Overcoming Autism

Lynn Kern Koegel, Ph.D. & Claire LaZebnik

With a 300 percent increase in the incidence of autism and autism spectrum disorders and 1 in 150 children being diagnosed with the disability, autism is now an epidemic. Fortunately, there have been huge advances in our ability to diagnose the disability at younger ages and in the development of effective interventions that can change children's lives.

In Overcoming Autism, Lynn Kern Koegel, Ph.D. shares her professional advice while coauthor Claire LaZebnik, a professional writer whose son has autism, provides insight into the daily life of parents coping with autism.

It's a difficult disability to live with, but it doesn't have to devastate a family. In this book, Koegel and LaZebnik offer concrete ways to immediately begin improving the symptoms of autism and the emotional life of anyone coping with the disorder. Providing a complete program of strategies that can be tailored to any child's specific needs, this is a must-read, must-own book that offers hope through practical solutions which are warm, nurturing, and designed to fit into a family's daily life. The writers never lose sight of the importance of enjoying and loving your child.

Praise for Overcoming Autism

"As a parent of a child with autism, I can certainly relate to Lynn and Claire's statement that 'everything you do will make a difference'. I found their book Overcoming Autism to be an invaluable guide to many of those 'everythings'."

-Joe Mantegna, Actor

"What an outstanding book Overcoming Autism is comprehensive, calm, poignant and surprisingly funny. The author's advice is so astute that I will recommend this book not only to families with autistic children but also to those with children struggling with a wide range of other behavioral problems."

-Wendy Mogel, Author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee

"A truly remarkable book, Overcoming Autism represents the inspired collaboration of a parent and researcher and shows what can be accomplished through early intervention in autism. It provides helpful, practical interventions, and its organization around symptoms will be particularly helpful for parents. I recommend it very highly."

-Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., Irving B. Harris Professor, Child Study Center, Yale University

"As someone who has always been an advocate for children, I highly recommend this book as an invaluable tool for families and professionals tackling the symptoms and stress of autism spectrum disorders."

-Rob Reiner, Film Director

"An excellent guide that comes at a much needed time. There are few clinical resources out there for autism and PDD spectrum children and their families. OVERCOMING AUTISM fills this gap and provides solid information and a practical head start toward understanding children's needs and managing their behavior effectively and to productive ends. I will be recommending it to students, colleagues, and parents."

-Bruce J. Masek, Ph.D., ABPP, Clinical Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, and associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School

Overcoming Autism Table of Contents

Chapter One
Diagnosis: Surviving the Worst News You’ll Ever Get

Chapter Two
Ending the Long Silence: Teaching Your Child to Communicate

Chapter Three
Tears, Meltdowns, Aggression, and Self-Injury: Breaking the Cycle

Chapter Four
Self-Stimulation: Flapping, Banging, Twirling, and Other Repetitive Behaviors

Chapter Five
Social Skills: Turning Language and Play into Meaningful Interactions

Chapter Six
Battling Fears and Fixations: Bringing Your Child Back to the Real World

Chapter Seven
Education: Finding the Right School Placement and Making It Even More Right

Chapter Eight
Family Life: Fighting Your Way Back to Normalcy