Autism is a spectrum of developmental disorders that can range from mild to severe. Individuals with autism often have difficulties with communication, social interaction, and sensory processing, and may engage in repetitive or restricted behaviors. Beyond this definition, however, what finer points and real-life implications of these disorders do individuals and families affected by autism need to know?

What You Need to Know about Autism is a part of Greenwood’s Inside Diseases and Disorders series. This series profiles a variety of physical and psychological conditions, distilling and consolidating vast collections of scientific knowledge into concise, readable volumes. A list of “Top 10” essential questions begins each book, providing quick-access answers to readers’ most pressing concerns. The text follows a standardized,easily navigable structure, with each chapter exploring a particular facet of the topic. In addition to covering basics such as causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, books in this series delve into issues that are less commonly addressed but still critical to understand, such as effects on loved ones and caregivers. Case illustrations highlight key themes discussed in the book and are accompanied by insightful analyses and recommendations.

Features

• Approaches the subject in a holistic manner, covering often-overlooked areas such as societal perceptions and impacts on family and friends
• Provides quick answers to the questions that readers are most likely to have in an Essential Questions section that also serves as a springboard for understanding the content of the book in greater depth
• Provides relatable, real-world examples of concepts discussed in Case Illustrations
• Points readers toward useful books, organizations, and websites in an annotated Directory of Resources guiding further study and research