The Complete Guide to Autism Treatments: A Parent's Handbook: Make Sure Your Child Gets What Works!

Dr. Freeman's review and description of the available research is presented in a careful, thorough and straightforward manner. Each of these treatment subsections is organized around responses to a series of 9 questions.

1. "What is ____?"-  Here, D. Freeman defines the treatment and describes its rationale and theoretical underpinnings.
2. "What evidence do the practitioners have that this really works?" - The author summarizes and evaluates peer-reviewed research and other possible sources of support.  
3. "What does this therapy actually look like?" - Dr. Freeman describes, often in great detail, the actual procedures associated with the treatment.  These descriptions are written in an objective, non-partial manner which, when read in isolation, would not necessarily reveal the author's stance on a particular treatment.  
4.  "What else do I think?" - Dr. Freeman speaks to broader issues that bear relevance when judging the merits of the particular intervention.  She reveals her impressions of the treatment in a very forthright and compelling manner.
5. "Would I try it on my child?" - In contrast to the objective and factual tone of her responses to the questions above, here Dr. Freeman offers a more personal take on the treatment, a take that is honest and at times blunt. Clearly, every child with autism is different, and, thus, treatment decisions need to be made in consideration of those differences.  Even if readers disagree with Dr. Freeman's stance, they will appreciate the candor and thoughtfulness of her position as a fellow parent.
6. "What kind of study would I like researchers to do?" - Perhaps the most insightful arguments can be found in these responses. Dr. Freeman argues that it is not sufficient that treatment proponents simply churn out publishable research, but rather that they design research that carefully addresses questions pertinent to that particular treatment. These may include, but not be limited to, better definition of the independent variable, use of tighter research designs, selection of more appropriate dependent variables, and a clearer demonstration of the relationship between the manipulation of the independent variable and the dependent variables.  These particular sections clearly demonstrate Dr. Freeman's command of the existing research and what is needed to move forward.
7. "Who else recommends for or against ____ as a method for the treatment of autism?" - Dr. Freeman highlights recommendations from professional-membership organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, from state and federal government entities, and from other organizations such as Quackwatch.  It is important to point out that position papers from organizations represent a consensus among leading scientists and clinicians based on a thorough review of evidence and experience.  These recommendations should be an important factor in decision making and I applaud Dr. Freeman for reporting them throughout her book.
8.  "So you're still on the horns of a dilemma?" - Dr. Freeman provides further information for those still struggling with their decision for any number of reasons.
9. And finally, "What's the bottom line?" is written for those seeking a concise thumbs up/thumbs down assessment.

Section II focuses on science, hypothesis testing, and research methodology.  These more technical sections are preceded by a number of caveats empowering parents to question the "experts" whom they will undoubtedly encounter over the course of their child's treatment.  Section II ends with a description of all-too-common red flags in autism treatment.