The alarming spike in autism in recent years has sent doctors and parents on a search for answers. And while many controversies have erupted around the issue, none have gotten us any closer to a definitive explanation, and many key concerns remain unexplored. Moving beyond the distractions of the vaccine debate, The Autism Puzzle is the first book to address the compelling evidence that it is the pairing of environmental exposures with genetic susceptibilities that may be impacting the brain development of children. Journalist Brita Belli brings us into the lives of three families with autistic children, each with different ideas about autism, as she explores the possible causes. She interprets for readers compelling evidence that environmental toxins—including common exposures from chemicals mounting in our everyday lives—may be sparking this disorder in vulnerable children. Belli calls for an end to the use of hazardous materials—like toxic flame retardants used in electronics and furniture, which have been banned elsewhere--insisting that we cannot afford to experiment with our children. The Autism Puzzle puts a human face on the families caught in between the debates, and offers a refreshingly balanced perspective.

Winner of the Autism Society of America's Literary Achievement Award, this heartwarming book was one of the first autobiographies to provide unique insight into the world of autism. Tom McKean grew up in a confusion of misdiagnosis, spending years in an institution and finally journeying into adulthood, seeking answers. He finally comes to a "working truce" with the neurotypical world and discovers he has various talents in fields such as computers and technical design, in addition to his passion for writing. His challenges, discoveries, and successes will move you as his poetry, songs, and humor delight you. Helpful chapters include: Leave My Home for a Home Interesting Associations in the Home I Re-Enter the World Discovering Autism What Autism Is To Me Professionals and More Ideas on Autism

Finally, a book that captures the confusing, amusing, frustrating and tender experience of loving a person with Asperger's syndrome—both before and after the diagnosis. Nilla and Steve Childs see their first-born child Daniel grow through a puzzling series of labels—from gifted toddler to defiant child, from superior IQ to college drop-out, from fun-loving boy to social misfit. At a loss to help her depressed 23-year-old son, Nilla persists in developing a “Circle of Friends” to surround Daniel with the supports he needs as a newly-diagnosed young adult on the autism spectrum. Through well-told, illuminating anecdotes, Puzzled gets it right—all the ways high-functioning autism disturbs, disrupts and enriches family life; full of rich context absent most autism literature; and the enduring truth that love prevails over disability. Anyone who has ever tried to understand a child, spouse, parent or friend who is puzzlingly different will rejoice in Nilla Childs' charming, hopeful book.

My Autism Book is a beautifully illustrated picture book that helps parents to explain an autism diagnosis to their child in a sensitive, positive and accurate way. When a child is diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), parents often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to communicate the diagnosis to their child. This book is designed to be read with the child as a simple introduction to their diagnosis. Written by a doctor and a children's author, the book is tailored precisely to the needs and experiences of the child with ASD aged 5 and up. It explains what an autism diagnosis means and encourages an exploration of the child's likely strengths and differences using clear language that speaks directly to the child. The colourful pictures throughout show how the world looks from the child's perspective and the book ends with a summary checklist to encourage the child to record and discuss how autism affects them.

This is the first detailed exploration of the history of autism in the UK. Drawing from extensive and highly original archival research as well as investigations of published literature it describes the political, social and institutional background which made the study and increased diagnosis of autism possible.