Working with Parents of a Newly Diagnosed Child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Guide for Professionals

Sylvia Rodger, Deb Keen

$48.00

Publication Date: January 15th, 2012

Publisher:

Jessica Kingsley Publishers

ISBN:

9781849051200

Pages:

256

Description

Finding out that a child has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can put an enormous strain on families, and the quality of support offered by professionals at this time can make a huge difference to how they adjust to the news. This book comprehensively sets out the type of support that is most beneficial to families immediately following an ASD diagnosis, and will equip professionals with the information and tools they need to best provide that support.

The authors provide all of the key information professionals supporting families at the time of an ASD diagnosis need to know about the diagnostic criteria of ASD, key characteristics, aetiology, prevalence, and prognosis, and explain how to pass on accurate and meaningful information to families, and how to build effective family-professional partnerships. Drawing on extensive research and interviews with 50 families of children with ASD, they provide strategies for helping families understand the options and make informed choices about early intervention programs, set realistic goals, develop effective parenting strategies that build upon the strengths and capacities of the child, and strengthen family support networks.

This is an essential resource for any professional involved in supporting families at the time of, or immediately following, an ASD diagnosis, including psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, general medical practitioners, and educators.

About the Author

Deb Keen is Professor and Associate Dean Research at Australian Catholic University, Australia and has worked with children and adults with ASD and their families, as a psychologist and researcher, for over thirty years. Deb has an undergraduate degree in Psychology, a Bachelor of Special Education, a Master of Arts in Education from George Washington University and PhD in Education from the University of Queensland. She has published extensively in the area of developmental disabilities and autism. Sylvia Rodger is Professor and Head of Division of Occupational Therapy at the University of Queensland, Australia. She holds an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy, masters in special education and a doctorate in occupational therapy. Sylvia has 30 years of experience as an occupational therapists and worked with families with children with ASD during ten years of private practice, and more recently through her involvement in research projects aimed at building stronger families with a child with ASD.