Book Review: Mental Health Aspects of Autism and Asperger Syndrome 

Mental Health Aspects of Autism and Asperger
Syndrome 
Mohammad Ghaziuddin
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ISBN 1843107333, £19.95

STAR RATING: 2/5

This book is aimed at professionals who have an interest in
autistic spectrum disorders, writes Beth
Billington . It starts with a coherent introduction
to autism and Asperger’s syndrome, with the following
chapters providing an overview of issues for people with  autistic
spectrum disorders who also struggle with other problems, while
case studies help to make the descriptive material come
alive.

This book is written from a medical perspective, and some of the
terminology reflects this. I found terms such as “autistic
impaired” and “mental retardation” uncomfortable,
but accept that the book is American and terminology does differ.

The book relies too heavily on the use of medical interventions,
such as the use of medication. It does, however, acknowledge that
psychiatric disorder must only be diagnosed if the individual is in
severe distress.

Some of the less structured therapies available, such as dietary
interventions and play therapy are dismissed as “well-known
but unconventional”. I would have liked to have seen a more
balanced view of available treatments and outcome
evaluations.

Beth Billington has a younger brother with autism, and is a
trainee clinical psychologist, Lancaster University