Chapters authored
Methods of Treating Autism: Holistic Approach to the Rehabilitation of People with the Spectrum of Autism
In recent years, the autism spectrum in children has been increasingly recognized. Parental awareness and the knowledge of health professionals are critical to the early diagnosis of autistic disorders. The autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders is made on the basis of observation of behavior in three areas: social interaction, communication, and behavioral rigidity. The most common diagnosis is in children around 2–5 years of age, but the autism spectrum can be diagnosed at any age, also in adulthood. As the spectrum of autism varies, symptoms of autism may differ slightly from person to person. In order to exclude the presence of ASD in a child or adult, it is necessary to diagnose with the use of various tools, in which both a psychologist-diagnostician and a psychiatrist are involved. After diagnosis, the next important step is to include therapeutic and rehabilitation activities aimed at improving the functioning of the individual in disturbed areas. Lack of proper rehabilitation may lead to profound functional disturbances at a later age.
Part of the book: Neurorehabilitation and Physical Therapy