Does My Child Have Autism?: A Parent�s Guide to Early Detection and Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorders

by Wendy L. Stone and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo

Book Overview

Does My Child Have Autism? is a question so many parents are asking themselves today. Is he avoiding eye contact? Why can't she talk? Is my child's development normal or does he have an Autism Spectrum Disorder? Parents know that if their child is somewhere on that spectrum, they need to intervene as early as possible to maximize the benefits of early intervention. This groundbreaking book, by one of the foremost experts, teachers, and clinicians...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0787984507
• ISBN13: 9780787984502
• Release Date: March 2006
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Does My Child have Autism?

This book is a very easy to read and understand guide for parents and teachers. It clearly states the signs of Autism and the importance of early intervention in a nonthreating way for parents. The end of the book gives tips for teachers and parents to help their children deal with this condition.

great starting point

I read this book when our state EI specialists told us that our son had developmental delays, but they weren't sure if he was autistic or not (he had symptoms both ways). It was a great place to start for me and helped me formulate questions for the therapist and the developmental peditrician (our next stop). I really liked the chapter on how to help your child at home. I also enjoyed the real examples and advice from parents.

Good start but see a Dr. too

An excellent book to get you started down what could be a very long road. It might be helpful to know ahead of going to see a developmental pediatrician that your child might have a developmental disorder. However I would not use this book as the end all and to diagnose (and I don't think the author would either). Once you know for sure (after getting the diagnosis from your Doctor) try "Overcoming Autism" as a next step book. And settle in for a lot of reading. Stay away from the "simple cure" books too. There is a lot (too much) information out there. Take it one step at a time and talk to other parents too.

Excellent resource for parents of young children with possible Autism

I am an employee of the school system and work with many youth who have autism. I frequently look for resources to recommend to parents so they can educate themselves about Autism and better help their child in the home environment. Wendy Stone's book would be very helpful for parents who suspect possible Autism in their young child (Under 4 years of age). It discusses what goes into the diagnosis, and emphasizes the point that parents and practitioners can't dwell on one unusual behavior or deficit when considering a diagnosis (as it involves a cluster of behaviors displayed to a certain degree). The book also discusses strategies for parents to help their children in the home environment. A strength of the book, is that it has accounts from a family as they go through the process of diagnosis and treatment. Also, the book informs the reader of what to expect during the evaluation process, and includes frequently asked questions.

A Learning Experience

I work in the field of developmental disabilities and am a follower of recent studies and books that come out on various disabilities. Dr. Stone's book is not only educational, but is to-the-point. It is full of figures/tables to help explain the difference of the different spectrum disorders, frequently asked questions, and examples from parents with a child with autism or PDD-NOS. I would highly recommend this book if you are just trying to educate yourself about autism, or if you are truly wondering if your child does, indeed, have autism. The book is well-written and easy for the "lay person" to understand and interpret.