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by Mitzi Waltz, O'Reilly and Associates Inc.,
2002. Reviewed by Maureen Bennie
Author Mitzi Waltz, patient advocate, has written
a comprehensive resource manual on Autistic Spectrum
Disorders (ASD's). She covers every aspect of
ASD's leaving no stone unturned. Each of the 12
chapters is broken down into succinct subheadings
that virtually cover every facet of autism. Parents
starting on the autism journey would be well advised
to read this book. Arming oneself with knowledge
can help a parent advocate effectively.
The first three chapters give a background to
Autism Spectrum Disorders - the medical facts,
categories of ASD's, and diagnosis. Clear diagrams
support medical explanations. Parental examples
written in Italics highlight information and give
a human experience to ASD's. Ms. Waltz moves beyond
technical jargon in favor of using text that will
educate and help parents.
Chapter 4 is the most critical chapter of the
book in that it helps parents set the stage for
successful intervention and treatment. Waltz recommends
looking at 4 main goals when constructing an intervention
plan: health and safety, communication, social,
and academic/vocational. The parents can prioritize
these goals in a way that best meets the needs
of their child. Parents know their child best
and any therapy team would embrace this kind of
well-thought out, organized parental direction.
Chapter 5 tackles medical interventions. Prescription
drugs are examined as well as possible medical
conditions that may cause or autism or are linked
to its onset such as vaccines. Again this information
is organized with subheadings so parents can pick
and choose what pertains to them. Bulleted points
make scanning an easy task.
Chapters 6 and 7 look at mainstream and alternative
interventions. Methods are highlighted with parental
comments from those involved in a particular therapy.
Chapter 8 deals with the necessary subject of health
insurance. Waltz highlights several other countries
in addition to the USA. Much of the information
given could be used as a research guide applicable
to any country. Waltz also includes a list of alternatives
to health insurance.
Chapter 9 discusses the issue of schooling.
Some valuable sample forms are included in this
chapter. Every aspect of schooling is explored
- educational options, social skills training,
monitoring progress, dealing with behavior, and
taking on the school system when it is failing
to meet your child's needs.
Chapter 10 looks at family issues and support,
in other words what families face and how to deal
with the issues successfully. Waltz looks at everything
from divorce to tips for daily living. If you
are not sure about how to cut your child's toenails,
it is addressed in this chapter. Sensible and
realistic advice is offered from Waltz to the
everyday problems of living and caring for an
ASD person.
The final two chapters deal with what it is
like to be an ASD child, what you will see from
them, and living as an adult. Few books delve
into the adult issues of an ASD person. The book
finishes with 7 appendices that are a gold mine
of information and resources. Any parent, professional
or educator would find these appendices useful.
Mitzi Waltz of the Autism Research Institute
in the UK has compiled an excellent reference
book that would benefit parents, health professionals,
and educators. No autism library would be complete
without it.
C Autism Today 2002
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