Description
- Written from the unique perspective of a psychiatrist who specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and father of a child with ASD;
- Discusses the effect of ASD on the whole family, not just the patient involved, and the grieving process that comes with it; and
- Covers diagnosis, medications, treatments, lifestyle, the educational system and legal issues surrounding ASD, including guardianship
When a professional states, “Your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)”, it is enough to make your whole world fall apart. What does it mean to be on the autism spectrum? How will this affect your child’s life, your life, the life of your family, and others you interact with? What sorts of medications, therapies, and alternative methods are used to help manage the disorder? What are the financial and legal ramifications? How will this affect schooling, your spiritual growth, and everyday life? These are just a few of the questions that will rapidly cross your mind.
Caring for Autism: Practical Advice from a Parent and Physician delves into all these questions and more. As the father of a daughter with ASD and as a trained psychiatrist who specializes in ASD, Dr. Michael A. Ellis provides a holistic view of what comes after diagnosis. In user-friendly tones, he answers the most commonly asked questions about what it’s actually like to live with ASD, what medications and therapies are available, and the global impact it has on the child’s environment. With the help of his wife, Lori Layton Ellis, to provide a mother’s perspective, Dr. Ellis shares personal stories of their 10-year journey in order to provide insight and support for anyone – patient, parent, caregiver – traversing the difficulties of autism.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Contributor List
Chapter 1: A Father’s Perspective on Autism
My Child’s Diagnosis
Why Did This Happen to My Child
Lessons Learned
Chapter 2: A Mother’s Perspective on Autism
By Lori Layton Ellis, BS, MPH
Chapter 3: Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
History of Autism
The Symptoms of ASD
Diagnoses That Mimic ASD
Common Comorbid Disorders
Screening and Diagnostic Instruments
Medical Work-Up of Your Child
Other Referrals Needed
Chapter 4: What Causes Autism?
Possible Causes of Autism
Brain Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Genetic Causes
Environmental Causes
OBGYN Recommendations
Chapter 5: Autism’s Effect on the Whole Family
Impact of ASD on the Family
Parenting Efficacy (Am I A Good Parent?)
Parenting Stress
The Effect of ASD on Parents’ Health
Hardships of Parenting a Child with ASD
How Environment Affects the Child with ASD
ASD’s Impact on Siblings
The Cost of ASD
Quality of Life and Well-Being
What Should I Do?
Coping and Acceptance
Social Support
Interventions/ Therapies
Chapter 6: Psychopharmacology- Should I use Medications for My Child?
What Symptoms Can Be Treated with Medications?
Stimulants
Nonstimulants
Other Medications That May Be Used Off-Label for ADHD
Atypical (Second-Generation) Antipsychotic Medications
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Antiepileptic (Anticonvulsant) Drugs
Glutamatergic and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acidergic Agents
Cholinergic Agents
Oxytocin
Other Agents
Sleep
Pharmacogenetic Testing
Chapter 7: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies (CAM) for ASD
Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Diet
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamin B6
Artificial Food Colors
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Chemical Chelation
Melatonin
Cannabis (THC) Oil
Tips on the Use of CAM
Chapter 8: Non-Medication Therapies for ASD
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
Developmental Relationship-Based Approaches
Comprehensive Treatment Models for Early Intervention for Preschool Children
Parent Training
Social Skills Groups
TEACCH Program
Speech Therapy
General Recommendations
Chapter 9: The Educational System and ASD
Disciplinary Action
11 Important Points for IEPs
Predictors of Your Child’s Educational Success
Chapter 10: Long-Term Planning and Legal Issues
Health Insurance
Medicaid Waiver Programs
Guardianship
Special Needs Trust
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance/ Disabled
Adult Child Benefits (SSDI)
Chapter 11: Stages of Grief, Spirituality, and Religion
Meaning-Making Theory of Grief
Religion in the Individual with ASD
Chapter 12: Navigating the Journey
About the Author
Index
