Helping Your Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by severe developmental impairments, including lowered social function and communication skills. Having a child with an ASD greatly stresses the emotional, financial, and social resources of the family. With this workbook, parents learn the latest and most effective ASD management techniques for their children, including the use of the family enhancement treatment model designed by the authors—a program that provides step-by-step guidelines for fostering children's abilities and enhancing the health of the whole family.

The book encourages parents to seek a balance between child-centered and family-centered goals. Parents learn how to assess their children's needs and create a personalized intervention plan compatible with the family's resources, goals, and priorities. Worksheets guide parents through the assessment and decision making process.

The family enhancement plan shows how specific family needs can suggest specific child-centered target behaviors. When accomplished, these behavior goals—like the accomplishment of certain chores or the ability to go with the family on an outing or errands—will benefit both child and family.

Stephanie Lockshin, M.Ed., Ph.D., BCBA. Dr. Lockshin has over 25 years experience in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is a licensed clinical psychologist, Director of Clinical Services at the Institute for Child Development, and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Lockshin is a neuropsychologist at a regional hospital, is actively involved in private practice, and also in training students and professionals in the provision of family services. She has coauthored book chapters and research publications on autism spectrum disorders and co-authored the I.G.S. Curriculum, a guide for goal selection in educational and clinical practice.

Jennifer Gillis, MA, BCBA. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and at the Institute for Child Development she coordinates EI services and outreach programs by providing ABA consultation to families, school districts, classroom teachers, early intervention service providers and programs. She has published in numerous books and journals, and has addressed regional, national, and international professional conferences.

Raymond G. Romanczyk, Ph.D., BCBA. He is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the State University of New York at Binghamton, a Fellow of the American Psychological Association, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and founder and director of the Institute for Child Development. For over 30 years he has provided services to children and families, and has been involved in advocacy, program development, and the judicial and legislative process as expert witness. He serves as a member of the editorial board and reviewer for numerous professional journals, has published in many journals and books, and has presented several hundred addresses at regional, national, and international professional conferences.