Abstract

This comprehensive guide enables parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to play an active and effective role in their child's medical care from diagnosis to early adulthood. With a focus on working with health care providers to ensure the best treatment for your child's unique needs, it includes:

- a description of the developmental and medical conditions faced by children with ASDs in lay terms
- an explanation of common diagnostic tests
- a presentation of conventional and alternative therapies and how they work
- tips for managing day-to-day medical or behavioral problems
- advice for parents considering enrolling their child in a research project
- and all the latest medical information.

This authoritative and accessible book provides parents of children with an ASD with the foundation of knowledge they need to become an active partner in the medical care of their child and the map that will allow them to navigate the complex medical world.

Ming and Pletcher have conceived and brought to fruition a very important, practical and useful book that fills a definite need. It brings together all facets of clinical care for autism, along with the background scientific principles. The authors provide up-to-date, accurate and thorough coverage of all the important medical aspects of ASD, along with topics related to various therapies, educational planning and legal aspects. The chapters are written by authorities in their fields and are very readable in everyday language. At the same time, the depth and breadth of coverage of the topics make the book a valuable resource for professionals as well as parents and families. Most notably, in each chapter sound advice is based on the analysis of what is known and carefully balanced with the unknown. This book will become common ground for the whole community, including families, therapists, educators and medical professionals of all types who work with children and adults with ASD.
Andrew W. Zimmerman, M.D., Clinical Professor of Pediatrics (Neurology), Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA
This important book is a gold mine of authoritative practical information that will make real improvements in the lives of people with autism.
Martha Herbert, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Pediatric Neurologist, Massachusetts General Hospital, and author of 'The Autism Revolution'
Here, in a single volume, Ming and Pletcher provide families with an authoritative and in-depth review of what is known today about the diagnosis, causes and treatments of the autism spectrum disorders. Issues important to toddlers, older children and adults are well covered. The book is comprehensive and should be of interest to healthcare providers and teachers, as well as parents.
Gary W. Goldstein, M.D., President and CEO, Kennedy Krieger Institute, and Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD