Could It Be Autism?: A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps

by Nancy Wiseman, Kim Painter Koffsky

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s social, emotional, or behavioral development, you’re not alone. The number of children affected by autism—an umbrella term for a wide spectrum of disorders that includes “classic” autism, Asperger's syndrome, and Rett syndrome—is growing every year. Most children are not diagnosed until they start school. But developmental problems can be recognized in infants as young as four months old. Early intervention can vastly improve a child’s chances for a successful outcome and recovery. Could It Be Autism? provides vital information so you can recognize the red flags of developmental delays and begin treatment based on those first signs.

Nancy Wiseman is the founder and president of First Signs, the organization dedicated to educating parents, clinicians, and physicians on the early identification of and intervention for developmental delays. She is also the mother of a child who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, and she draws on her own experiences as well as the latest research to present real strategies. Emphasizing warning signs, she describes the most important milestones at each stage of a child’s growth, including things parents and pediatricians often overlook. She also empowers parents to act on their instincts and initial concern, rather than to “wait and see,” which is often encouraged.

The book explains the steps parents can take to confirm or rule out a developmental delay or disorder. It details various diagnoses and show how sometimes multiple diagnoses may apply. But even more valuable is the information on how to design and implement the best intervention plan based on a child’s unique developmental profile. Different treatments and therapies are outlined so parents can explore and understand what may work best for their child, based on his or her particular strengths and weaknesses.

Ultimately, Could It Be Autism? is about giving parents hope--hope that they can know one way or the other where their child is developmentally and hope that they can give their child what he or she needs to have the best life possible.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2006

Reviews

[Max Hanawalt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book frames autism in a negative light. It’s not horrible but much of the information is outdated. Don’t waste your time.

[steve chun · Rating 4 out of 5]

1 in 166 children are born with a learning disabilty, and now cdc says up to 1 in 250 children are born with autism. causes seem to range everywhere from tv (a recent study by cornell prof too) to heavy metal poisoning during pregnancy. this book in a very readable and interesting way presents the case of autism, what it is, and how to treat. this book is also an effective handbook of how to fight for your child's right to learn. usa and states have alot of support for autistic students. many states have welfare to pay everything from occupational therapy to teach your kids how to speak to pay for special one on one education with a qualifed teacher. the book is also very encouraging with its many success stories. this topic was scary to me becaue the rate of autism is increasing; it is very likely for one of our children to be so. and i thought it was incurable, or the benefits small for any therapy, but it isnt. the sooner it is diagnosed, and it can be diagnosed even before 18 mo., the higher the chance that your child can have a normal childhood. highly recommended for parents or friends of parents with autistic children :)

[Tanika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Especially for parents or others who are just learning about developmental disabilities, autism, and other neurological issues and the oftentimes associated problems. I found this book empowering, uplifting and a great resource for all. I like the fact that the author has been through it all and that she has a lot resources noted so we can become even more educated and find the right path for their kids. It has also been great and empowering to read what other parents of children with autism and other disorders have gone through. Thanks to this book and our early intervention specialists who shared this book with us, we know what we need ask and fight for, we know that our child has rights and we are less afraid...I recommend this book to everyone.

[Brandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am just finishing this book, and it has been a really good, unbiased look at what to do after finding out that your child may have autism.
It is informative, without being biased toward any one type of treatment or diagnostic tool. The author is informed, and understanding, as the parent of an autistic daughter.
The book is a great 'what to expect' guide for a time that can be so overwhelming for parents.

[Leigh M]

Reading this at/for my new job. Good info for passing on to parents about accepting that their child's behaviors have a name, and the name (label, diagnosis, etc) never overshadows their child's strengths and uniqueness as a person.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hopeful read for parents who are new to the spectrum! Plenty of information and resources.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

written 2006 for the usa, outdated now

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great resource for parents!