Overview
This one-of-a-kind encyclopedia is a clear, comprehensive guide to the wide range of terminology related to autism spectrum disorders. More than 100 respected autism experts have contributed items from various disciplines-including pediatrics, behavior analysis, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, psychiatry, education, psychology, and physical therapy-to bring professionals and parents reliable information on: assistive technology, causes, curriculum materials, diagnosis, early detection, hereditary/environmental causes, legislation, research, sensory difficulties, behavior, classification systems, daily living, diet, education, interventions, medical issues, screening and assessment, signs and symptoms. Synonyms and relevant cross-references are included for the terms, and two appendices describe assessment tools and curricula and list autism-related study centers and organizations. Every professional whose work involves autism spectrum disorders needs a copy of this essential resource-to keep on hand as a daily reference and to share with parents of children who have these complex disorders.Synopsis
About 100 experts have contributed items from various disciplines, including pediatrics, behavior analysis, and physical therapy, to this encyclopedia for parents and professionals. Entries of up to one page include synonyms and cross-references, and two appendices describe assessment tools and list autism-related student centers and organizations. Neisworth is affiliated with the Applied Behavior Analysis Program and Wolfe is associated with the Autism Specialist Program at Pennsylvania State University. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Library Journal
In this first reference book on autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), Neisworth and Wolfe (both special education, Pennsylvania State Univ.) have produced a much-needed resource on terms associated with this disorder. Around 500 entries-ranging from one to three paragraphs-cover topics like diagnoses, therapies, and associated disorders, with numerous cross references. The authors have written the entries in a clear style that makes understandable even the most complicated concepts associated with ASD. For example, the hard-to-grasp concept of mindblindness (also known as theory of mind) is defined as the "difficulty in sensing and appropriately reacting to the beliefs, desires, emotions, and intentions of others." While fairly comprehensive in its coverage, the encyclopedia would have been improved by including profiles of prominent people in the ASD field, including Temple Grandin and Dr. Bernard Rimland. The entries also lack specific references and web sites that would have made the information more useful, though two appendixes list assessment tools and organizations. Bottom Line Despite its minor shortcomings, this is a welcome addition to the literature on ASD that will hopefully be expanded in subsequent editions. Recommended for all public libraries and academic libraries with ASD collections.-Corey Seeman, Univ. of Toledo Libs., OH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.