PRESS ROOM

Press Release - For Immediate Release

SEDONA AZ (December 9, 2011): What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? ASD is a complex congenital/developmental disorder. The spectrum encompasses a diverse set of individuals whose distinctive characteristics vary considerably, but often center on social interaction, hyper- and/or hyposensitivity to different kinds of sensory stimulation, and cognitive functions such as linguistic expression, generalization, and social reasoning. Although a large subset of individuals on the spectrum appears to emphasize visual information and processing, a large minority is actually highly verbally oriented. Common challenges involve difficulty in understanding the motives and perspectives of others (theory of mind), lack of reciprocity in social interaction, overly literal interpretation of language, and difficulty detecting and interpreting non-verbal communication. Only a small proportion of individuals on the spectrum have been found to have actual “savant” like skills (e.g., being able instantaneously multiply two four digit numbers in one’s head or being able to memorize a large map based on very brief exposure), but preoccupation with certain interests—often very narrow in scope—is common. Many “spectrumites” do, however, have exceptional skills in certain areas, and based on unique ways of seeing the world, some come up with unique insights and innovations. Autism is believed to be largely determined by genetics, although some scientists are suggesting that certain environmental triggers may increase vulnerabilities.

On January 2, 2012, Auricle Books publishes Scholars with Autism Achieving Dreams (Lars Perner, Ph.D., Editor). Richard Carmen, Publisher, stated that, “Foremost we hope to reach the families of young children recently diagnosed so that parents, siblings and loved ones can realize that even in light of such a diagnosis, there can be tremendous prospects for a reasonably normal and good life for those functioning higher on the autism spectrum. Sometimes an early diagnosis may look grim.” Dr. Shore and Dr. Grandin, two contributors in this book, were recommended very early for institutionalization, but their family fought that notion and persisted in creating as normal a life for them as possible. Dr. Carmen added, “I’ve seen that with early intervention, miracles can happen by comparison to what might have happened through other means.”

This title will be available in hard and soft cover for consumers through the Auricle Books website. For book industry wholesale purchases (libraries, bookstores, etc) contact your distributor, Baker and Taylor, or Ingram Books.