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 ContentsAcknowledgementsContributor ListChapter 1: A Father's Perspective on AutismMy Child's DiagnosisWhy Did This Happen to My ChildLessons LearnedChapter 2: A Mother's Perspective on AutismBy Lori Layton Ellis, BS, MPHChapter 3: Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum DisorderHistory of AutismThe Symptoms of ASDDiagnoses That Mimic ASDCommon Comorbid DisordersScreening and Diagnostic InstrumentsMedical Work-Up of Your ChildOther Referrals NeededChapter 4: What Causes Autism?Possible Causes of AutismBrain Differences in Autism Spectrum DisorderGenetic CausesEnvironmental CausesOBGYN RecommendationsChapter 5: Autism's Effect on the Whole FamilyImpact of ASD on the FamilyParenting Efficacy (Am I A Good Parent?)Parenting StressThe Effect of ASD on Parents' HealthHardships of Parenting a Child with ASDHow Environment Affects the Child with ASDASD's Impact on SiblingsThe Cost of ASDQuality of Life and Well-BeingWhat Should I Do?Coping and AcceptanceSocial SupportInterventions/ TherapiesChapter 6: Psychopharmacology- Should I use Medications for My Child?What Symptoms Can Be Treated with Medications?StimulantsNonstimulantsOther Medications That May Be Used Off-Label for ADHDAtypical (Second-Generation) Antipsychotic MedicationsSelective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)Antiepileptic (Anticonvulsant) DrugsGlutamatergic and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acidergic AgentsCholinergic AgentsOxytocinOther AgentsSleepPharmacogenetic TestingChapter 7: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies (CAM) for ASDGluten-Free/Casein-Free DietOmega-3 Fatty AcidsVitamin B6Artificial Food ColorsHyperbaric Oxygen TherapyChemical ChelationMelatoninCannabis (THC) OilTips on the Use of CAMChapter 8: Non-Medication Therapies for ASDApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA)Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)Developmental Relationship-Based ApproachesComprehensive Treatment Models for Early Intervention for Preschool ChildrenParent TrainingSocial Skills GroupsTEACCH ProgramSpeech TherapyGeneral RecommendationsChapter 9: The Educational System and ASDDisciplinary Action11 Important Points for IEPsPredictors of Your Child's Educational SuccessChapter 10: Long-Term Planning and Legal IssuesHealth InsuranceMedicaid Waiver ProgramsGuardianshipSpecial Needs TrustSupplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance/ DisabledAdult Child Benefits (SSDI)Chapter 11: Stages of Grief, Spirituality, and ReligionMeaning-Making Theory of GriefReligion in the Individual with ASDChapter 12: Navigating the JourneyAbout the AuthorIndex