Susan Louise Peterson

The author uses her experience and education as a school psychologist to explore behavior, communication, and social interaction that children with autism may demonstrate. The book begins with assessment and the differences between autism eligibility and developmental delayed can affect the child and their families. Child activity along with parent concern and the school psychologist perspective provide concrete examples. This is not a guide for treating autism. Parents are encouraged to work with professional to determine the best course of education for their child. Although there are recommended readings for autism, the electronic book version does not have an index.… (more)

Author Susan Peterson is a school psychologist with years of experience in diagnosing and placing children with autism.

In her book "Is My Child Autistic or Delayed?" she addresses the signs of autism that are usually examined from the point of view of the educational facility and gives examples of these same or similar behaviors that are not autistic in nature to assist the parent or guardian in becoming familiar with exactly what symptoms a school or psychologist may be looking for in assessing his/her child. This knowledge not only helps the parent in getting help for a genuinely autistic child but also helps the parent in determining whether a diagnosis that has been made about his/her child is accurate or not.

As the author points out, there is so much information out there on autism -- especially on the Net -- that it is often conflicting, thereby making it difficult for the parent to sort through.

She also informs the reader that certain behaviors usually considered to be "classic symptoms of autism" can easily be misread or misdiagnosed as these same behaviors can be the result of a child who is simply "delayed" in one area or another.

For example:

Children often "line up" or apportion objects according to color, size or type of object. This is can be a function of normal learning behaviors when the child is learning, say, their colors. The child may separate a bag of M&Ms in piles according to color or s/he may put all of their toy railroad cars in a row. These are fairly common behaviors for all young children. It is, however, a different matter when the child insists up lining up all of their toy cars in a certain order across the house and then has a tantrum if even one gets out of order or is touching the next one in a certain way. So, in essence, it is not the act of "lining things up" that is autistic in nature, it is the emotional reaction connected with the act that may be.

Use of language is another area where many parents or professionals jump to a conclusion of autism that may or may not be valid.

Young children learning to use words may "babble" or repeat sounds they are trying to learn. However, when the making of these sounds becomes repetitive as a calming response, this is when the possibility of autism should be examined.

The author also reminds us that professionals come from different backgrounds with different levels and types of education. This should lead the parent who suspects their child may have autism to consult more than one professional in making a diagnosis.

Any parent who suspects their child is exhibiting symptoms of autism should read "Is My Child Autistic or Delayed?". In the case of a child who may have symptoms of autism but who is not actually autistic, it just might save them from being misdiagnosed or, at minimum, quell a parent's anxiety about their child's behavior. On the other hand, if his/her child really does have autism, reading through this great reference book might just help a parent identify autistic behaviors early enough to get the best possible educational plan going to do the child a lot of good.… (more)

My child is not autistic or delayed, but it was good to read about the signs parents should notice if they're child is showing symptoms of autism. Learning the most you can about this subject is smart, because you become aware of signs you can be more prepared if your child starts showing symptoms. There is nothing worse than not knowing and guessing what might or might not be wrong with your child.

This book was very easy to understand, and the layout was simple and made reading this book not only easy, but enjoyable. The author is a school psychologist and has many years dealing with autistic children, so she knows the signs and symptoms well enough to write such an efficient book. The layout was a bit different than I expected, but it got the point across accurately and I found it to be informative to both myself, and my husband.

This book is fairly short and can be read in one sitting by most. It's very informative and I recommend it to any parent, teacher, family member, or friend who has as any questions about the signs of autism. Of course, this is just information to introduce you to the topic, any serious questions you might have should be directed to your family practitioner. This was such a great and easy read I would gladly rate this a 5/5.… (more)