Autism Advice for Parents: Getting Started
Dr. Stephen Edelson, director of the Autism Research Institute in San Diego, California, wrote an excellent article: “What I Would Do If I Were a Parent of An Autistic Child: Recommendations Based on 25 Years of Research Experience.”
He writes in his introduction, “One of the most difficult and stressful times for a family is when they first learn that their child has autism. Parents are then faced with a critical and life-determining question: What should I do to help my child? The decision on which treatments to implement (and not to implement) will likely determine the child’s prognosis. I have outlined the steps that I would take if I were a parent of an autistic child.
Dr Edelson’s helpful report addresses:
- An action plan for first steps
- Discussion of interventions
- Family issues and advocacy
- Helpful resources
