A Parent's Guide to Autism

Matthew D. Lerner, PhD, is Associate Professor at the A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University. He is Leader of the Life Course Outcomes Program and Director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab. Dr. Lerner is well known for his work focusing on supporting social success and mental health among autistic youth and adults, particularly the development of community-partnered and neurodiversity-affirming practices.

Sally Ozonoff, PhD, is Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the MIND Institute, a national center for the study and support of autism, at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Ozonoff is widely known for her research and teaching in the areas of early diagnosis and assessment of autism. She is a strong advocate for parents and families and has an active clinical practice.

Geraldine Dawson, PhD, is Founding Director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development and William Cleland Distinguished Professor at Duke University. She holds professorships in multiple departments: Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Pediatrics, and Psychology and Neuroscience. An internationally recognized expert on early detection, intervention, and brain development in autism, Dr. Dawson is a passionate advocate for families. She is codeveloper of the Early Start Denver Model, an early autism intervention used worldwide.

James C. McPartland, PhD, is Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychology at the Yale Child Study Center, Director of the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic, and Director of the Yale Center for Brain and Mind Health. He has extensive experience working with autistic children and their families. Dr. McPartlandaEURO (TM)s award-winning research focuses on brain processes in autism, with the goal of developing new approaches to diagnose and support autistic people.

Preface

I. Understanding Autism

1. What Does an Autism Diagnosis Mean?

2. How Autism Is Diagnosed

3. What Causes Autism?

4. Intervention and Support for Autistic Individuals

II. Living with Autism

5. Channeling Your ChildaEURO (TM)s Strengths: A Guiding Principle

6. Supporting Your Autistic Child at Home

7. Supporting Your Autistic Child at School

8. Helping Your Child Navigate the Social World

9. Preparing for Late Adolescence and Adulthood

10. Thinking Past Tomorrow: Autistic Identity, Community, and What It Means to Thrive

Resources

Bibliography

Index

aEUROoeContains many useful case histories and combines both scientific and practical information for parents, teachers, and other professionals.aEURO--Temple Grandin, PhD, author of Thinking in Pictures

aEUROoeAs a parent, navigating the vast body of available information about autism can be difficult and confusing. Leading experts draw on current research and their own extensive experience to illuminate the challenges autistic children experience and give you thoughtful answers to the important questions that you and your family face.aEURO--Connie Kasari, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Human Development and Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles

aEUROoeWhen our son was diagnosed 16 years ago, my husband and I felt so alone and uncertain about how to begin the journey. I wish Id had this book then! The breakdown of what to expect for each developmental stage is helpful and validating. I also appreciate how the authors respectfully highlight the importance of nourishing our childrenaEURO (TM)s autistic strengths, without sugarcoating the daily challenges and the impact of autism on families.aEURO--Andrea B.F., Madison, Connecticut

This wonderfully accessible book explains to parents what autism is, what causes it, and, more important, how to support their child and the whole family to thrive. Autistic kids have a unique mix of strengths and challenges, and parents can feel stressed and overwhelmed by their childaEURO (TM)s differences. This book provides evidence-based, practical strategies to help make life manageable and fun.aEURO--Simon Baron-Cohen, FBA, FMedSci, FRSM, author of The Pattern Seekers