Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Other ASDs (US, Penguin)

Autism Spectrum Disorders : The Complete Guide (UK, Random House)

"Chantal Sicile-Kira’s book is 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, Ph.D., Director of the Autism Research Institute
Co-founder of the Autism Society of America

Autism Spectrum Disorders (foreword by Temple Grandin Ph.D.) was the recipient of the 2005 Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Literary Book of the Year Award and was nominated for the 2005 PEN / Martha Albrand Award for First Nonfiction. The UK edition was the recipient of the 2003 San Diego Book Award for "Best in Health." The US edition published by Penguin covers educational and other services in the US as well as pertinent contact information in the US and Canada. The UK educational and other services, as well as pertinent contact information in the UK.

Based upon Chantal Sicile-Kira’s twenty year experience with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), this handbook is invaluable for parents, professionals and anyone who works in the public sphere or knows someone with an ASD. It concisely covers all aspects of ASDs, including an analysis of vaccinations and their possible relation to autism.

Autism Spectrum Disorders is a supportive and personal book that includes a detailed resource section. Practical and informative, straightforward and easy to read, the facts are illustrated throughout with quotes from people who have autism, and stories of parents’ experiences and professionals’ opinions. Geared towards the general public as well as parents and professionals, Autism Spectrum Disorders has been acclaimed as a highly accessible book by experts in the field and has become "the" handbook on autism.

Some of the topics covered in the book include:

• The causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)
• The different categories of ASDs
• Why people with an ASD act the way they do
• An analysis of the different treatments, therapies and dietary interventions currently available
• Coping strategies and practical tips for families
• Educational needs and programs
• Adolescence and ASDs
• Community interaction
• Teaching strategies and resources for educators and other professionals
• Work and college for young adults
• Adults life with an ASD
• Advocating for a person with an ASD
• Planning for the future

2005 ASA Outstanding Literary Work of the Year Award Autism Spectrum Disorders, was the recipient of the Autism Society of America’s Outstanding Literary Work of the Year Award in 2005. I wrote the book I wished I could have read when my son was diagnosed. The purpose of this guidebook is to empower parents and educators new to the world of autism with the knowledge they need to start their journey. I felt honored to receive the award from Cathy Pratt, PhD and Liz Roth (ASA Board of Directors) in Nashville, July 2005.