A Parent's Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive

by Sally Ozonoff PhD, Geraldine Dawson PhD, James C. McPartland PhD

Overview

Over 100,000 parents have found the facts they need about high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including Asperger syndrome, in this indispensable guide. Leading experts show how you can work with your child's unique impairments—and harness his or her capabilities. Vivid stories and real-world examples illustrate ways to help kids with ASD relate more comfortably to peers, learn the rules of appropriate behavior, and succeed in school. You'll learn how ASD is diagnosed and what treatments and educational supports really work. Updated with the latest research and resources, the second edition clearly explains the implications of the DSM-5 diagnostic changes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781462517473
Publisher:	Guilford Publications, Inc.
Publication date:	11/14/2014
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	308
Sales rank:	110,626
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

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 early 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 and Brain Development 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, Director of the Developmental Disabilities Clinic, and Associate Director of the Developmental Electrophysiology Laboratory at the Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. McPartland's research focuses on the clinical neuroscience of autism spectrum disorders from infancy through adulthood. He is a recipient of honors including the Behavioral Science Track Award for Rapid Transition and a Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award from the National Institute of Mental Health, the NARSAD Atherton Young Investigator Award, the Young Investigator Award from the International Society for Autism Research, and the Klerman Prize for Exceptional Achievement in Clinical Research from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.

Table of Contents

I. Understanding High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
1. What Is High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder?
2. The Diagnostic Process
3. Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder
4. Treatments for High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
II. Living with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
5. Channeling Your Child's Strengths: A Guiding Principle
6. High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder at Home
7. High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder at School
8. The Social World of Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
9. Looking Ahead: High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder in Late Adolescence and Adulthood
Resources
References

Interviews

Parents of children (ages 2 to 15) with high-functioning ASD; also of interest to health care professionals and educators.

Editorial Reviews

"You know an excellent book when it generously delivers on both the title and the subtitle’s promises….This book is one that truly follows through.The book is outstanding when it comes to helping parents in turn help their child on the spectrum. The authors present a powerfully humanistic perspective on the cognitive, behavioral, and social idiosyncrasies of high-functioning autismand they manage to reframe these symptoms as characteristics. This allows the reader to see these aspects as strengths that are ripe for utilization….You could say this book has two audiences: children with high-functioning autism, and their parents. Ozonoff, Dawson, and McPartland take great care of both communities.”

PsychCentral

"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, Department of Psychology, University of Washington; Director, Research on Early Autism Detection and Intervention (READi) Lab

“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 on the reading list I give my clinical students in child psychology and psychiatry.”—Tony Charman, PhD, Chair in Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, United Kingdom

"This is the book that I recommend you read first after receiving your child's diagnosis—you'll find researched treatments, strategies, and resources to begin helping your son or daughter right away. It will help you prioritize and chart the course for 'what's next.' The authors emphasize how gaining a deeper understanding of your child's strengths, talents, and preferences can help you create meaningful supports as he or she grows into adulthood."—Lynne Weissmann, mother of an adult with Asperger syndrome

From the Publisher

"This is a really great book for parents….It is upbeat, positive, practical, and succeeds in being both jargon free and highly informative....Unlike many books for parents, this is very well referenced, has a good index, and is also full of useful information about relevant websites, newsletters and special centers. In short, although...it is a parents’ guide, the book is likely to be equally helpful to clinicians and educators working in this area, providing them with strategies that they themselves can use, as well as a host of practical approaches that they can pass on to parents." (on the first edition)

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry

"The positive approach of this book will be encouraging to parents and will also be very practical. I have recommended this book to the parents of affected children with whom I have worked and also to my graduate students who are eager to better understand the world of children with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism." (on the first edition)

Child Neuropsychology

"A valuable resource. It not only informs readers but also leaves them with a sense of hope. They will realize that it is possible for children with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism to lead full and happy lives." (on the first edition)

Family Ministry