The Natural Medicine Guide to Autism (The Healthy Mind Guides)
Drawing on interviews with doctors and several patient  histories, alternative health writer Marohn (Natural Medicine  First Aid Remedies) recommends natural medicine and a controlled  diet as "cures" for children diagnosed with autistic spectrum  disorders (ASD). While examining environmental factors,  pollution, and vaccines as possible causes for ASD is perfectly  valid, Marohn posits that they are the main causes and, in turn,  provides an unbalanced and unsound approach to treatment. The 14  alternatives that she suggests (e.g., targeted therapeutic  nutrition, homeopathy) are rarely supported by more than  anecdotal evidence and create unrealistic expectations. Marohn  ignores behavioral, speech, and occupational therapies, which  are considered critical to the successful treatment of children  with ASD. In addition, she makes the ludicrous assertion that  preventing autism is as easy as disregarding physicians and  protecting your child from our toxic environment. Marohn risks  shifting blame for the rise in ASD back to the parents, who  supposedly control their child's environment. A better choice  for libraries is Mitzi Waltz's Autistic Spectrum Disorders:  Understanding the Diagnosis and Getting Help, which presents a  more evenhanded section on alternative remedies. Not  recommended.Corey Seeman, Univ. of Toledo Libs., OHCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.