Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders (Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, Vol. 17, No. 4)

Hardcover, xviii + 219 pages, NOT ex-library. Book is clean and bright, with unmarked text, free of inscriptions and stamps, firmly bound. Boards show gentle handling wear. Issued without a dust jacket. -- Contents: Treatment of Inattention, Overactivity, and Impulsiveness in Autism Spectrum Disorders; Pharmacotherapy of Irritability in Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Psychopharmacologic Interventions for Repetitive Behaviors in Autism Spectrum Disorder; Assessment and Pharmacologic Treatment of Sleep Disturbance in Autism; Developing Drugs for Core Social and Communication Impairment in Autism; Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders; Applied Behavior Analysis Treatment of Autism: The State of the Art; Interventions to Improve Communication in Autism; Social Skills Training for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders; Behavioral Assessment and Treatment of Self-Injurious Behavior in Autism; Assessment and Behavioral Treatment of Feeding and Sleeping Disorders in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders; Bridging for Success in Autism: Training and Collaboration Across Medical, Educational, and Community Systems; Index -- This issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America is on the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), also known as pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). Typically diagnosed in childhood, these disorders cause lifelong and characteristic impairment in socialization, communication, and behavior. A number of specific 'core' symptoms are found to varying degrees. These can include poor eye contact, deficits in other nonverbal behavior, social withdrawal, impairment in social interaction, echolalia, stereotypies, intense and circumscribed interests, and a preoccupation with parts of objects instead of the whole. These core impairments can range from mild to disabling. Autistic disorder (autism) is frequently associated with mental retardation, which contributes to impairment in functioning. Asperger's disorder and PDD not otherwise specified are less frequently associated with mental retardation. These three disorders represent the majority of patients seen clinically. This issue on ASDs is unique in that it is largely focused on treatment and less on the comprehensive characteristics and underlying neurobiology of autism; it delves into what we know about treating ASDs. It focuses on approaches to core symptoms and common behavioral problems and should serve as a resource for what treatments have been studied and what an appropriate treatment plan might include. The first six articles discuss various symptoms or aspects of autism that may be addressed with pharmacologic and medical approaches. The last six articles discuss behavioral and psychosocial interventions aimed at improving core deficits or problematic behaviors. [.] This issue provides up-to-date reviews by experts in the area of ASDs treatment. It presents both psychopharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches. It dissects the myriad of problems individuals with ASD may present with into specific symptom areas that can be addressed through various treatment modalities. These symptom areas can then be addressed with an approach that is tailored to the specific situation of the individual. It also will serve as a resource for child and adolescent psychiatrists and mental health professionals who treat these challenging disorders.…