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

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.

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.

Library Journal

Published to coincide with National Autism Awareness Month in April, these two excellent books on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) address the important areas of early diagnosis and treatment. In Does My Child Have Autism?, Stone (director, Treatment & Research Inst. for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Vanderbilt Univ.), with the help of professional writer DiGeronimo, assists parents and others in identifying early signs that could help with earlier intervention services. The focus is on three key elements: delays in social interaction, communication issues, and repetitive behaviors. Stone also includes numerous FAQs and a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis process in this wonderfully written book. In Engaging Autism, Greenspan (psychiatry, George Washington Univ. Medical Sch.) and Wieder (associate editor, Journal of Development) offer the definitive guide to Greenspan's respected "floortime" method. Its general principle calls for communicating on the same level as the person with ASD, which frequently involves using favorite objects or games. One example features a child who continually opens and closes doors. To engage the child, the authors suggest discreetly using a door stop to force the door closed and, in turn, force the child to ask for help (with prompting); a reward is offered for the communication. Other examples are just as illuminating, illustrating concepts that can be used and adapted. Both books will greatly strengthen any ASD collection; highly recommended.-Corey Seeman, Kresge Business Administration Lib., Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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.