Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Parent Needs to Know

by Alan I. Rosenblatt, Paul S. Carbone

This guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics offers authoritative, accessible advice that parents can trust. Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Parent Needs to Know helps parents understand how ASDs are defined and diagnosed and offers an overview of the most current behavioral and developmental therapies. Topics covered include: symptoms, frequency, and types of ASDs; accessing care; services in the community; behavioral and developmental treatment; the role of complementary and alternative medicine; screening tools; and adolescence and transitioning into adulthood. Parents will also find inspirational and relatable stories from other parents, helping them feel less alone.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Parenting, Nonfiction

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Lara Ebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of good information, but more geared to children who are non verbal or have other severe symptoms.

[Tiffany Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative about autism, therapies and services available, programs, advocacy, how it can affect your family, etc.

[Samantha Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very similar to the survival guide I posted prior. It's written by experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This versions publishing date is 2012. There are excerpts from experts and it shares quite a few stories about people the book calls Autism Champions. Medication, therapies (this includes Advanced Behavioral Analysis aka ABA therapy as well) roles of complementary and alternative medicine, adolescence and beyond are a few things covered in here. At the end of the book you'll find several types of resources. It had quite a bit of information I hadn't already read and it also elaborated on some information I was familiar with as well. In regards to education about ASD I give it a solid 3.5/ 4 🌟

[A.B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this in 2024 when it was published in 2013 is interesting. It was right on the cusp of the change to a Spectrum as well as the start of the Affordable Care Act. It is still very useful to this day, but some of it is outdated.

[Jocelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive and helpful, but not as helpful (to me) as detailed information about brain function and first-person accounts of what it's like to have autism.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great deal of helpful advice for parents of children on the autism spectrum. However the chapter on medications is not completely up to date.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very helpful. I felt it gave good overall information on Autism (symptoms, treatments, services, resources, etc.) from very young children through adulthood. The authors definitely had an opinion on what types of treatments they preferred... but did discuss all different types of treatments with pros and cons. It did get a little overwhelming since it covers information through adulthood-- and my ASD son is still young-- but it was good to start thinking about what might be in our future and I think this could be a good resource to review down the road.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful overview of autism spectrum disorders. Though mainly geared toward American readers, it still has many useful tips and pointers for parents, caregivers, and teachers of people on the autism spectrum.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

written 2013 by USA pediatricians. Good book ..medical point of view pooh poohs alternative therapies.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

very informative.

[Judy Desetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just read the parts that would apply to Landon. Some info was not applicable but some was worth reading.

[Chantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a resource! Up to date information, personal stories, scientific date, topics covered in detail and in depth... 5 stars.

[Jennifer Beatson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ableist