The medical community has made great strides in understanding and treating autism in the last few years. Autism and Its Medical Management (April 2008, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Hardcover $29.95; 978-1-84310-834-4) explains the medical aspects of autism and how both parents and professionals can use current knowledge to better understand how to address the medical aspects of autism. Autism and Its Medical Management is written for parents, interested lay people, and therapists of various types and also for physicians to give insight in what can actually be done today. With autism rising at such an alarming rate (the CDC reports 1 in 155 children are being diagnosed with the disorder), new research is refuting previously held theories and confusing both parents and professionals about which course of treatment to follow. Dr. Chez stresses the importance of finding a qualified professional and following a scientifically proven treatment plan. He writes, “There unfortunately have arisen cult-like camps of physicians who practice so called autism specialty clinics, detoxification practices, ‘holistic treatments,’ and other non-recognized treatments without any scientific studies to back them up. Most of these practitioners are not trained specifically in neurology, psychiatry, or developmental pediatrics. In my experience from parental reports, some alternative treatment centers do not even examine the autistic child.” These fringe groups promoting theories with no basis in research can sometimes do more harm than good. Dr. Chez logically proceeds from identifying the problem, the medical tests used, the research to date, and then suggests a rational treatment path that has a scientific basis. There are medications that can help some of the behaviors associated with autism. Dr. Chez walks readers through the various options, how they can help and what side effects are possible. Michael G. Chez MD is a board certified pediatric neurologist and epileptologist who is now Director of Pediatric Neurology at Sutter Neuroscience Institute and Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento, California and Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatric Neurology at the University of California Davis Medical Center. Dr. Chez has spent over 16 years practicing pediatric neurology with a special interest in clinical aspects of autism. He has published numerous articles on the subject and participated in many advisory panels on autism.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers specializes in producing accessible professional and academic books in the social and behavioral sciences. In 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers was named both the Academic & Professional Publisher of the Year and the overall Independent Publisher of the Year at the Independent Publishing Awards in London. The prizes coincide with Jessica Kingsley Publishers' 20th year as an independent company. Jessica Kingsley books are available worldwide through distributors, local bookstores and online bookstores. The company has offices in London and Philadelphia. More information can be found at www.jkp.com. |
