Introduction 1
         Part 1: The Basics 5
         Questions 1–12 provide background information for understanding autism, covering
         such topics as:
         ■
         What is autism?
         ■
         What is the prognosis for children with autism?
         Part 2: Diagnosing Autism
         37
         Questions 13–21 describe the symptoms of autism and discuss how autism is
         diagnosed:
         ■
         Are there risk factors for autism?
         ■
         What are some symptoms a parent should look for?
         ■
         How do doctors diagnose autism?
         Part 3: Autism Crisis
         63
         Questions 22–27 address the controversy over the reported rising incidence rate of
         autism, as well as the roles of vaccines and mercury:
         ■
         What have studies found regarding vaccinations and autism?
         ■
         What should a parent do about childhood immunizations?
         ■
         Is mercury exposure dangerous?
         Part 4: Autism Therapies and Treatments
         81
         Questions 28–35 describe the types of treatments available for autism and address the
         challenges of evaluating treatment options:
         ■
         How will I know if a new therapy is right for my child?
         ■
         Are there therapies besides ABA that are useful?
         Part 5: Medication and the Treatment of Autism
         99
         Questions 36–43 cover common symptoms, side effects, and complications of autism
         and its treatment:
         ■
         Are medications useful in treating the behavioral problems of autistic children?
         ■
         What types of medications are used to treat autistic children?
         ■
         How are anxiety and depression treated in an autistic person?
         Part 6: Alternative Treatment for Autism
         115
         Questions 44–50 discuss complementary and alternative treatments for autism:
         ■
         Is there any harm in trying unproven treatments on my child?
         ■
         Are dietary interventions helpful to autistic children?
         Part 7: State and Federal Entitlement Programs
         131
         Questions 51–59 address entitlement programs for disabled children:
         ■
         What is SSI?
         ■
         How does the government decide if a child is disabled?
         ■
         What health care services are available to my child?
         Part 8: Caring for Your Child After You’re Gone
         147
         Questions 60–69 discuss wills, trusts, and guardianship:
         ■
         What is a will?
         ■
         What is a special needs trust?
         ■
         What is guardianship?
         Part 9: Education of Autistic Children
         161
         Questions 70–79 discuss educational resources available for autistic children:
         ■
         What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act?
         ■
         What is special education?
         ■
         How do I choose the best special education program for my child?
         Part 10: Living with Autism
         183
         Questions 80–94 address the challenges of daily life with an autistic child:
         ■
         What are some tips for parenting kids with autism?
         ■
         How can I help my other children form a relationship with their autistic sibling?
         ■
         How do I make my home safe for my autistic child?
         Part 11: Stress
         219
         Questions 95–99 discuss coping with the stress of autism:
         ■
         What are some ways that parents can reduce their stress?
         ■
         What can I do about my children’s stress?
         Appendix
         233
         Question 100 is a list of web sites, organizations, and literature to help families
         of autistic people find additional resources on general and specific topics related
         to autism.
         Glossary
         Index
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