Getting the Best for Your Child with Autism: An Expert's Guide to Treatment » (1st Edition)

Bryna Siegel, PhD, is Director of the Autism Clinic and Co-Director of the Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center at the University of California, San Francisco. She has worked with children with autism and their families for 25 years, and has developed diagnostic tools and guidelines used by professionals nationwide. Dr. Siegel is an active lecturer and consultant whose previous books include the bestselling The World of the Autistic Child.

As the parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder, you need an informed, caring advocate who can deftly guide you through the complex maze of treatment options. In this empowering resource, bestselling author Bryna Siegel--one of the world’s leading authorities on the disorder--helps you zero in on proven strategies and tailor them to fit your child’s unique needs. Like no other book, Getting the Best for Your Child with Autism shows how to get an accurate assessment of your child’s strengths and weaknesses so you can develop a plan of action suited to his or her individual learning style, interests, verbal abilities, and social skills. You’ll learn what services you’re entitled to, how to determine what’s right for your family, and ways to work effectively with doctors and school professionals. With Dr. Siegel as your ally, you can help your child learn and grow.

Acknowledgments     vii
Introduction     1
Mapping the Road to the Best Treatment
Off to a Good Start: Timely Screening Will Set You on the Path to Help     9
Getting Your Footing: What a Diagnosis Can (and Should) Do for You and Your Child     27
Setting a Course: Navigating the Diagnostic Process to Emerge with a Plan     46
Outfitting Yourself to Help Your Child
The Balanced Family: "Adjust Your Own Face Mask before Attempting to Help Others"     73
Becoming an Informed Consumer: Getting Your "Personal Best" in Services and Providers     99
Putting it Together
Learning Deficits, Learning Styles: What Does Your Child Need?     123
Core Treatments for Autism: Which Interventions Will Meet Your Child's Needs?     140
The Customized Course: Additional Strategies That Target Specific Needs     178
On the Road
Navigating the Legal Byways: Entitlements That Foster Learning   Kathryn E. Dobel     205
Sharing the Driving: The Rights and Responsibilities of a Collaborative Parent     240
Resources     263
Index     269
About the Author     280