GETTING THE BEST FOR YOUR CHIL

Bryna Siegel, PhD, is a developmental psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, USA and director of its Autism Clinic. She has worked with children with autism and their families for the past 25 years, and participated in the development of the nationally used diagnostic standard for the disorder. Dr. Siegel lectures frequently to parents and professionals, and has served as a consultant to school districts across the United States. Her previous books include the bestselling The World of the Autistic Child.

As the parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder, you need an informed, caring advocate who can deftly guide you through the complex maze of treatment options. In this empowering resource, bestselling author Bryna Siegel--one of the world's leading authorities on the disorder--helps you zero in on proven strategies and tailor them to fit your child's unique needs. Like no other book, "Getting the Best for Your Child with Autism" shows how to get an accurate assessment of your child's strengths and weaknesses so you can develop a plan of action suited to his or her individual learning style, interests, verbal abilities, and social skills. You'll learn what services you're entitled to, how to determine what's right for your family, and ways to work effectively with doctors and school professionals. With Dr. Siegel as your ally, you can help your child learn and grow.

Introduction. Part I: Mapping the Road to the Best Treatment: How to Get a Thorough Diagnosis. Off to a Good Start: Timely Screening Will Set You on the Path to Help. Getting Your Footing: What a Diagnosis Can (and Should) Do for You and Your Child. Setting a Course: Navigating the Diagnostic Process to Emerge with a Plan. Part II: Outfitting Yourself to Help Your Child. The Balanced Family: "Adjust Your Own Face Mask Before Attempting to Help Others." Becoming an Informed Consumer: Getting Your "Personal Best" in Services and Providers. Part III: Putting it Together: Matching Your Child's Learning Needs with the Treatments That Can Help. Learning Deficits, Learning Styles: What Does Your Child Need? Core Treatments for Autism: Which Interventions Will Meet Your Child's Needs? The Customized Course: Additional Strategies That Target Specific Needs. Part IV: On the Road: Getting Out There to Get What You Need. Dobel, Navigating the Legal Byways: Entitlements That Foster Learning. Sharing the Driving: The Rights and Responsibilities of a Collaborative Parent. Resources.