Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Guide for General Practitioners

by V. Mark Durand

When faced with clients who challenge one’s boundaries of competence it is important to be able to assist the individual; however, it is equally important to know when one’s skills and background may be limited and when outside consultation or expertise is required.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is aimed at helping clinicians screen for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), treat higher functioning individuals with ASD, and assist family members. It surveys historical views of the disorder, current diagnostic criteria, co-occurring conditions, etiology, epidemiology, assessment, treatment for affected individuals, and interventions for family members.

Author V. Mark Durand uses clinical cases throughout the chapters to give readers consistent examples of the most commonly seen forms of autism and to illustrate the various facets of working with such patients.

Genres: Nonfiction

183 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2013

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked many things about this book: its clarity, the two cases that were threaded throughout the book, the focus on families and parenting in the last chapter. I haven't read his book Optimistic Parenting (2011) and, based on Chapter 7, think I should and that many parents would find it helpful. On the other hand, I wish the cases had been discussed more and that Durand had addressed some of the alternative therapies that many parents turn to; nonetheless, this is a helpful and easy introduction to ASDs for practitioners.