An examination of diagnostic processes that questions how we can better understand autism as a category and the unique forms of intelligence it glosses. As autism has grown in prevalence, so too have our attempts to make sense of it. From placing unfounded blame on vaccines to seeking a genetic cause, Americans have struggled to understand what autism is and where it comes from. Amidst these efforts, however, a key aspect of autism has been largely overlooked: the diagnostic process itself. That process is the central focus of Autistic Intelligence. The authors ask us to question the norms by which we measure autistic behavior, to probe how that behavior can be considered sensible rather than disordered, and to explore how we can better appreciate the individuality of those who receive the diagnosis. Drawing on hundreds of hours of video recordings and ethnographic observations at a clinic where professionals evaluated children for autism, the authors’ analysis of interactions among clinicians, parents, and children demystifies the categories, tools, and practices involved in the diagnostic process. Autistic Intelligence shows that autism is not a stable category; it is the outcome of complex interactional processes involving professionals, children, families, and facets of the social and clinical environments they inhabit. The authors suggest that diagnosis, in addition to carefully classifying children, also can highlight or include unique and particular contributions those with autism potentially can make to the world around us.

Examines the diagnostic process to question how we understand autism as a category and to better recognize its intelligence and uncommon sense. As autism has become a widely prevalent diagnosis, we have grown increasingly desperate to understand it. Whether by placing baseless blame on vaccinations or seeking a genetic cause, Americans have struggled to understand what autism is and where it comes from. In Autistic Intelligence, Douglas Maynard and Jason Turowetz focus on a different origin of autism: the diagnostic process. By looking at how autism is diagnosed, they ask us to question the norms we use to measure autistic behavior against, why we understand autistic behavior as disordered, and how we go about assigning that disorder to particular people. To do so, the authors take a close look at a clinic in which children are assessed for and diagnosed with autism. Their research draws on hours observing assessment evaluations among psychologists, pediatricians, parents, and children in order to make plain the systems, language, and categories that clinicians rely upon when making their assessments. Those diagnostic tools determine the kind of information doctors can gather about children, and indeed, those assessments affect how children act. Autistic Intelligence shows that autism is not a stable category, but the result of an interpretive act, and in the process of diagnosing children with autism, we often miss all of the unique contributions they make to the world around them.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is known as a neuro-disorder in which a person may face problems in interaction and communication with people, amongst other challenges. As per medical experts, ASD can be diagnosed at any stage or age but is often noticeable within the first two years of life. If caught early enough, therapies and services can be provided at this early stage instead of waiting until it is too late. ASD occurrences appear to have increased over the last couple of years leading to the need for more research in the field. It is crucial to provide researchers and clinicians with the most up-to-date information on the clinical features, etiopathogenesis, and therapeutic strategies for patients as well as to shed light on the other psychiatric conditions often associated with ASD. In addition, it is equally important to understand how to detect ASD in individuals for accurate diagnosing and early detection. Artificial Intelligence for Accurate Analysis and Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder discusses the early detection and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder enabled by artificial intelligence technologies, applications, and therapies. This book will focus on the early diagnosis of ASD through artificial intelligence, such as deep learning and machine learning algorithms, for confirming diagnosis or suggesting the need for further evaluation of individuals. The chapters will also discuss the use of artificial intelligence technologies, such as medical robots, for enhancing the communication skills and the social and emotional skills of children who have been diagnosed with ASD. This book is ideally intended for IT specialists, data scientists, academicians, scholars, researchers, policymakers, medical practitioners, and students interested in how artificial intelligence is impacting the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

This book examines the historical and social events that enabled autism to be identified as a distinct disorder in the early twentieth century.

Dr. Thurman proposes that sensory and cognitive development have evolved together into a very different form of intelligence in those with Autism, and it should be viewed not as a disability but instead as a difference to be celebrated and followed.

"A realistic yet hopeful account of the current possibilities for autistic children. Parents and professionals alike will welcome its judicious survey of the variety of educational interventions, its useful listing of resources, and its extensive bibliography."--Clara Claiborne Park, author of The Siege: The First Eight Years of an Autistic Child "This book contains a balanced discussion of the many different types of educational programs. It will help parents and professionals make wise choices. It needs to be in every library."--Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and Other Reports from My Life with Autism

Provides consumer health information about the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and related conditions, along with facts about interventions and treatments, educational guidelines, and coping tips for families. Includes index, glossary, and other resources.