The Australian Autism Handbook

“All of us have troubles with our children, dear, but yours have come early…”

This book is written for all those who care for or work with children who have an autism spectrum disorder. It has a specific relevance for families whose children have recently been diagnosed.

The Australian Autism Handbook is first and foremost a useful book, a comprehensive guide to what autism spectrum disorders are and what they are not. It has chapters on early intervention, useful therapies and schooling (click on The Book above to see full list of chapters). The Australian Autism Handbook is both informative and reliable, it is steeped in science but also deeply personal.

The Resource and Services Guide has sections covering federally-funded support and state-by-state listings. Information includes: what benefits can be claimed; what can Medicare offer; where to find reliable, unbiased information; where to buy resources to help children learn.

Many voices are heard, with both parents and professionals offering support and advice to the reader suddenly faced with the autism maze.

This diagnosis does not change who he is.

He is the same child you loved when you walked in this door.

This is also a supportive and encouraging book, which explores the stages of grief which affect families of newly diagnosed children. The experience and strength of families who have trod this path give great hope and comfort.

Stories written by parents about their older children give some glimpses of possible futures for families, and the message that an ASD diagnosis is not the end of family life; all children will grow and develop. This book gives families and professionals some of the tools they need to assist their children as they do so.

I wish someone had told me that everything will be alright.

You will pass through stages- deny it, fight it, grieve about it,

then you will find peace and joy in your little person.

List of Chapters

1. Autism spectrum disorder and your child
2. The diagnostic process
3. How did this happen?
4. Early intervention
5. Other helpful interventions for your ASD child
6. The medical maze
7. Managing the intervention minefield
8. Finding the right school
9. Through grief to self care
10. What not to say… and how to help
11. Where are they now?
12. Resources and Services Guide

Federal
ACT
NSW
NT
Qld
SA
Tas
Vic
WA

Recommended websites
Recommended reading list
Appendix1: Research
Appendix 2: Advocacy
Glossary
Acknowledgements
Index