Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders (eBook)

Donald P. Gallo is a psychologist for Kaiser-Permanente's Autism Spectrum Disorders Diagnostic Service in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. Dr Gallo is board certified in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology and maintains a private practice in Woodland Hills, California.

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xiii

About the Author xv

1. A Brief Look at the History of Autism 1

2. The Importance of the Autism Referral 5

3. How to Conduct the Evaluation 17

4. Information to Gather at the Outset of the Evaluation 33

5. Diagnostic Criteria for the Autism Spectrum Disorders 39

6. The Main Problem Areas of Autism: Social Impairment 45

7. The Main Problem Areas of Autism: Language Impairment 61

8. The Main Problem Areas of Autism: Behavioral Concerns 79

9. Additional Questions to be Asked when Interviewing Teens 87

10. Additional Questions to be Asked when Interviewing Adults 97

11. Other Important Factors to Take into Consideration 105

12. Differential Diagnosis through the Lifespan 117

13. Feedback for the Patient and Family/Parents 143

Appendix A: Sample Copy of My Questionnaire 151

Appendix B: Sample Copies of Reports 157

References 179

Index 181

"Dr Gallo has written an extremely helpful guide to learning how to
diagnose autism spectrum disorders across the lifespan while also
addressing the many myths and misconceptions associated with
diagnosis and evaluation. His own experiences are excellent
examples of the challenges faced by providers and parents through
the diagnostic process and thereafter. Both professionals and
parents will find this guide user-friendly as Dr Gallo explains the
diagnostic process."

--Pegeen Cronin, PhD, Assistant Clinical Professor,
UCLA Autism Evaluation Clinic, David Geffen School of Medicine,
UCLA