Randi J. Hagerman – författare

In DSM-5, published in 2013, the classification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was created, subsuming several diagnoses and representing a significant evolution from its first appearance in the DSM-III three decades earlier. Autism Spectrum Disorders reflects this evolution, offering clinicians and families a succinct, definitive, and up-to-date guide to current research in the field and its impact on assessment and treatment. The book begins with the epidemiology of ASDs, which have increased in prevalence, and explores genetic heritability and environmental risk factors. It then explains the roles of the psychiatrist, neurologist and pediatrician in assessing the patient, examines assessment tools and processes, and describes the latest advances in a variety of treatments and interventions. The text''s focus is on educating and empowering families and health care providers to determine whether appropriate genetic testing and counseling have been undertaken, whether the individual has had the relevant assessment, and whether skilled behavioral treatment and additional medical assessment or treatment are required.

Specifically, the text: • Reviews existing prevalence estimates for ASDs since 2000 and discusses methodological factors impacting the estimation of prevalence and the interpretation of changes in prevalence estimates over time.• Evaluates genomic and epigenomic research over the last decade in the context of translating findings to practice, in terms of testing (e.g., copy number variants and whole-exome sequencing) and counseling.• Examines the role of environmental toxicity in immune dysregulation, which has now been noted among individuals with ASD and their family members by numerous studies. • Reviews medical and cognitive assessments that may be needed.• Reviews targeted treatments that have the potential to reverse neurobiological abnormalities in ASD• Reviews behavioral treatments that are effective in promoting development and improving behavior.• Describes the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR) model, a comprehensive developmental theory with relevance across the lifespan, which targets the core deficits of ASD identified in DSM-5.• Provides an overview of school-based interventions for students with autism, exploring the rationale for conducting school-based research and examining existing teacher-, paraprofessional-, and peer-mediated interventions school-based interventions.• Explores other approaches to ASDs, such as complementary and integrative approaches and non-invasive brain stimulation technologies, including transcranial magnetic stimulation.

The push for early screening is resulting in earlier diagnosis of ASDs and the provision of evidence-based interventions that have a positive impact on outcomes. Autism Spectrum Disorders provides a bench-to-bedside guide that is essential reading for health care providers and families facing the challenges inherent in these complex disorders.

More than 40 years after the official recognition of infantile autism in DSM-III, numerous questions remain about autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—its possible causes, assessment, and most effective treatments.

This second edition of the Textbook of Autism Spectrum Disorders features contributions from dozens of experts as it reviews the latest research on these topics and more.

As ambitious in scope and exhaustive as the preceding edition, this guide is organized by sections that tackle: • Assessment and evaluation, including recognizing the lower- and higher-order repetitive behaviors characteristic of ASD, as well as its comorbidities. Chapters also discuss the roles that racial and ethnic disparities, gender and sexual identities,and biomarkers and technology—including smart home devices and augmented reality technology—can play in assessment and evaluation.• The possible causes of autism, from prenatal, perinatal, and parental risk factors to syndromic causes of ASD, updates on genetic testing, and the effect of environmental factors and immune dysregulation.• Standard and experimental treatments in autism. Chapters analyze the role of pharmacotherapies such as serotonergic antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, and experimental therapeutics (e.g., oxytocin, vasopressin) as well as the use of cannabis, cannabinoids, and immunomodulatory agents. The book also examines behavioral treatments, interventions in schools, complementary and integrative medicine approaches, stem cell and gene therapies, and more.• Social policy issues, including the role of patient advocacy groups in treatment development and an examination of autism strengths and the growing emphasis on recognizing neurodiversity.

Unrivaled in its thoroughness, the book includes summary points in each chapter for ease of reference and lists of recommended readings that offer readers the opportunity for further study and exploration. For all those in the ASD continuum of care—psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, social workers, speech therapists, educators, and patient families—this is an essential resource.