Making Sense of Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Making Sense of Autistic Spectrum Disorders: In this authoritative and empowering book, one of the world's leading experts on early child development gives caregivers of children on the autistic spectrum the knowledge they need to navigate the complex maze of symptoms, diagnoses, tests, and treatment options that await them. ong>Forong> more than thirty years, James Coplan, M.D., has been helping families cope with the challenges posed by autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Each family that walks into his office, he knows, is about to begin a journey. With this book, he lays out the steps of that journey. Dr. Coplan brings you into the treatment rooms and along ong>forong> the tests and evaluations, and provides the kind of practical hands-on guidance that will help you help your child with ASD through every phase of life.At a time when ASD has become the subject of wild theories and uninong>forong>med speculation, Dr. Coplan grounds his recommendations in reality. He helps you understand ong>forong> yourself where your child may be on the spectrum that includes autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified. His clear, comprehensive, and compassionate advice prepares you to make inong>forong>med medical decisions, evaluate the various educational and therapeutic alternatives, and find answers to such fundamental questions as* How do I optimize my child's long-term potential * Which interventions will best serve my child * How do the various therapies work, and what is the evidence to support them * What is the best way to teach my child This book empowers you to be an expert advocate ong>forong> your child, so that you'll know when to say no to an ill-advised therapy or medication and can make with confidence the hundreds of important decisions you will face in the years ahead. ong>Forong> every parent who has made the painful transition from ' Why did this happen ' to ' What can we do to help our child,' here is the indispensable guidebook you've been waiting ong>forong>.From the Hardcover edition.