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Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism,
and Professionals Share Their Wisdom
Cindy N. Ariel and Robert A. Naseef,
eds. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006. Pp. 272. $19.95, paper.
ISBN: 1-84310-786-4. TEL: 866-416-1078 • FAX: 215-922-1161 • E-mail:
orders@jkp.com
In 1980, the incidence of autism as it was then known to exist in the United
States was 1 in 2000. In the year 2005, however, the incidence had increased
to being in the vicinity of 1 in 200. This represents a tenfold increase in
the rate of this developmental disorder, and experts in the field agree that
this increase cannot be accounted for alone by the changes which have been made
in the diagnostic system which is now being used for it.
Certain parts of the United States, including such areas as the state of California
and the state of New Jersey, have much higher incidences of autism than other
areas have. We don’t know why this happens to be the case, but it definitely
is so.
We now need more research with regard to the vaccines and environmental toxins
that may be harmful (and may have links to autism) to children. It is essential
that we understand more of the neuroscience which is involved in autism, in
order that more effective drugs can be developed for the purpose of helping
with this condition when needed, regardless of what its cause may turn out to
be.
“Even more immediately urgent,” the authors say in the introduction
to this book, “is the need for state of the art services for children
and their families who have been struck by autism. Research has demonstrated
that early and vigorous treatment can make a huge difference in the outcome
for individuals affected by autism and other developmental disorders.”
This book is a collection of 60 personal accounts from people whose lives have,
in one way or another, been touched by autism and its variant, Asperger’s
syndrome. Not only do we hear from professionals who work with autistic patients,
we hear from the family members of people with autism, and we hear from people
afflicted with autism
This is a fascinating and helpful book. The various personal accounts give us
help to understand what it is like to live with autism and to live with someone
who has it. Not only would I recommend this collection to families involved
with autism, I would also recommend it as the basis of workshops for special
education teachers and administrators.
©
2006 Prakken Publications, Inc.
