For forty years, Dr. Edward R. Ritvo has researched autism.  He is an internationally recognized medical expert and pioneer in the field of autism and Asperger’s Disorder. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S DISORDER: Forty Years of Clinical Practice and Pioneering Research (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Paperback, November 2005, 1-84310-814-3; $19.95) is a ‘consultation with Professor Ritvo’—a thoroughly accessible introduction for professionals, families, spouses and individuals with autism and Asperger’s Disorder.

While many excellent books on autism have been written by doctors, researchers, parents, and persons with autism, Dr. Ritvo is the granddaddy of them all.  He devised the original diagnosis approach and co-authored the “Official Diagnostic Criteria” in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).  The DSM is the handbook for professionals in the field of psychology and defines the recognized disorders.  Much of what is know about autism and Asperger’s Disorder is based on his painstaking research and groundbreaking discoveries.

UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S DISORDER covers the following points:
• How Dr. Ritvo makes a diagnosis
• What the causes are (what’s different in the brain)
• What the child might be like when he grows up
• What services to expect from professionals
• What future research holds
He says in the Introduction, “…my point in writing this book is simply to provide you with an understanding of the basic nature of autism and Asperger’s Disorder.  By ‘basic nature’ I mean their history, how they affect lives, what is wrong in the brain, what are the causes, and what treatments we have and what we can expect from them.”

When he began his research, there was little hope for patients diagnosed with autism.  Today, there is reason for optimism.  Autism and Asperger’s Disorder are remittent, which means they naturally improve over time.  However, he is quick to warn against false and harmful theories about cures.  The information presented is based “…on sound scientific medical research, and represents the consensus of physicians and researchers around the world.”

Edward R. Ritvo MD is a Professor Emeritus at the UCLA School of Medicine.  He is the author of over 100 scientific publications and three books on autism spectrum disorders.  He was the Chairman of the Professional Advisory Board of the Autism Society of American and scientific consultant to many of its chapters.  He has received awards for his research contributions from many national international professional organizations, and has served on committees for the NIMH, the FDA, and the DSM.