Description

Autism seems to be on the increase. According to some estimates, 1 in 110 children are affected, with varying degrees of severity. Caring for an autistic child can be a constant challenge, with daily stresses and frustrations. In this book Fiona Marshall provides a wealth of useful information and encouragement for parents and carers.

Topics covered include

• The autistic spectrum (including Asperger's syndrome)
• Causes of autism
• Treatments
• Biochemical and other therapies
• Diet
• Making the best of everyday living
• Behaviour and discipline
• Stress, and your feelings
• Families and friends
• Where to get help

Autistic children have their own values and ways of being. Autism can't be 'cured', but this book shows parents and carers, and their families and friends, how to begin to overcome the difficulties they live with, and build a loving and close relationship based on acceptance and understanding.

Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1. Understanding autism
2. The autistic spectrum
3. Causes of autism
4. Diagnosis
5. Treatments
6. Biochemical and other therapies
7. Social communication — helping your child
8. Everyday living
9. Behaviour and discipline
10. Stress and your feelings
11. Family and friends
12. Help

Conclusion                                                                                                                                     Further reading                                                                                                                                      Useful addresses                                                                                                                                 Index

About the author

Fiona Marshall has written widely on health, psychology and parenting. She is the author of eight books, six of them for Sheldon Press, and also a novel.