Autism

Romeo Vitelli received his doctorate in psychology from York University in Toronto, Ontario, in 1987 and has been in private practice since 2003. His published works with ABC-CLIO include What You Need to Know about Schizophrenia (2021), Depression: Your Questions Answered (2019), Self-Injury: Your Questions Answered (2018), and Substance Abuse: Your Questions Answered (2018).

Series Foreword
Introduction
Guide to Health Literacy

Common Misconceptions about Autism
1. Autism is a mental illness or disease
2. Autism is caused by bad parenting
3. Vaccines cause autism
4. Autistic people are unable to communicate or form relationships
5. Autistic people lack empathy

Questions and Answers
The Basics
1. What is autism?
2. What are the primary symptoms or characteristics of autism?
3. What exactly is the autism spectrum? Why are there different types or degrees of autism?
4. What is Asperger’s syndrome?
5. What is neurodiversity, and how has this concept impacted conversations around autism?
6. How common is autism, and are autism diagnoses on the rise?
7. Are certain people more likely to be diagnosed with autism?
8. Are there any famous autistic individuals?
9. What is the autism rights movement?

Autism Causes
10. What role does genetics play in autism?
11. Which factors during pregnancy and birth might be linked to autism?
12. Is autism caused by vaccines?
13. Is there a connection between autoimmune disease and autism?
14. Is autism caused by bad parenting?
15. Can autism be prevented?

Features of Autism
16. Are the brains of people with autism “wired differently”?
17. How does autism affect language development and communication?
18. How does autism affect an individual’s social skills and ability to form interpersonal relationships?
19. How does autism affect a person's emotions?
20. How does autism affect a person's ability to learn?
21. How do sensory issues impact individuals with autism?
22. How does autism impact cognitive development?
23. Why do people with autism often struggle with changes in their routine?
24. Why do people with autism often have very strong but narrow interests?
25. Why do people with autism often engage in repetitive behaviors?
26. Why do some people with autism self-harm?
27. Does having autism give individuals special abilities in other areas?

Diagnosing and Managing Autism
28. How is autism diagnosed?
29. Why is it important to diagnose autism early?
30. What other conditions tend to occur alongside autism?
31. Can autism be cured?
32. What medications can be used to manage autism?
33. What non-drug therapies and interventions can help individuals with autism?
34. Can alternative medicine help those with autism?
35. What types of assistive technology are available for individuals with autism?

Living with Autism
36. How does autism affect a person's daily life?
37. Can people with autism live independently?
38. How can parents and caregivers support autistic children at home?
39. What is the impact of autism on family members and caregivers?
40. Can people with autism form meaningful relationships?
41. What’s the best way to communicate with and support a friend or partner with autism?
42. What is an IEP, and how can it help autistic students?
43. How can teachers and school staff support students with autism in the classroom?
44. What are the challenges faced by adults with autism in the workplace? Can individuals with autism have successful careers?
45. How can employers create an autism-friendly work environment?
46. How does social media impact individuals with autism?
47. How can the media and society as a whole become more inclusive of individuals with autism?

Case Studies
1. Emily’s Personalized Treatment Plan
2. James’s Experience at a Residential Care Facility
3. How Lily’s Autism Affects Her Family
4. Max is Diagnosed with Autism as an Adult
5. Jake has Undiagnosed Asperger’s

Glossary
Directory of Resources
Index