RICKI G. ROBINSON, M.D., M.P.H.

AUTISM SOLUTIONS

How to Create a

Healthy and Meaningful

Life for Your Child

Ricki G Robinson, M.D., M.P.H.

■ Part I introduces autism and its potential causes.

■ Part II reviews the nature of our sensory-motor systems and how an infant’s development unfolds, as well as the unique developmental model that allows you to better understand your child’s strengths and challenges.

■ Part III presents my approach to the evaluation and development of treatment plans. I hope you will feel as if you are sitting in the office with me as we explore all the potential concerns for your child and help you formulate the necessary elements for his treatment plan, tailored to his needs and the needs of your family.

■ Part IV reviews communication issues—both learning how to interpret your child’s behavior as a means to letting you know what he is thinking and feeling, as well as ways to support the most challenged children who have severe motor-planning delays.

■ Part V addresses the medical issues that may affect your child. I have tried to demystify “doctorspeak” so that you will be armed with useful information to help you get appropriate medical care for your child. In addition, you should be able to ask your doctor the questions most important to solving issues as they come up.

■ Part VI puts all of this into the big picture of why you are working to get your child all the support he needs—so he will be prepared to live a happy and meaningful life.

Foreword by Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D.

Excerpt

CONTENTS

PART I : Is It Autism?

1  Ryan

2  What Is Autism?

3  What Causes Autism?

PART II:  Before Your Child Is Evaluated

4  Understanding Social and Emotional Development

5  How Your Child Experiences the World Around Him:

   The Sensory-Motor System in Action

6  A Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment

Approach—DIR/Floortime

PART III: Determining Whether Your Child Has Autism —

  and Knowing What to Do

7  The Evaluation Process

8  Treatment Plans

9  Staying on Track

10ASD and the Family

PART IV:  Your Child’s Communication Issues

11Behavior as Communication

12Augmentative and Alternative Communication

PART V:  Your Child’s Health

13Keeping Your Child Healthy

14Medical Conditions and ASD

15ASD and Double Syndromes

16Seizure Disorders in ASD

17Gastrointestinal (GI) Illness

18Allergies and Immunological Disorders

19Sleep Disorders

20Understanding Medication and Its Use in ASD

21Long-Term Medical Complications

PART VI:  Creating a Meaningful Life for Your Child

22Fostering Independence

23Education

24Sports, Socializing and Relationships

25Transition to Adulthood

www.DrRickiRobinson.com