This book is a must-read for every parent or educator who participates in the IEP process. Dr. Fouse takes readers through the entire range of a "child-centered" educational process, from the initial stages of identification and diagnosis to full implementation and monitoring of the individualized education program. She walks you through the process of setting goals and objectives, getting the most out of IEP meetings, determining proper placement, requesting assistive technology, and much more. She explains laws that you will need to know inside and out, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act, and FERPA. Finally, she lists some common mistakes that schools and parents often make, and gives great advice on how to avoid conflicts.

A guide to help teachers, and administrators with the schooling of children in the inclusive classroom.

This handbook provides an overview of the current scientific understanding of autism spectrum disorders, as well as a cultural and historical perspective on the controversies that plague the field. "Autism" describes a complex developmental disability that interferes with social interaction and communication. Symptoms of autism are generally recognizable when children are under the age of three. Until the 1990s, rates for autism were generally estimated at 1 in 2500. In 2010, however, the estimate is now 1 in 110 children. Is the incidence of autism increasing, or has there simply been a shift in how often this disability is diagnosed as the problem? This text provides a comprehensive explanation of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Reference Handbook educates readers about ASD without relying on confusing medical jargon, highlighting current understanding of etiology, neuroscience, and intervention. It also discusses the historical and cultural influences of ASD and explores the controversial aspects of autism.

A medical doctor and academic pens a book about medication therapy for those on the autism spectrum, delineating the critical principles and treatments to ensure proper medication. Dr. Tsai enumerates the impact of drugs on behavior and various forms of pervasive developmental disorders.

Specifically written for parents of children with autism or Asperger's Syndrome, this guide demystifies special education laws to help them understand their legal rights and the rights of their child. Moyes also addresses such issues as developing a child's social skills, encouraging self-esteem, and dealing with teasing and bullying.

Autism is in the public spotlight now more than ever as new research and information appears almost daily. Although in many ways this is a positive development it also presents challenges to families and practitioners who want to keep up with the latest developments and are left to sift through new information by themselves to see what is credible and relevant for them.Each of us needs a personal research assistant who can determine which information we need to pay attention to and let us know how it might affect our daily work and the children we are living with or serve. Since we each don’t have our own research assistants on staff, I am delighted to recommend this wonderful book by Fred Volkmar and Lisa Wiesner. Both of these talented professional leaders have combined their scientific skills and understanding of the field with great practical experience and ideas about how research can be translated into clinical practice. The result is a book that provides the best and most comprehensive information about recent scientific developments and a splendid practical guide for how they are being implemented and what we are learning in the process. The issues are presented in all of their complexity but translated into language that is clear, direct, and easy to follow. The format also lends itself to understanding the complex issues and their implications through excellent charts, question and answer sections, and chapters that vary from describing diagnostic issues to stating very specifically how to expand and evaluate the services one is receiving. The comprehensive references and lists of additional resources also add greatly to the overall package. As a professional dedicated to understanding scientific advances and helping families and teachers to utilize them most effectively, I am very pleased to have an ally like this book available. I am very grateful to the authors for providing a very credible, practical, and relevant addition to our field to help the many advocates and family practitioners to better understand the exciting new developments and how they can be implemented in our day to day work. Those taking the time to read through this superb volume will find it time well spent that pays back dividends in many different ways. —FOREWORD by Gary B. Mesibov, Ph.D., Professor and Director of TEACCH, Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill