Table Of Content

Praise for Autism Spectrum Disorder “This well-documented guide offers clear answers to difficult questions and recommends the important resources that parents will find the most useful. She’s done the research so the reader doesn’t have to! Her abundance of practical knowledge has been compiled into this user-friendly updated edition that both parents and professionals will want to keep on hand to refer to time and time again. Truly a must-have!” —Ricki G. Robinson, MD, MPH, member of the Scientific Review Panel of Autism Speaks; medical director of Profectum; and author of Autism Solutions “A clearly written, well-organized, carefully documented compilation of important information and useful advice. It will provide invaluable help and guidance to parents and professionals alike, especially those who are new to the world of autism. This book is not merely highly recommended—it is indispensable.” —Bernard Rimland, PhD, past director of the Autism Research Institute, founder of the Autism Society of America, and past editor of Autism Research Review “This is an essential source of information and advice in plain everyday language that can help anyone who is affected by autism today, from the parent of a newly diagnosed child, to someone who has been in the trenches for years. Kudos to Chantal for providing us with this long overdue, user-friendly, how-to guide for dealing with autism.” —Portia Iversen, cofounder of Cure Autism Now Foundation (CAN), member of Innovative Technology for Autism Advisory Board of Autism Speaks, and author of Strange Son “The essential book that parents, health professionals, and a wide readership will reach for in order to fathom this confounding condition.” —Douglas Kennedy, author of Leaving the World, The Moment, and The Pursuit of Happiness “If I could recommend just one book to families and professionals, this is it! In Autism Spectrum Disorder, Chantal Sicile-Kira shares her immense knowledge, personal experience, and insightful advice for families affected by autism. She guides readers along the journey from diagnosis through adulthood, including an extensive compilation of resources and ‘food for thought’ throughout. This isn’t a book that you’ll read once and place on a shelf; it’s an invaluable resource that you will continue to refer to for years to come.” —Wendy Fournier, founding board member and president of the National Autism Association “Autism Spectrum Disorder is a tremendous resource for families caring for children and adults with autism. While sharing her personal experiences of a parent of a child with autism, Chantal Sicile-Kira provides insights and resources that are often missing from many of the books on this topic. Quite simply Autism Spectrum Disorder simplifies many of the complications that families face in navigating systems of care, and in doing so, she gives families hope and great inspiration.” —Areva D. Martin, Esq., cofounder and president of Special Needs Network Inc. “For more than thirty years I have treated visual developmental delays for those with ASD; I think I have made a difference. But my contributions pale in comparison to what Jeremy has taught me through his work in Vision Therapy, and what Chantal has taught me as a mother and author. This book will become a lifelong companion for those who want to make a difference in a life—a life with autism or not.” —Carl G. Hillier, OD, FCOVD, clinical director of San Diego Center for Vision Care A PERIGEE BOOK Published by the Penguin Group Penguin Group (USA) LLC 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014 USA • Canada • UK • Ireland • Australia • New Zealand • India • South Africa • China penguin.com A Penguin Random House Company Copyright © 2014 by Chantal Sicile-Kira Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader. PERIGEE is a registered trademark of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. The “P” design is a trademark belonging to Penguin Group (USA) LLC. Revised Perigee trade paperback ISBN: 978-0-399-16663-1 eBook ISBN: 978-0-69814906-9 The Library of Congress has cataloged the first Perigee edition as follows: Sicile-Kira, Chantal. Autism spectrum disorders : the complete guide to understanding autism, Asperger’s syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder, and other ASDs / Chantal Sicile-Kira.—1st Perigee pbk. ed. p. cm. ISBN 0-399-53047-9 1. Autism—Popular works 2. Autism in children—Popular works. 3. Asperger’s syndrome—Popular works. 4. Developmental disabilities—Popular works. I. Title. RC553.A88S566 2004 616.85'882—dc22 2004052935 PUBLISHING HISTORY Perigee trade paperback edition / September 2004 Revised Perigee trade paperback edition / January 2014 Neither the publisher nor the author is engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book. While the author has made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers, Internet addresses, and other contact information at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors, or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content. Version_1 For Jeremy, Rebecca, and Daniel, the stars of my universe. I know of nobody who is purely autistic or purely neurotypical. Even God had some autistic moments, which is why the planets all spin. —Jerry Newport, Your Life Is Not a Label The history of man’s progress is a chronicle of authority refuted. —Author unknown CONTENTS Acknowledgments Foreword by Temple Grandin, PhD Preface About This Book CHAPTER 1: The Myths and History of Autism Spectrum Disorder CHAPTER 2: What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder and How to Know If a Person Has ASD CHAPTER 3: What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder and Why Do People with ASD Act the Way They Do? CHAPTER 4: Newly Diagnosed Adults and Parents of Children with ASD: After the Diagnosis CHAPTER 5: Treatments, Therapies, and Interventions CHAPTER 6: Family Life CHAPTER 7: Education CHAPTER 8: Community Life CHAPTER 9: Adults Living and Working with Autism Spectrum Disorder Closing Comments Resources Bibliography Index About the Author