Summary
Each child on the autism spectrum has a unique set of special needs. That's why their parents deserve a smart, caring advocate to help zero in on proven interventions that are right for their child. Bestselling author Bryna Siegel, one of the world's leading authorities on autism, deftly guides parents through the complex maze of treatment options. She shows how to obtain an accurate assessment of a child's strengths and weaknesses, and then provides step-by-step guidance to help parents develop a plan of action tailored to their child's individual learning style, verbal abilities, and social skills. Like no other book on the market, Getting the Best for Your Child with Autism will help parents maximize all of the resources available to help their kids reach their full potential.
Reviews
"All parents want to do the best for their children, and this indispensable book shows how, step by step. Autism and its treatment are very complex, but Dr. Siegel's experience and accessible style make the issues crystal clear. She distills the vast amount of information that is out there for parents and separates the good advice from the bad. This book is a beacon of sanity and reassurance for any family navigating these stormy waters."
-Ami Klin, PhD, Director, Autism Program, Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine
"If you know or suspect that your child has autism, this book is a great resource. Dr. Siegel takes you on the journey from first diagnosis to finding treatments that meet your child's unique needs, and explains the critical role that parents can play. An excellent, timely, and compelling guide. Although it is written for parents, the book also will be extremely useful for practitioners."
-Debra Moss, MA, Autism Specialist, Los Angeles Unified School District
"The sheer number of 'expert opinions' on autism treatment-not all of them trustworthy-can be overwhelming to parents. This book provides a road map of masterful clarity. Dr. Siegel draws upon her research and clinical experience with thousands of families, intermingling this experience with wonderful common sense, humor, and empathy, all in a very readable style. Every parent of a child with autism will benefit from reading this book."
-Peter S. Jensen, MD, Director, The REACH Institute (The REsource for Advancing Children's Health), New York City
Contents
Introduction
- Mapping the Road to the Best Treatment: How to Get a Thorough Diagnosis
- Off to a Good Start: Timely Screening Will Set You on the Path to Help
- Getting Your Footing: What a Diagnosis Can (and Should) Do for You and Your Child
- Setting a Course: Navigating the Diagnostic Process to Emerge with a Plan
- Outfitting Yourself to Help Your Child
- The Balanced Family: "Adjust Your Own Face Mask before Attempting to Help Others"
- Becoming an Informed Consumer: Getting Your "Personal Best" in Services and Providers
- Putting It Together: Matching Your Child's Learning Needs with the Treatments That Can Help
- Learning Deficits, Learning Styles: What Does Your Child Need?
- Core Treatments for Autism: Which Interventions Will Meet Your Child's Needs?
- The Customized Course: Additional Strategies That Target Specific Needs
- On the Road: Getting Out There to Get What You Need
- Navigating the Legal Byways: Entitlements That Foster Learning, Kathryn E. Dobel
- Sharing the Driving: The Rights and Responsibilities of a Collaborative Parent Resources