If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder (autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, or PDD-NOS), this book is for you. In an informative style, weaved with personal stories from parents, author Mitzi Waltz covers various topics: getting a diagnosis (including preparing for a diagnostic interview in a medical, psychiatric, or school setting, with descriptions of all diagnostic tests and checklists/questions used by professionals); treatment options (such as medications/supplements, sensory integration, occupational/physical/speech therapy, behavior modification, Floor time, and more); and coping with diagnosis and treatment (including emotions and support systems, insurance, and educational plans).

Mitzi Waltz is an advocate for families facing neurological issues. She has been heavily involved in online support work, and has also advocated for special-needs children within the medical, insurance, and education systems. She has written books on childhood/adolescent bipolar disorders, adult bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, partial seizures, and Tourettes syndrome. She is currently doing research at the Autism Research Unit in the UK.

Preface
1. The Medical Facts about PDDs
2. PDD Categories
3. Getting a Diagnosis
4. Getting Started
5. Medical Interventions
6. Therapeutic Interventions
7. Other Interventions
8. Insurance
9. School
10. Family
11. Finances
12. Support
13. Living with PDDs
A. Resources
B. Support and Advocacy
C. Research and Testing Facilities
D. Medication Reference
E. Supplement Reference
F. Diagnostic Tools
Notes
Glossary of Acronyms
Index