Description
Book SynopsisAutism diagnosis can be an overwhelming time for many families. This is an accessible, easy to navigate guide for parents, answering the questions they may have before, during and after diagnosis.
Written by a highly experienced author team, this book will support parents from the moment somebody mentions autism, through the diagnosis process and beyond. It provides reliable advice on every stage, with guidance on what to do during the long wait for assessment and diagnosis. Working from a pro-neurodiversity perspective it encourages parents to see beyond the diagnosis and to celebrate each child's unique personality and strengths.
Combining information on medical diagnosis, educational needs and more, the book shares case studies and direct quotes from families to help parents to give their children the best start following an autism diagnosis, and help them to achieve their full potential. There is also a bonus downloadable chapter with information from the key professionals involved in the diagnostic process, so you know who you can turn to for the support and help you need.
Trade ReviewParents who recognize that their autistic child is different to other children will find that this insightful and reassuring guide will help them to accommodate those differences at home, and also identify the team that can help their child acquire specific abilities. The explanations and wisdom will enable parents to navigate the new world of autism. -- Dr Tony Attwood
There is a lack of well-written books to inform parents of children with autism. The explosion of content on the Internet has not helped and it is increasingly difficult for parents to separate the 'wheat from the chaff'. This book is accurate, comprehensive and written with empathy that acknowledges quite how stressful it is for parents to first suspect an autistic spectrum disorder in their child, and then to navigate the minefield of long waiting lists, and complex assessments. Many parents emerge at the end of these processes with a diagnosis but little support and wondering 'what next?'. This book will take those parents gently by the hand and cover both the core difficulties and also the often-neglected co-morbidities associated with autism. I recommend this book for all those families, whatever stage of the journey they are on, and for any professionals who want to understand the challenges of their families and children a little better. -- Professor Paul Gringras, Paediatric Sleep Medicine and Neurodisability, Evelina London Children's Hospital and King's College London
Table of Contents1. Concerns, Fears and Challenges
2. Childhood Development
3. Brief Guide Through Differential Diagnoses
4. Is This Autism?
5. The What, Why, Where and When of a Diagnosis
6. Supporting Evidence
7. Educational Input
8. Diagnostic Pathways
9. This Is Autism
10. Comorbidities and Implications Associated with Autism
11. Evidence-Based Therapeutic Interventions
12. Anxieties and Sensory Issues
13. Behaviour
14. Communication and Interaction
15. Eating, Drinking and Nutrition
16. Education
17. Getting Set Up
18. Personal Care
19. Family, Support and Self-Care
20. Diagnosis Journeys
21. A-Z of terms that may be relevant to Autism
