Caring for Autism

Dr. Michael Ellis was born and raised in Vero Beach, FL. He attended medical school at Nova Southeastern School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. He is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and expert in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder. He seeks to educate the parents of children with ASD to help both the parents and the children navigate the medical and lifestyle challenges this life-long journey. He has a wife and 3 children and the oldest child, currently 11 years old, has autism spectrum disorder.

Dr. Ellis has succeeded in providing a valuable resource that provides emotional support and evidence-based information to help caregivers accept their childs condition and plan for initial treatment and beyond. This book should be recommended by physicians, teachers, social workers, and health care professionals to parents whose children were recently diagnosed with ASD.

• Table of ContentsAcknowledgementsContributor List Chapter 1: A Father's Perspective on Autism My Child's Diagnosis Why Did This Happen to My Child Lessons LearnedChapter 2: A Mother's Perspective on AutismBy Lori Layton Ellis, BS, MPHChapter 3: Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder History of Autism The Symptoms of ASD Diagnoses That Mimic ASD Common Comorbid Disorders Screening and Diagnostic Instruments Medical Work-Up of Your ChildOther Referrals NeededChapter 4: What Causes Autism? Possible Causes of Autism Brain Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder Genetic Causes Environmental Causes OBGYN RecommendationsChapter 5: Autism's Effect on the Whole Family Impact of ASD on the Family Parenting Efficacy (Am I A Good Parent?) Parenting Stress The Effect of ASD on Parents' Health Hardships of Parenting a Child with ASD How Environment Affects the Child with ASD ASD's Impact on SiblingsThe Cost of ASD Quality of Life and Well-Being What Should I Do? Coping and Acceptance Social Support Interventions/ TherapiesChapter 6: Psychopharmacology- Should I use Medications for My Child? What Symptoms Can Be Treated with Medications? Stimulants Nonstimulants Other Medications That May Be Used Off-Label for ADHD Atypical (Second-Generation) Antipsychotic Medications Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Antiepileptic (Anticonvulsant) DrugsGlutamatergic and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acidergic Agents Cholinergic Agents Oxytocin Other Agents Sleep Pharmacogenetic TestingChapter 7: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies (CAM) for ASD Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Diet Omega-3 Fatty Acids Vitamin B6 Artificial Food Colors Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chemical Chelation Melatonin Cannabis (THC) Oil Tips on the Use of CAMChapter 8: Non-Medication Therapies for ASD Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) Developmental Relationship-Based Approaches Comprehensive Treatment Models for Early Intervention for Preschool Children Parent Training Social Skills Groups TEACCH Program Speech Therapy General RecommendationsChapter 9: The Educational System and ASD Disciplinary Action 11 Important Points for IEPs Predictors of Your Child's Educational SuccessChapter 10: Long-Term Planning and Legal Issues Health InsuranceMedicaid Waiver Programs Guardianship Special Needs Trust Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance/ Disabled Adult Child Benefits (SSDI)Chapter 11: Stages of Grief, Spirituality, and Religion Meaning-Making Theory of Grief Religion in the Individual with ASDChapter 12: Navigating the Journey About the AuthorIndex