"With clarity and compassion, Dr. Robert Sears guides the reader through the maze of autism, explaining what precautions parents can take to decrease their baby's risk, how to detect autism at the earliest possible age, and how to proceed once a diagnosis has been made. The book provides parents with a simple and clear understanding of the biomedical treatment approach that Dr. Sears has used successfully with many of his young patients. It lays out a plan for developmental, behavioral, and learning therapies; shows parents how to begin treatments without a doctor's help; presents information on vaccines and their safe use; and includes an extensive resources section."
When I saw the opportunity to get this book and review it, I jumped on it. As a future educator, I know that Autism is on the rise in America. More and more kids are being diagnosed with Autism, but we aren't sure why. I even did a project/portfolio on Autism last semester for one of my special education courses. I find Autism to be very interesting and couldn't wait to read a book about it.
This book is packed with information on Autism! It's broken up into 4 parts: Diagnosing Autism, Causes of Autism, Treating Autism, and Preventing Autism. As an education major, I know that early diagnosis of Autism is very important for the child and family. I was glad to see the first section that lists possible things that could be classic signs of Autism. These include: speech delay including echolalia, social delay, obsessions or movements of/with specific objects, and unusual response to stimuli. The book also discusses various possible tests that may be given to a child who is suspected to have Autism.
The second section involves much speculation/guess. We don't actually know what causes Autism, it's still being researched. However, I thought it was interesting to see the various theories being discussed. I'm just glad that we no longer blame it on the refrigerator mom. : )
The third part, Treating Autism, involved much more than I expected. It not only discusses therapy and the like, but nutrition and medication for children with Autism. It describes possible digestive issues a child with Autism may have and certain diet restrictions. I had no idea that Autism could effect that much of a person.
The last part, Preventing Autism was insightful. I wasn't exactly sure how to prevent Autism, since we don't know what causes it. However, Dr. Sears gives some guidelines for attempting to prevent Autism before, during, and after pregnancy. These guidelines include: Avoid Vitamin D Deficiency, Avoid Mercury, Go Green, and Limit Antibiotics. He also discusses vaccines at this point in the book (he has written an entire book on vaccines prior to this book), but I think I will leave that topic alone. Dr. Sears also includes a very handy resources chapter in this section with a list of organizations and websites for those dealing with Autism.
Overall, this is a very comprehensive and good book on Autism from a trusted doctor. I found everything to be extremely helpful and interesting. I think this is a good book to have on hand and not just for parents. It is good for anyone who comes in contact with children or who is interested in knowing about Autism.
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of The Autism Book for free for this review. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed are my own.
