Rating: 
Summary: Becareful Newly Dx Parents of Spectrum Kids
Review: Overall, I thought this book was well written with a lot of information regarding autistic spectrum disorders. I am though somewhat concerned about the accuracy of the information as it compares to all the other information that I have read over the last few months. It seems as though the research may be either out-dated or not applicable to a lot of the children who are being diagnoised on the spectrum these days. From what I read, in some parts of the country, 1 out of 400 children are being diagnoised under the spectrum. Certainly, the 80% and 50% mental retardation rates given to autistic and PDD groups, respectively, doesn't seem correct given the current "evolving definition of autism and related disorders." Given the array of differing diagnoses a child can receive I would be very careful in reading this book and thinking that this is what the future holds for your child.
Rating: 
Summary: A great place to start
Review: Packed full of the most up-to-date information on the autistic spectrum and appropriate methods of education and treatment, yet also clear and very readable. Full of sensible advice, particularly on controversial subjects such as mainstreaming and "miracle cures".
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, Concise Overview of Autism/PDD for All
Review: Positively excellent! I was unable to put this book down once I began reading. This is a wonderful overview of autsim spectrum disorders, which includes extremely helpful information about getting a diagnosis, what the diagnosis means, family issues, locating resources, educational programming/interventions, the implications for individual behavioral and communication needs of each child. The most unique feature of this book, for me as a parent of a child with Asperger Syndrome (21 years old now) and as an educator of children with autism (for over 25 years), is the section on medications. There is a discussion covering when medications might be needed and the types of medications used for various problems. Additionally, this book makes it exceedingly clear that mutual respect of and teamwork by child (yes, s/he guides the process!), family, and all professionals involved with the child is imperative! A "must read" for parents and professionals alike, it has now become my first choice for parents and professionals seeking to learn more about autism spectrum disorders.
Rating:
Summary: If you read one book on autism, let it be this one.
Review: Since my daughter's diagnosis four years ago, I have read many, many books on autism. This is the one I come back to, over and over, for help. This is the one I gave my friends and family members so they could better understand autism. This book is useful, reassuring, logical, and easy for a non-medical person to understand. Read it.
Rating: 
Summary: Take it with a grain of salf
Review: There was a bit of useful information in this book but it suffered from being outdated and too pessimistic in its outlook. Contrary to the author's statements, far more than 10% of autistics have the capacity to be integrated into mainstream society. Lovaas's research has the number at close to 50%. While I believe the actual figure may be somewhat lower, 30-40% seems reasonable to me. And as our knowledge and understanding of autism increases, the percentages are only going to improve.I'm also reasonably certain that parents who share the author's attitude of "there's only so much you can do, you just have to settle for less" may have a self-fulfilling prophecy on their hands. My experience as the parent of an autistic child has been continuous incremental improvement, but only in the presence of positive pressure. And that pressure has to come from both on the parents and the teachers - one or the other is not enough. The author's skepticism about the more questionable treatments for autism is well-taken. Some, such as vitamin B6, have been shown to cause serious injury. Even when they aren't dangerous, they can waste a lot of time, energy and money that could be better directed elsewhere, such as in a well-designed ABA program. I would advise parents who are about to embark on
a new treatment for their children to ask if there are any
well-designed studies proving it's efficacy. If not, look
elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: It's good, but limited -- don't read just this one
Review: This book had good descriptions of some of the various autistic symptoms ... hand flapping, head banging, echolalia, etc -- there's little real insight into why they happen, but good descriptions, which was helpful to me. I was annoyed at the constant distinctions drawn between "autism" and "PDD," when even the author admits that diagnoses aren't consistent enough for these labels to have a constant meaning. The author devotes a chapter to various drug therapies, but has very little information (and a negative attitude) about biological therapies such as diet & yeast control -- probably partly because this book was written in 1996, which is ages ago, relatively speaking. A decent book to add to your collection, but don't let this be the only one you read.
Rating:
Summary: I have found my child in the pages of this book.
Review: This book has been the BEST book about autism that I have read so far. It covers all the bases and provides very basic information that is easy to read. So many of the descriptions of autistic children in this book are very similar to my son and that is so comforting. When your child is autistic, you think that there is no other child in the world like your child until you read descriptions of certain behaviors and explanations for those behaviors that really make sense. I would recommend this book for parents, grandparents, family members and even friends of families with autistic children.
Rating: 
Summary: I've come back to this again and again
Review: This book has been very useful to me as my child grows and develops on the spectrum. A very comprehensive description of autism, social development, communication skills, assessment, and dealing with the diagnosis. Its been interesting to make notes in the margins about where my son fits and doesn't fit and how that has changed over time. I have come back to this book many times over the last year and a half. The treatment resources section was of less value to me. Barely 10 pages on early intervention, and Lovaas is the focus here. 20 pages on behavior management, not an issue for us (now anyway). 20 pages on communication and the development of language, this is very interesting to me. Lots of info on psychoactive medications, this was kind of disturbing to read although I know many parents really find it necessary to give their children these drugs. A very cursory treatment of "alternative" therapies, like holding therapy, AIT, diet, and facilitated communication.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is OUT OF DATE
Review: This book is terribly out of date, depressing and a HORRIBLE thing for a parent of a newly-diagnosed child to read! I do NOT recommend this book. Her now-dated standard dismissal of the emerging bio-chemical research on autism and its physical causes is noting short of criminal. Our child has responded extremely well to a gluten-free, diary-free diet. He has also responded extremely well to an ultra low dose of prozac. Both of these were suggested by leading, main-stream autism neurology researchers. MANY children respond well. There IS HOPE for your child. Many autistics are not permanently mentally retarded, as the author claims. The last five years have seen amazing progress in the treatment of autism!!! You must have a balanced approach of both behaivoral intervention and bio-chemical intervention. This book will lead you to believe your child is doomed. No, not at all.
Rating:
Summary: The most comprehensive layman's guide to autism/PDD.
Review: This book takes the subject of kids with autism/PDD and explains possible causes , ways to educate/socialize and prognoses for them as they age. It also lets parents realize that they are not alone in coping with the issues (both good and bad) with raising a special needs child and should not blame themselves. As the mother of a four year old girl with PDD, I recommend this book as required reading to every parent/grandparent/caregiver of an autistic/PDD child. You will not be able to put it down!
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