Title Details

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.

Acknowledgements.

About the Author.

1. A Brief Look at the History of Autism.

2. The Importance of the Autism Referral.

3. How to Conduct the Evaluation.

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

5. Diagnostic Criteria for the Autism Spectrum Disorders.

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

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

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

9. Additional Questions to be Asked when Interviewing Teens.

10. Additional Questions to be Asked when Interviewing Adults.

11. Other Important Factors to Take into Consideration.

12. Differential Diagnosis through the Lifespan.

13. Feedback for the Patient and Family/Parents.

Appendix A: Sample Copy of My Screening Questionnaire.

Appendix B: Sample Copies of Reports.

References.

Index.

"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