Contributions to Autism Research and Intervention
Publications By Dr. Bryna Siegel
Helping Children with Autism Learn (Oxford, 2004)
A comprehensive guide for parents and professionals, offering practical, research-based techniques to support the learning and development of children with ASD.
The World of the Autistic Child (Oxford, 1996)
A classic in the field of autism studies, this book explores the cognitive, emotional, and social experiences of autistic children.
Getting the Best for Your Child with Autism (Guilford, 2008)
A must-have resource for parents, this book provides expert guidance on navigating therapies, education, and services to maximize a child’s potential.
The Politics of Autism
(Oxford University Press, 2018)
A groundbreaking analysis of how public perception, misinformation, and policy impact autism diagnosis and treatment. This book debunks myths and calls for science-driven autism services.
What About Me?: Siblings of Developmentally Disabled Children (Insight, 1994)
An insightful exploration of the often-overlooked emotional and practical challenges faced by siblings of children with developmental disabilities.
Key Research Contributions
Dr. Bryna Siegel’s Impact on Autism Research, Diagnosis, and Policy
Dr. Bryna Siegel’s work has been instrumental in advancing autism research, early diagnosis, intervention, and policy shaping.
Advancing Autism Diagnosis & Screening
PDDST-II:
A Global Standard in Early Screening
Dr. Siegel co-developed the Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test (PDDST-II), one of the first tools designed specifically for early autism detection in toddlers. This validated screening test has become a trusted resource for pediatricians and clinicians worldwide, helping to identify autism as early as 12 months old.
Read More on ResearchGate, Pervasive Developmental Disorders Screening Test (PDDST), January 2013
Shaping Modern Diagnostic Criteria
Dr. Siegel was a key contributor to the DSM-III-R and DSM-IV field trials, working alongside top experts in psychiatry and developmental disorders to refine the diagnostic criteria for autism. Her expertise helped ensure that autism assessments became more precise, leading to better identification and support for children on the spectrum.
Read More on PubMed, DSM-III-R field trials for pervasive developmental disorders, July 1990
Rethinking Autism Education:
Individualized Over One-Size-Fits-All
Critiquing the Inclusion Model in Special Education
While inclusion in mainstream classrooms has been widely promoted, Dr. Siegel has challenged the "one-size-fits-all" approach to autism education. Her research emphasizes that children with autism have distinct learning profiles and benefit most from tailored educational strategies—whether in special education programs or well-supported inclusive settings.
Read More in Forensic Psychiatric Associates, Bryna Siegel CV – Expert in Autism Research and Policy, 2024
Link: https://fpamed.com/wp-content/uploads/Bryna-Siegel-CV-11-21-24-watermarked.pdf
Debunking Autism Myths & Misinformation
Scientific Truth Over Hype: Dispelling Pseudoscience
Dr. Siegel has been a vocal advocate against misleading autism “cures” and vaccine misinformation. In The Politics of Autism, she exposes how misinformation spreads, leading parents to waste resources on unproven treatments. She has also led efforts to ensure that autism interventions remain grounded in research, not fear-based marketing.
Read More in San Francisco Autism Society, Bryna Siegel: Truth Bombs on Autism, March 2018
Link: https://sfautismsociety.org/bryna-siegel-truth-bombs-autism
CONTACT US
870 Market Street, Suite 401
San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: 415-391-3417
Fax: 866-656-5932
Email: [email protected]
OUR PROGRAMS
Neurodevelopment Assessment