Autism and its Medical Management

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.

Preface. Introduction and Reader Guide. Part I: Autism Overview 1. What is Normal Development and Does My Child Have Autism? 2. Understanding the Diagnosis of Autism. Part II: Definitions 3. Defining the Clinical Aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorders. 4. What Type of Autistic Spectrum Disorder Does My Child Have? (Non-Regressive Autism, Regressive Autism Syndromes, Asperger's Subtype, Secondary ASD). 5. Current Recommendations For Medical Evaluation of ASDs. 6. The Role of Medical Laboratory Diagnostic Testing in Autism Diagnosis. 7. Neuroanatomy and Neuroimaging in ASDs. 8. Electroencephalography (EEG): The Relationship of Epilepsy or Epileptic Activity in ASDs. 9. Genetics. Part III: Theories On Autism Spectrum Disorders 10. Are Autism Spectrum Disorders Increasing And Why? 11. Vaccinations, Mercury, And Autism.12. Immunology and Autoimmunity: Is There a Relationship to ASD? 13. Theories on a Prenatal Cause of Autism Chapter. 14. Alternative Medicine Theories on Autism. Part IV: Treating Autistic Spectrum Disorders 15. Overview of Treatment of Autism. 16. Picking A Physician. 17. Non-Medically Sanctioned Alternative Groups Promoting Therapy for Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Gluten Casein Sensitivity. 18. Overview of Medicines For Autism: No Cure But Symptomatic Treatments Can Help. Part V: Neurologically Managing Clinical Aspects of ASD With Medication 19. Medicines Prescribed for Behavioral Problems in ASD. 20. Treating EEG Abnormalities and Epilepsy in ASD. 21. Immunological Medical Therapy in Autism. 22. Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorders. 23. Medications for Core Symptoms of Language and Behavior. 24. Rational Approach to Medical Treatment of Autistic Patients: Case Studies. Appendix 1: Chapter Notes and References. Appendix 2: Glossary. Appendix 3: Resources. Index.