Autism Solutions

“One of the most compassionate, comprehensive and supportive books I have read for parents…truly outstanding.”

—GERALDINE DAWSON, PH.D., chief science officer, Autism Speaks

“This is the doctor who believes in your child! With Autism Solutions in hand you will not have to worry about the questions you forgot to ask. Dr. Ricki’s door is always open and this book will be turned to again and again as she embraces you with her wisdom and knowledge.”

—SERENA WIEDER, PH.D., coauthor of Engaging Autism; founder and associate chair, The Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders (ICDL)

“If having your child diagnosed with autism is like being cast out to sea, Autism Solutions is like a giant life raft filled with survival supplies. If you have a child with special needs, plant yourself in a chair and read this book before you do another thing.”

—ERIK LINTHORST, director of Autistic-Like: Graham’s Story

“Dr. Robinson brings a new perspective to Autism Spectrum Disorders based on her years of experience as a pediatrician and autism advocate and her theoretical grounding in DIR/Floortime. She offers kind, honest advice about how a child with autism experiences the world and what this means to families…a unique resource to families and professionals.”

—CATHERINE LORD, PH.D., A.B.P.P., director, University of Michigan Autism and Communication Disorders Center

“Dr. Robinson brings remarkable heart, energy and depth of experience to a resource that promises to save countless children. This book is told with the refreshing voice of a doctor who seems to be sitting on the floor with your child on her lap and the most forward-thinking knowledge at her fingertips.”

—PATRICIA STACEY, author of The Boy Who Loved Windows: Opening the Heart of a Child Threatened with Autism

“Drawing upon years of experience as a pediatrician who specializes in treating children with autism, Dr. Ricki infuses her passion, knowledge, wisdom and optimism in ways that empower parents to make more informed decisions about their child’s care. Especially helpful is her skill in conveying complex medical knowledge so that it is understandable and helpful to parents. Whether a parent or grandparent of a newly-diagnosed child, or one entering adulthood, Autism Solutions is the guide for you.”

—SUZANNE AND BOB WRIGHT, grandparents of a child on the autism spectrum and co-founders of Autism Speaks

“Dr. Ricki Robinson is that rare combination of brilliant scientific medical mind, and tremendous compassion and sensitive heart. She is an angel of autism. Autism Solutions will become the ‘go to’ reference for understanding and working with special children and their families.”

—ELAINE HALL, founder of The Miracle Project and author of Now I See the Moon: A Mother, a Son, a Miracle

“Indispensible to families who have children with autism. Dr. Ricki’s words will help parents be equipped with the insights and information they need to pursue the best solutions to guide their child’s progress.”

—DEBORAH FLASCHEN, M.B.A., cofounder and president, The Floortime Foundation, founder and president, 3LPlace, Inc.

“Dr. Robinson is the pediatrician every parent wishes they had. A must-read for any parent of a child with autism as well as any clinician or educator working with children on the autism spectrum.”

—NANCY D. WISEMAN, founder and president of First Signs and author of The First Year®: Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Child

“If you buy just one book about autism, this should be it. Dr. Robinson gives parents hope and practical advice. Nowhere else can such a comprehensive collection of useful, up-to-date information about autism be found between two book covers.”

—PORTIA IVERSEN, author of Strange Son and cofounder, the Cure Autism Now (CAN) Foundation

To my parents, Jordan and Betty,

who taught me to believe that all things are possible.

To the families and children who trusted me with their stories

and showed me that all things are possible.

To my beloved husband, Joel,

and amazing children, Brett and Chad, without whose love, encouragement and inspiration none of this would have been possible.

Acknowledgments

Foreword by Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D.

Preface

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

10

PART IV Your Child’s Communication Issues