Autism Spectrum Disorder American Academy of Pediatrics

This guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics offers authoritative, accessible advice that parents can trust. Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Every Parent Needs to Know helps parents understand how ASDs are defined and diagnosed and offers an overview of the most current behavioral and developmental therapies. Topics covered include: symptoms, frequency, and types of ASDs; accessing care; services in the community; behavioral and developmental treatment; the role of complementary and alternative medicine; screening tools; and adolescence and transitioning into adulthood. Parents will also find inspirational and relatable stories from other parents, helping them feel less alone.

This handbook addresses treatment planning for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) using a medical home perspective. It examines the medical home model, which has been promoted as the standard of care by the American Academy of Pediatrics since 2002, emphasizing collaboration between patients, families, and providers to optimize care. The handbook addresses treatment planning, including the coordination of the care provided by multiple specialists with a clear, shared vision for maximizing each child’s potential.