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Once a diagnosis of autism is made, a myriad of questions arises. Why is this happening? What can I do? How will I cope? What will the future bring? Will I ever smile again?
A roadmap is needed, a handbook to refer to when all seems overwhelming. The priorities are to begin the healing process and to start treatment. The way to ensure success is to begin with the end goals in mind. It is remarkable how things fall into place once a vision of the future is formulated – a productive, upstanding, and most important, happy adult!
The Autism Parent Handbook walks parents through the steps of early intervention by demonstrating ways to achieve the most optimal outcomes. We address the following:
Wherever a parent is on their parenting journey, and whatever age the child is, now is the time to look forward and plant seeds for the future, beginning with the end in mind. Our shared goal is to honor the glory that is in all of us, and to enhance each child’s journey towards their fullest potential. If you are now confused and overwhelmed, you need a compassionate and optimistic guide for the early years and beyond. Where to start? Right here.
FOREWORD by Temple Grandin
PREFACE: Begin with the End in Mind
PART I FIRST STEPS: They Say it’s Autism…What Does That Mean?
Chapter 1 Hearing the News
Chapter 2 Responding to the News
Chapter 3 Looking Forward
PART II HOME BASE: Create an Environment that Works for Everyone
Chapter 4 Home, Safe Home
Chapter 5 Home, Sweet Classroom
Chapter 6 Home, Sweet Home
PART III HEALTHY HABITS START AT HOME: The Right Path from Day One
Chapter 7 Nutrition Needs
Chapter 8 Exercise Needs
Chapter 9 Sleep Needs
Chapter 10 Stimulation Needs
Chapter 11 The Well-Child Check-Up
PART IV LEARN TO LOVE THE PARADE: Get the Most out of Your Team
Chapter 12 Who Are All These People?
Chapter 13 What Should My Child Be Learning?
Chapter 14 What Shouldn’t My Child Be Learning?
PART V OUT AND ABOUT: Venturing Forth into the Community
Chapter 15 The Unwritten Rules of the Park and Playground
Chapter 16 How to Go to the Grocery Store Without Going Crazy
Chapter 17 Navigating Barber Shops, Dentists’ Offices, and the Rest of the World
Chapter 18 Safety First…But What if They Get Lost Anyway?
PART VI EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER: When There is No Emoji to Express What They Feel
Chapter 19 Negative Feelings: Anxiety, Anger, Sadness
Chapter 20 Positive Feelings: Joy, Delight, Ecstasy
Chapter 21 Strategies for Dealing with Overstimulation
PART VII SCHOOL DAYS: Navigating the IEP Process
Chapter 22 What is an IEP, Anyway?
Chapter 23 Transition: Vocational
PART VIII TRANSITIONS: Look the Future in the Eye Without Blinking
Chapter 24 Pre-Adolescence and the Dreaded Teen Years
Chapter 25 Transition Planning: Educational
Chapter 26 Transition Planning: Financial
Chapter 27 Transition Planning: Recreational
PART IX PARENTS AND CHILDREN IN THE TIME OF COVID
POSTSCRIPT: CONGRATULATIONS! You Are on the Right Track and Moving Forward
RESOURCES
ABOUT THE AUTHORS