Stephen Shore & Linda G. Rastelli 
Understanding Autism For Dummies 

Friendly, accessible guidance for parents of autistic children and people caring for autistic adults

Autism affects more than 1 million children and adults in the United States, and parents may be confused by the behavior of autistic children. This book provides help-and hope-by explaining the differences between various types of autism and delivering the lowdown on behavioral, educational, medical, other interventions. Featuring inspiring autism success stories as well as a list of organizations where people who support those with autism can go for additional help, it offers practical advice on how to educate children as well as insights on helping people with autism use their strengths to maximize their potential in life.

Stephen Shore, Ed D (Brookline MA), serves on the board for several autism spectrum-related organizations and he has written Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome (1-931282-00-5) and edited Ask and Tell: Self Advocacy and Disclosure For People on the Autism Spectrum (1-931282-58-7).
Linda G. Rastelli (Middletown, NJ) is a veteran journalist who specializes in health and business.
Temple Grandin, Ph D (Fort Collins, CO) is the author of the bestselling Thinking in Pictures (0-679-77289-8) and Emergence: Labeled Autistic (0-446-67182-7).

Table of Content

Foreword xvii

Introduction 1

Part I: Understanding Autism 9

Chapter 1: Autism: The Big Picture 11

Chapter 2: From Classification to Treatment: Scanning the Autism Spectrum 27

Chapter 3: Causes, Clusters, and Clues: Where Does Autism Come From? 39

Chapter 4: Getting a Diagnosis 53

Chapter 5: Asperger Syndrome and Autism 71

Part II: Addressing Physical Needs 93

Chapter 6: Injecting Yourself with Knowledge about Autism Medication 95

Chapter 7: Improving Immunity and Boosting Biochemistry 109

Chapter 8: Optimizing Nutrition 129

Part III: Enhancing Learning and Social Skills 145

Chapter 9: Choosing an Appropriate Behavioral, Developmental, or Educational Intervention 147

Chapter 10: Dealing with Learning and Sensory Differences 181

Chapter 11: Finding a Learning Environment That Fits Your Child’s Needs 207

Chapter 12: Legally Speaking: Making the Most of Your Child’s Education 235

Chapter 13: Fostering Healthy Relationships 253

Part IV: Living with Autism as an Adult 271

Chapter 14: For Adults with Autism: Living Well after K-12 273

Chapter 15: For Adults with Autism: Fostering Friendships and Romantic Relationships 301

Chapter 16: Special-Needs Planning for the Future 319

Part V: The Part of Tens 333

Chapter 17: Ten Tactful Responses to Challenging Questions or Comments 335

Chapter 18: Ten Things to Do after a Diagnosis 341

Appendix: Where to Go for More Help 345

Index 355

About the author

Stephen M. Shore, Ed D, who was diagnosed on the autism spectrum, is a college professor and an international lecturer and consultant on autism.

Linda G. Rastelli, MA, is an award-winning writer with 20 years of experience writing about health, education, and business topics.