Occasional Paper No. 35 consists of two reports on post-diagnosis support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The first report, Post-diagnosis support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families and carers, by kylie valentine and Marianne Rajkovic, with Brooke Dinning and Denise Thompson, focuses on younger children. The second report, Post-diagnosis support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, their families and carers: older children and young people, by Marianne Rajkovic, Denise Thompson and Kylie Valentine, focuses on older children and young people. The reports are based on literature reviews addressing the experiences of diagnosis, treatment and support for families with children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They focus on the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on families and on their perceptions of the benefits of the treatment received and support models provided, as well as intervention studies and programs that assist transitions from school. The reports are also based on interviews with parents and Autism Spectrum Disorder service providers across Australia.

"The paper consists of two reports on post-diagnosis support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The first report focuses on younger children, and the second on older children. The reports are based on literature reviews addressing the experiences of diagnosis, treatment and support for families with children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They focus on the impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on families and on their perceptions of the benefits of the treatment received and support models provided, as well as intervention studies and programs that assist transitions from school. The reports are also based on interviews with parents and Autism Spectrum Disorder service providers across Australia."--FaHCSIA website.

Ready-to-implement resources and approaches for effective professional care in school and clinical settings. The reverberations of autism spectrum disorders among parents and siblings can be complex. Parents may grapple with the impact of their child's initial diagnosis, wrestle with the tension between their professional ambitions and family obligations, and labor to maintain a healthy union with their partners. Brothers and sisters may be given less attention, asked to assume a more adult role than they feel ready for, or strive for meaningful connection and communication with their sibling and parents. Although the energy of clinicians, teachers, and other professionals working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder is often focused intensively on the child who is diagnosed, the practitioner can also be an invaluable resource for the child's family. Drawing upon clinical research and firsthand family interviews, this book helps clinicians understand the experiences of parents and siblings of a child with ASD from the time of diagnosis through adulthood. It provides clear recommendations for sensitive, informed professional support. Step-by-step in each chapter, Fiske elucidates such vital subjects as: Understanding the experience of diagnosis Recognizing patterns of parent stress over time Appreciating and navigating the effects of ASD on relationships between parents Involving and providing support for siblings Integrating grandparents and other extended family in care and treatment Understanding a family's culture Identifying and developing effective coping strategies Building a strong rapport with parents and family Guiding parents in the treatment of autism And many more, including key takeaways for assisting families in managing feelings of grief and guilt, navigating support options, treatment resources, and related financial concerns, and calibrating the division of labor in the home. Autism and the Family supplies all the foundations necessary for professionals to understand the full impact of ASD on the child, siblings, and parents and cultivate an empathic, supportive approach to treatment for the entire family.

′The layout and presentation of the material are very "user friendly" and the book is, therefore, easy to read. Those with less direct experience of living or working with children who are autistic, including teachers and learning support assistants, who require some help in appreciating the complex range of behaviours and responses such children present, will find this little book illuminating′ - Support for Learning "This is a really practical tool........ the structure of the book is clear and uncomplicated for the reader to access. This book is based on a wealth of experience of working closely both with individuals with Autism and their families. It will be a revelation to professionals interested in this area and a comfort to carers who live the experience. Most importantly, it reminds us of the barriers to positive parent/professional partnership and challenges us to build supportive bridges to effective intervention for the individual with Autism. Autism NI (PAPA) was created out of such a dynamic approach and therefore welcomes this significant commentary on this critical issue." By giving a concise account of what life may be like following the diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the family, this book examines service provision at different stages, and provides information for parents, carers and practitioners′ - Arlene Cassidy, Chief Executive, Autism NI Parents want support and advice during and after a diagnosis of ASDs, and professionals want to be able to give the right answers. This book will meet the needs of both. Issues dealt with include: " how to help the family " how to help brothers and sisters " preparing children with ASDs for the world outside " keeping expectations high " how to work together with schools and other agencies " finding community links ′In my view it would be a good read for relatives, friends and teachers in training to enable them to understand many of the issues associated with children who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It points up the various facets of having and living with a child with autism - as far as possible from a positive point of view. The authors, from their obvious extensive experience, have identified many problems and circumstances that parents/carers are likely to meet and that can be tackled in a wide variety of ways. The book is designed to raise these for consideration - and this it does well′ - Support for Learning, Volume 22, Number 2

At The National Autistic Society we are often asked about how best to talk to someone about their autism diagnosis. We feel that a person with autism has the right to know their diagnosis. Wanting to protect someone from their diagnosis can feel like the kindest thing to do, but in reality it often gets harder the longer it is delayed. There are definite advantages to talking about the diagnosis, but these vary between individuals. Many people have commented that they would like to have known earlier because knowing their diagnosis came as a relief and a source of comfort. This book offers a wealth of advice and guidance. Aimed primarily at parents and carers of younger children, it includes helpful information also for schools and for people working with adults with autism.