Packed with real-life stories and everyday problem-solving ideas, this book has given many tens of thousands of parents the facts they need about high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including Asperger syndrome. The authors are leading experts who describe ways to work with these kids' unique impairments and capabilities so they can grow into happy, self-sufficient adults. Parents learn practical strategies for helping their son or daughter relate more comfortably to peers, learn the rules of appropriate behavior, and succeed in school. The book also discusses what scientists currently know about ASD and how it is diagnosed, as well as what treatments and educational supports have been shown to work. Updated with the latest research, resources, and clinical strategies, the second edition clearly explains the diagnostic changes in DSM-5. Reviews: “This is a really great book for parents….It is upbeat, positive, practical, and succeeds in being both jargon free and highly informative....Unlike many books for parents, this is very well referenced, has a good index, and is also full of useful information about relevant websites, newsletters, videotapes and special centers. In short, although marketed as a parents’ guide, the book is likely to be equally helpful to clinicians and educators working in this area, providing them with strategies that they themselves can use, as well as a host of practical approaches that they can pass on to parents.” —Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (on the first edition) “A valuable resource. It not only informs readers but also leaves them with a sense of hope. They will realize that it is possible for children with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism to lead full and happy lives.” —Family Ministry (on the first edition) “The positive approach of this book will be encouraging to parents and will also be very practical. I have recommended this book to the parents of affected children with whom I have worked and also to my graduate students who are eager to better understand the world of children with Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism.” —Child Neuropsychology (on the first edition) “Parents and clinicians alike will be hard-pressed to find a finer guide and resource.*****” —Doody's Review Service (on the first edition) “Throughout, readers will find excellent examples and solutions to basic problems; also included are numerous instances of older children who went beyond basic communication issues to social situations such as dating, school, living on their own, and employment. Most books on AS/HFA focus on early intervention and basic skills, but this book offers help for older children and adults as well, making it very valuable. Strongly recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with autism or education collections.” —Library Journal (on the first edition) “I really like how this book emphasizes building on the talents and strengths of a person with high-functioning autism. It contains many useful case histories and combines both scientific and practical information for parents, teachers, and other professionals.” —Temple Grandin, PhD, author of Thinking in Pictures “What an immensely readable and empowering book! It contains everything a parent needs to know in order to understand, support, and advocate for a child with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. The authors are leaders in the field—sensitive and compassionate clinicians as well as highly respected clinical researchers. This second edition provides practical insights and useful strategies that are well grounded in the most current scientific knowledge.” —Wendy L. Stone, PhD, Director, READI Lab: Research in Early Autism Detection and Intervention, University of Washington, Seattle Contents: I. Understanding High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
1. What Is High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder?
2. The Diagnostic Process
3. Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorder
4. Treatments for High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
II. Living with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
5. Channeling Your Child's Strengths: A Guiding Principle
6. High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder at Home
7. High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder at School
8. The Social World of Children and Adolescents with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
9. Looking Ahead: High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder in Late Adolescence and Adulthood
Resources
References About the Authors: Sally Ozonoff, PhD, is Endowed Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Psychiatry and the MIND Institute—a national center for the study and treatment of ASD—at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Ozonoff is widely known for her research and teaching in the areas of diagnosis and assessment of ASD, and has an active clinical practice. Geraldine Dawson, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Duke Center for Autism Diagnosis and Treatment at Duke University. She served as Founding Director of the University of Washington Autism Center. An internationally recognized autism expert with a focus on early detection, intervention, and brain plasticity in autism, Dr. Dawson is a passionate advocate for families. She is coauthor of An Early Start for Your Child with Autism. James C. McPartland, PhD, is Assistant Professor at the Yale Child Study Center and Director of the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic. He has worked with children with ASD and their families for more than 15 years. Dr. McPartland's award-winning research focuses on brain processes in ASD, with the goal of developing new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. | 
