Working with Parents of a Newly Diagnosed Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Guide for Professionals

Finding out that a child has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can put an enormous strain on families, and the quality of support offered by professionals at this time can make a huge difference to how they adjust to the news. This book comprehensively sets out the type of support that is most beneficial to families immediately following an ASD diagnosis, and will equip professionals with the information and tools they need to best provide that support.

The authors provide all of the key information professionals supporting families at the time of an ASD diagnosis need to know about the diagnostic criteria of ASD, key characteristics, aetiology, prevalence, and prognosis, and explain how to pass on accurate and meaningful information to families, and how to build effective family-professional partnerships. Drawing on extensive research and interviews with 50 families of children with ASD, they provide strategies for helping families understand the options and make informed choices about early intervention programs, set realistic goals, develop effective parenting strategies that build upon the strengths and capacities of the child, and strengthen family support networks. This is an essential resource for any professional involved in supporting families at the time of, or immediately following, an ASD diagnosis, including psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, general medical practitioners, and educators.

Table of Contents

Preface.

Foreword by Professor Margot Prior.

1. Supporting Families Following Diagnosis: An Introduction to Key Principles and Concepts.
2. About ASD.
3. Parent-Professional Partnerships.
4. Establishing Parental Priorities.
5. Provision of Information to Parents.
6. Home-Based Parenting Strategies - The Building Blocks.
7. About Communication and Behaviour.
8. About Play.
9. About Sensory Issues and their Management.
10. Early Intervention Options and Choices.

Index.

Preamble to Appendix A. Inventory of Potential: Communicative Acts.

Appendix A. Inventory of Potential Communicative Acts.

"A practical guide for professionals, from many disciplines, that includes a thorough review of the research literature, and the personal experiences and wisdom of the authors and parents. It will be one of the most read and valuable resources in the library of early intervention services and professionals specialising in autism spectrum disorders."
- Tony Attwood, Author and Professor, Minds & Hearts clinic, Brisbane, Australia

"Chapters can be read individually, yet it is an inspiring and informative book, read as a whole... With its multidisciplinary approach (authors coming from the fields of Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Education) this book is both relevant and valuable for all professionals working and supporting families whose child has been diagnosed with ASD."
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy

"This is a scholarly book, which is well referenced and focused on the early stages -post-diagnosis. This is a crucial time and the chapters of the book reflect how important it is... This is a book that should be read by any professional who is connected with children who are on the autism spectrum. Anything that can instil good practice and make it available to a wider professional audience is to be applauded... Anybody who works with parents of a child with an autism spectrum disorder should have access to this book so that they can refresh the advice that they give and outline the options that are available."
- Nasen Special