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AUTISM AND PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENT DISORDERS - Vladimir E. Trajkovski
Authors: Ana PETKOVSKA
Number of views: 390
In the last six decades, the autism has arisen significant interest among doctors and researchers. Great achievements have been made in this field of study, in order to help understand this intriguing disorder. However, despite all the efforts of raising the awareness among the population in our country regarding the autism and the pervasive development disorders, these topics are still little known about.
After a couple of years following the demands of the modern society, the Monograph 'Autism' received addition written by Prof. Dr. Vladimir Trajkovski.
The comprehensive book of 'Autism and pervasive development disorders' was published on 3rd of June, 2011. The improvements made in the content and the complexity of the book, reflect the significant progress during the period of seven years.
The book “Autism and pervasive development disorders” is written in 412 pages, divided into 14 chapters: history, definition and classification of the autism and pervasive development disorders; epidemiological characteristics of the autism; etiology and pathogenesis of the autism; neuropathology and neuroradiological studies regarding the autism; clinical characteristics of autism; diagnosis and differential diagnosis of autism; treatment of autism; results and prognosis for the autism; medical conditions with the autism; autism and sexuality; Asperger's syndrome; Rett's syndrome; infantile disintegrated disorder and pervasive development disorders not specified in another way (PDD-NOS). Each chapter separately represents a unique possibility for students to easily get the desired information and master more successfully the essential material.
Prof. Dr. Vladimir Trajkovski presents us with a complete overview of the modern approaches in classification and definition of the autism and the pervasive development disorders, in order to achieve on-time diagnosis of the disorders present among small children. The depth of information in the section with epidemiological characteristics of the autism can be seen from the use of correct and precise empirical data, which gives a complete idea for the increased incidence of this condition worldwide. Since there isn't only one reason for the origin of autism, the author describes in details the etiology and pathogenesis of the autism. The readers can learn about the genetics and immunogenetics of autism, the immunological disorders, the biochemical and metabolic disorders of this syndrome, with special emphasis placed on the mercury as an etiological factor. The author explains the connection of autism with the functional and structural changes in the brain, with detailed analysis of the neuropathological and neuroradiological studies.
Many people have doubts of what the autism is and how can one recognize an autistic child, so for that reason in the fifth chapter are presented the basic characteristics which are universal and used for diagnosing the autism. Furthermore, Prof. Trajkovski emphasizes the need for early diagnosis of the disorder for on-time start with appropriate treatment.
The author enables an overview of the contemporary pharmacological treatments and the importance of potential gains in certain cases from the treatment with medicines. One particular questions being asked by anyone involved in this problem; What are the results and prognosis of the autism; is elaborated in the eighth chapter.
New addition to the book are the chapters in which are described the autism and the sexuality; Asperger's syndrome, Rett's syndrome, the infantile disintegrated disorder and pervasive development disorders not specified in another way. According to the above mentioned, the chapters in this book are a testimony of the progress as well as the constant need for researching.
The author uses vast and comprehensive literature which is notably updated and revised. The book is written up to academic and aesthetically satisfactory level and despite the specialized terminology, it is still intelligible for any type of readers. Particularly outstanding is the rich and illustrative cover made up to world standards.
'Autism and pervasive development disorder' is intended for the students from the second and third cycle of studies at the Institute of Special Education and Rehabilitation at the Faculty of Philosophy. However, it can also be of use to medical doctors, residents on psychiatry, pediatricians, psychologists, speech therapist, social workers, so they can extend their knowledge and at last but not least significant, in this book each parent to an autistic child can find advices, encouragement and hope trough their journey with their child. It is recommendable for every school regardless of size, that has a responsibility for education and upbringing of children with autism and other pervasive development disorders, to have this book on the library bookshelves.
The book can be purchased from the Student service at the Faculty of philosophy in Skopje for a symbolic price of only 900 denars.