Synopses & Reviews
From the bestselling author of
Disconnected Kids, a clear and compassionate explanation of the causes of the autism epidemicand a scientifically based approach for prevention and treatment.
As he travels the country helping parents and children cope with neurological disorders, Dr. Robert Melillo is always asked one question: Why? Why are autism rates exploding? But an equally important question always follows: What can we do about it as a societyand what can I do to help my child?
In this candid, research-based, practical book, Dr. Melillo presents the latest scientific explanation for how we got here and proven, drug-free strategies that parents can employ to help prevent, detect, and address the autism epidemic for themselves and their families.
With honesty and compassion, Dr. Melillo explains what the latest scientific research tells us about the role of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, dispelling myths and replacing them with the facts. In addition, he presents early warning signs, a prevention plan for parents-to-be, and an intervention program for babies and young children.
Review
Praise for the work of Dr. Robert Melillo:
"A visionary new approach...These valuable clinical insights add much to our tool kit." —Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence "Clinically innovative and academically grounded...brings a refreshing, hopeful, and scientifically responsible approach to the field of childhood neurological disorders."—Leslie Philipp Weiser, M.Ph., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School "Dr Melillo is a true visionary in the area of childhood developmental disorders, and autism in particular. I have met with children and families whose lives have been transformed by his work. I know that his latest book will be another useful tool that will help others learn about and possibly prevent autism in their children in a way that only he can."—Zac Brown, Grammy Award winning musician, and Founder of Camp Southern Ground “Dr. Melillo’s books are a ray of hope. Jam-packed with scientifically grounded information on brain function and its behavioral correlates, they provide satisfying explanations that parents recognize as relevant to their experience. And because his work is further tied to a simple intervention program, it has the power and potential to revolutionize the field.” —Michele Denize Strachan, MD, Behavioral Pediatrician Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Program, University of Minnesota “Dr. Robert Melillo is one of those rare individuals who can unravel the seemingly unsolvable mysteries of neurobehavioral development with wisdom, compassion, and vast perspective. His unique, groundbreaking, and research-based approach to improving brain function introduces the process of unlocking each child's potential.” —Pamela D. Garcy, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Professor of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Argosy University Dallas "Dr. Melillo, one of the world’s leading experts in childhood developmental disorders, has organized the best scientifically referenced source of risk factors for autism, which all future parents should know about it. His book is a must read." —Datis Kharrazian, DC, DHSc, MS, MNeuroSci “Dr. Melillo presents a very clear and educational view of how a child’s brain grows, from the bottom up…. This is without any doubt an amazing theory that will stimulate a great number of research protocols.”—Dr. Calixto Machado, MD, PhD, FAAN, President Cuban Society of Clinical Neurophysiology "Dr. Robert Melillo has unraveled the mysteries of brain organization and translated what we know into simple, practical therapeutic regimens to allow all of our children to reach their unlimited potential. He has produced a message of hope for parents of children, with clear, consistent, and significant results."—Prof. Gerry Leisman, Director, The National Institute of Brain & Rehabilitation Science, Nazareth, Israel
Synopsis
Based on nearly two decades of Chantal Sicile-Kira's personal and professional experiences with individuals and families affected by this growing epidemic, Autism Spectrum Disorders explains all aspects of the condition, including:
- The causes of autism spectrum disorders
- How to properly diagnose ASDs
- Treatments based on behavioral, psychological and biomedical interventions
- Coping strategies for families
- Educational needs and programs
- Living and working conditions for adults with ASD
- Community interaction
- Teaching strategies and resources for educators and other professionals
About the Author
Chantal Sicile-Kira, author of Autism Spectrum Disorders, is a national speaker and advocate who has been involved with autism spectrum disorders for nearly 20 years, first as a professional and then as a parent. She currently hosts a weekly radio show, "The Real World of Autism with Chantal," on Autism One Radio. Her company, Autism Making a Difference, Inc., provides workshops and training materials.
Table of Contents
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Acknowledgments Foreword
Preface
Notes about the Book
Chapter 1: The Myths and History of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Chapter 2: What Autism Spectrum Disorders Are and How to Know If a Person Has One
Chapter 3: What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorders and Why Do People with ASDs Act the Way They Do?
Chapter 4: Newly Diagnosed Adults and Parents of Children with an ASD: After the Diagnosis
Chapter 5: Treatments, Therapies, and Interventions
Chapter 6: Family Life
Chapter 7: Education
Chapter 8: Community Life
Chapter 9: Adults Living and WOrking with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Closing Comments
Appendix
Resources
Bibliography
Index