Description
Book SynopsisDiagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders The past decade has seen a tremendous increase in the number of people being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and not just young children. Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Lifespan Perspective is the first volume of its kind to provide authoritative information for professionals on how to appropriately evaluate and diagnose these disorders in individuals of all ages.
Donald P. Gallo, a board-certified clinical psychologist, shares his professional insights and expertise garnered from more than 1,500 autism evaluations over the past ten years. The book includes in-depth interviewing strategies that focus on the three primary areas of impairment socialization, communication, and behavior to determine if an individual has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Differential diagnostic considerations are also addressed, and numerous case examples provide further clarity. Ways to present the assessment findings to parents
Table of Contents
Preface ix
Acknowledgments xiii
About the Author xv
1. A Brief Look at the History of Autism 1
2. The Importance of the Autism Referral 5
3. How to Conduct the Evaluation 17
4. Information to Gather at the Outset of the Evaluation 33
5. Diagnostic Criteria for the Autism Spectrum Disorders 39
6. The Main Problem Areas of Autism: Social Impairment 45
7. The Main Problem Areas of Autism: Language Impairment 61
8. The Main Problem Areas of Autism: Behavioral Concerns 79
9. Additional Questions to be Asked when Interviewing Teens 87
10. Additional Questions to be Asked when Interviewing Adults 97
11. Other Important Factors to Take into Consideration 105
12. Differential Diagnosis through the Lifespan 117
13. Feedback for the Patient and Family/Parents 143
Appendix A: Sample Copy of My Questionnaire 151
Appendix B: Sample Copies of Reports 157
References 179
Index 181
