Does My Child Have Autism: A Parents Guide to Early Detection and Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders

The most crucial aspect of treating and helping kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is catching it early and beginning treatment before it’ s too late. That's why this book answers the question that millions of parents in American today are asking: “ Is my child just having normal developmental problems, behaving oddly, on his own curve, or does he have autism. I know if I find out early enough, we can help more… so please tell me, how do I know?’ Autism has become a major concern for millions of parents in America, as what appears to be a mysterious epidemic of a broad spectrum of autistic symptoms has plagued our population, from Asperger's Syndrome, to Pervasive Developmental Disorders,   to the more extreme form of Autism portrayed in the film The Rain Man. The latest research has shown that Autism is present from very early in life, with an average onset of 16-20 months in most cases. Yet most children are not diagnosed until much later, when they are three, four or even older, despite the fact that there are is a much greater potential to improve treatment outcomes by providing diagnosis and intervention at an earlier age. Our author is an expert in the field, enjoying international acclaim for having developed the widely used Screening Tool for Autism in Two Year Olds (STAT). She believes that she it is now possible to identify Autism Spectrum Disorder as early as 18 months and hopes that her current research and clinical practice will prove that she can go as young as 12 months. In any case, she is on the cutting edge of research, theory, and practice in early detection and will provide in this book all of the key “ red flags” to watchfor, including poor communication, avoiding eye contact, anti-social behaviors, tics and other compulsive routine behavior, failure to form attachments, and many other symptoms. Her book provides specific checklists of symptoms to watch for and a screening test that everyone can use at home. Her evaluation tool, STAT, moreover is interactive so that the best ways to intervene are revealted in the evaluation itself.   She will also provide guidelines for early intervention, both at home, in school, and with professional support, including intervention strategies in setting goals to build skills like interactive play, functional play, communication, interaction, and organizing activities and working with home routine.  In an area of tremendous parental concern, with over 1350 books on Autism listed in Amazon, this book on early detection and intervention is an original and must-buy book for a large market.

Does My Child Have Autism? is a question so many parents are asking themselves today. Is he avoiding eye contact? Why can’t she talk? Is my child’s development normal or does he have an Autism Spectrum Disorder? Parents know that if their child is somewhere on that spectrum, they need to intervene as early as possible to maximize the benefits of early intervention. This groundbreaking book, by one of the foremost experts, teachers, and clinicians in the field, provides a guide for parents about what to look for at home at twenty-four months or even earlier, what to do, and how to get the right kind of help from doctors, counselors, therapists, and other professionals.

Does My Child Have Autism? is a question so many parents are asking themselves today. Is he avoiding eye contact? Why can't she talk? Is my child's development normal or does he have an Autism Spectrum Disorder? Parents know that if their child is somewhere on that spectrum, they need to intervene as early as possible to maximize the benefits of early treatment. This groundbreaking book, by one of the foremost experts, teachers, and clinicians in the field, provides a guide for parents about what to look for at home at twenty-four months or even earlier, what to do, and how to get the right kind of help from doctors, counselors, therapists, and other professionals.

Step-by-step, Stone walks you through the diagnostic process for young children with autism and offers vital information about what will be expected of you and your child during the clinical assessment. The book reveals the critical importance of early intervention and outlines the various types of interventions that are currently available. In addition, Does My Child Have Autism? gives you practical tips, activities, and teaching tools that can be used at home to improve your child's social, communication, and play skills.

"Clear and compassionate ... takes families through early warning signs, understanding the diagnostic process, and what types of early treatment might be helpful. A must-read for families with children who may have or do have an Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as clinicians and caregivers of children and families with ASD."

—Susan E. Levy, M.D., Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Wendy L. Stone, Ph.D., is a professor of pediatrics and psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University and an investigator at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development. She founded and directs the Vanderbilt Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders, where she has continuing frontline clinical experience with a broad variety of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. Her primary research interests are in early identification and early intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Theresa Foy DiGeronimo, M.Ed., is the coauthor of How to Talk to Your Kids About Really Important Things, Launching Our Black Children for Success, College of the Overwhelmed, and other books from Jossey-Bass.

Preface.

1. What Exactly Are Autism Spectrum Disorders?

2. What Should I Look For?

3. The Early Diagnostic Process.

4. Early Intervention Is Your Child's Best Hope for the Future.

5. Working with Your Child at Home.

Epilogue.

Appendix A. Diagnostic Criteria for Autistic Disorder.

Appendix B. Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT).

Notes.

Resources.

About the Authors.

Index.