Understanding the Nature of Autism and Asperger's Disorder: Forty Years of Clinical Practice and Pioneering Research

by Edward R Ritvo, Edward R Ritvo

Edward R. Ritvo md is an internationally recognized medical expert, researcher and pioneer in the field of autism and Asperger's disorder and co-author of the official diagnostic criteria in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Much of what is known about these disorders today is based on his painstaking research and groundbreaking discoveries. In this book he shares his forty years' experience and opens his extensive UCLA casebook to the reader. Understanding the Nature of Autism and Asperger's Disorder is 'a consultation with Prof. Ritvo' - a thoroughly accessible introduction for professionals, families, spouses and individuals with autism and Asperger's Disorder. Prof. Ritvo traces the historical development of understanding about autism and Asperger's Disorder, from the centuries of misdiagnoses and the first recognition of the characteristics of the disorders to his own highly-regarded methods for making a diagnosis. Drawing on case histories from forty years' of clinical practice, he explains their basic nature, what the causes are, what is different in the brain, treatments that work (and those that don't), what a child with a diagnosis might be like when he or she grows up, and what future research may hold. This book will be an absolute must-read for anyone with an interest in autism and Asperger's Disorder, whether a practitioner, a parent, a student, or an affected individual.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

176 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book on autism that I truly enjoyed reading. Dr Ritvo writes clearly and his compassion and strong interest in the subject is obvious from the very first page. Technical terms are explained for the lay man, and the book is remarkably comprehensive without being dry.

I learned about perceptual inconstancy which resonated with me as one of the side effects of a brain hemorrhage (which I had) was a sensitivity to certain sensations, and inability to feel other light touches.(unless I looked at what was causing the sensation)

Having devoted 40 years to research, observation, testing and clinical work, I would say that he approached this book with the parents in mind, and often he is straight forward where there is serious diagnosis to be made but in cases( in the cases of symptoms in the very young) he keeps an open and positive mind. This book is a joy to read, very informative and well written.

[MJ Ranaudo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read portions of this book so far, but I don't think there are many people I would trust more than Dr. Ritvo. He diagnosed my husband, and is extremely knowledgeable and compassionate.

"Edward R. Ritvo MD is Professor Emeritus at the UCLA School of Medicine in California, USA. He began his ... quest for understanding' of autism and Asperger's disorder in 1963, and has been on the research trail ever since."
~quoting: http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/author.p...