A Parent's Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

Packed with real-life stories and everyday problem-solving ideas, this book has given many tens of thousands of parents the facts they need about high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including Asperger syndrome. The authors are leading experts who describe ways to work with these kids' unique impairments and capabilities so they can grow into happy, self-sufficient adults. Parents learn practical strategies for helping their son or daughter relate more comfortably to peers, learn the rules of appropriate behavior, and succeed in school. The book also discusses what scientists currently know about ASD and how it is diagnosed, as well as what treatments and educational supports have been shown to work. Updated with the latest research, resources, and clinical strategies, the second edition clearly explains the diagnostic changes in DSM-5.

Sally Ozonoff, PhD, is Endowed Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Psychiatry and the MIND Institute--a national center for the study and treatment of ASD--at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Ozonoff is widely known for her research and teaching in the areas of diagnosis and assessment of ASD, and has an active clinical practice. Geraldine Dawson, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Duke Center for Autism Diagnosis and Treatment at Duke University. She served as Founding Director of the University of Washington Autism Center. An internationally recognized autism expert with a focus on early detection, intervention, and brain plasticity in autism, Dr. Dawson is a passionate advocate for families. She is coauthor of An Early Start for Your Child with Autism. James C. McPartland, PhD, is Assistant Professor at the Yale Child Study Center and Director of the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic. He has worked with children with ASD and their families for more than 15 years. Dr. McPartland's award-winning research focuses on brain processes in ASD, with the goal of developing new approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

"I really like how this book emphasizes building on the talents and strengths of a person with high-functioning autism. It contains many useful case histories and combines both scientific and practical information for parents, teachers, and other professionals."--Temple Grandin, PhD, author of "Thinking in Pictures" "What an immensely readable and empowering book! It contains everything a parent needs to know in order to understand, support, and advocate for a child with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. The authors are leaders in the field--sensitive and compassionate clinicians as well as highly respected clinical researchers. This second edition provides practical insights and useful strategies that are well grounded in the most current scientific knowledge."--Wendy L. Stone, PhD, Director, READI Lab: Research in Early Autism Detection and Intervention, University of Washington, Seattle "This is the indispensable book I would want were I the parent of a child, adolescent, or adult with high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome. Written and organized in a way that is highly engaging and accessible, the expert authors show parents how to maximize success at each stage of life from toddlerhood to adulthood. Unique in its positive approach, the "Guide" focuses on how to capitalize on the strengths shown by affected individuals, offering practical strategies that promote self-esteem and better emotional health. Parents will find this hands-on guide engaging, informative, sometimes funny, and most important, highly useful."--Deborah Fein, PhD, Departments of Psychology and Pediatrics, University of Connecticut "With a plethora of books available about autism, this is one of the few that I recommend to parents whose child has just received a diagnosis. It is written by some of the world's leading authorities, who combine up-to-date research and practice in a highly accessible way. While the content is grounded in research, it has many down-to-earth practical tips and advice. The second edition will be