Autism belongs in a family of disorders called autism spectrum disorders that appears in early childhood, typically before age 3, states the Mayo Clinic. Autism can be a serious developmental disorder that is difficult to understand and cope with for families of a child with the issue. Reading books can offer additional support for handling the situation. In addition to texts, therapy and sometimes medication can help control the symptoms of the disorder.
"A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism"
Jacquelyn McCandless, M.D., provides the easy-to-understand book "Children With Starving Brains: A Medical Treatment Guide for Autism." Dr. McCandless was inspired to write this guide because of her experiences with a grandchild with autism. The text examines the role genes and environmental triggers play in the development of autism in children. After briefly delving into the disorder, the author gives a step-by-step treatment plan for parents based on medical therapies and research. She identifies ways parents and physicians can work together for the benefit of the child.
"Giving Parents Reasons for Hope and Guidance for Help"
"Facing Autism: Giving Parents Reasons for Hope and Guidance for Help," by Lynn M. Hamilton, gives a personal account of dealing with her son's autism. Hamilton describes how she and her son tackled his diagnosis with numerous therapies, including alternative methods. An informative section is dedicated to fathering a child with special needs. The book approaches autism and coping from a Christian perspective. Hamilton gives a large list of resources for families based on her personal experiences. She discusses why applied behavioral analysis has become a popular choice for treatment. In addition to tackling treatment, the author dedicates time to helping families rebuild strength while dealing with the condition.
"Breakthroughs with Autistic Children"
Caregivers of a child with autism can benefit from books focused on education and treatment, but inspirational reading can help as well. Karen Zelan, a psychotherapist, provides the book "Between Their World and Ours: Breakthroughs with Autistic Children." Zelan understands that autism is not well understood by health professionals, making it even less understood by parents of autistic children. She shares her experiences as a therapist, who at the time of publication, had worked with 45 patients diagnosed with autism. She describes how certain activities, such as sensory play, can trigger breakthroughs in children. In the text, she focuses on nine of her patients who overcame problems such as communication barriers, playing, feeling, thinking and interacting. Details are given on how the child develops a sense of self during childhood and how autism can interfere with this process without intervention and therapy. Overall, the book gives caregivers of all kinds inspiration to learn as much as possible and work hard to rehabilitate children impacted with autism.
