reviewed by Linda M. Olsen, M.Ed.