Beyond the Autism Diagnosis

A Professional's Guide to Helping Families

Marion O'Brien, Ph.D., Julie A. Daggett, Ph.D.

K-12

The authors reflect on excerpts from dozens of interviews with more than 60 families of children with autism, uncovering parents' needs, concerns, beliefs, and dreams.

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After a child's autism diagnosis, how can therapists, educators, and early interventionists best support parents and caregivers? This book is filled with the first-hand parent feedback professionals need to answer this critical question. Building on their research project that captured the experiences of more than 60 families, the authors reflect on excerpts from dozens of interviews that reveal parents' needs, concerns, beliefs, and dreams. Through these candid revelations and the authors' expert commentary, professionals will increase their understanding of the parent experience so they can provide the best possible services for children and families. Readers will discover invaluable insights they'll use to

• avoid misunderstandings and communicate accurately and sensitively
• understand parents' complex emotions and perceptions
• nurture strong, respectful partnerships with parents
• conduct effective assessment and intervention
• demystify assessment results for parents
• assist families in choosing and evaluating intervention services
• help families manage the short- and long-term issues that arise when parenting a child with ASD
• increase their own awareness of the vocabulary of autism and the facts and mysteries of the disorder

Essential reading for students, new professionals, and established practitioners alike, this incisive, accessible guide gives readers something they can't get elsewhere — a deep understanding of parents' needs and feelings, directly from over 60 families with firsthand experience.

Reviews

Ilene Schwartz, Professor and Chair, Area of Special Education, University of Washington

• "A helpful, hopeful volume that belongs on the bookshelf of every student studying children with ASD and every professional working with children with ASD and their families."

Robert Naseef, Psychologist, author of Special Children, Challenged Parents, co-editor, Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People With Autism, and Professionals Share Their Wisdom.

• "With keen insight and sensitivity, O'Brien and Daggert have produced an essential guide . . . well attuned to the needs of all who care for children with [autism]."

Andi Ives, Parent and Coordinator, Family Support Network of Central Carolina

• "Bridges the gap that often exists between the professionals committed to helping children with autism and the parents who love them. Professionals who read this book will come away with a new understanding of the frustrations, joys and challenges many parents face in their journey through the world of autism."

Paula Kluth

• "Finally, a book on diagnosis and service delivery that puts families and their expertise at the center of the discussion! . . . The words and ideas of parents themselves make this a must-have resource."

Mary McHugh, Author of Special Siblings: Growing Up with Someone with a Disability

• "Invaluable . . . not only identifies the concerns of families with a child with a disability in all areas of life but provides specific strategies for dealing with them."

: Advance for Physical Therapists & PT Assistants

• "Personal, applicable, and easy to read...truly helps explain the origins of potential conflicts and miscommunication that can occur between parents and professionals."