This book provides authoritative, practical answers to your questions about diagnosis, treatment options, sources of support, and much more.

Introduction

1

(4)

Part 1: The Basics

5

(32)

Questions 1-12 provide background information for understanding autism, covering such topics as

What is autism?

What is the prognosis for children with autism?

Part 2: Diagnosing Autism

37

(26)

Questions 13-21 describe the symptoms of autism and discuss how autism is diagnosed:

Are there risk factors for autism?

What are some symptoms a parent should look for?

How do doctors diagnose autism?

Part 3: Autism Crisis

63

(18)

Questions 22-27 address the controversy over the reported rising incidence rate of autism, as well as the roles of vaccines and mercury:

What have studies found regarding vaccinations and autism?

What should a parent do about childhood immunizations?

Is mercury exposure dangerous?

Part 4: Autism Therapies and Treatments

81

(18)

Questions 28-35 describe the types of treatments available for autism and address the challenges of evaluating treatment options:

How will I know if a new therapy is right for my child?

Are there therapies besides ABA that are useful?

Part 5: Medication and the Treatment of Autism

99

(16)

Questions 36-43 cover common symptoms, side effects, and complications of autisn and its treatment

Are medications useful in treating the behavioral problems of autistic children?

What types of medications are used to treat autistic children?

How are anxiety and depression treated in an autistic person?

Part 6: Alternative Treatment for Autism

115

(16)

Questions 44-50 discuss complementary and alternative treatments for autism:

Is there any harm in trying unproven treatments on my child?

Are dietary interventions helpful to autistic children?

Part 7: State and Federal Entitlement Programs

131

(16)

Questions 51-59 address entitlement programs for disabled children:

What is SSI?

How does the government decide if a child is disabled?

What health care services are available to my child?

Part 8: Caring for Your Child After You're Gone

147

(14)

Questions 60-69 discuss wills, trusts, and guardianship:

What is a will?

What is a special needs trust?

What is guardianship?

Part 9: Education of Autistic Children

161

(22)

Questions 70-79 discuss educational resources available for autistic children:

What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act?

What is special education?

How do I choose the best special education program for my child?

Part 10: Living with Autism

183

(36)

Questions 80-94 address the challenges of daily life with an autistic child:

What are some tips for parenting kids with autism?

How can I help my other children form a relationship with their autistic sibling?

How do I make my home safe for my autistic child?

Part 11: Stress

219

(14)

Questions 95-99 discuss coping with the stress of autism

What are some ways that parents can reduce their stress?

What can I do about my children's stress?

Appendix

233

(10)

Questions 100 is a list of web sites, organizations, and literature to help families of autistic people find additional resources on general and specific topics related to autism

Glossary

243

(12)

Index

255

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