Asperger Syndrome in Young Children: A Developmental Approach for Parents and Professionals
Laurie Leventhal-Belfer is the Founder and Director of Friends Connections, a therapeutic group program for young children with Asperger's Syndrome and their families. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine. She lives with her husband, son, daughter and beagle.\ \ Cassandra Coe is a clinical social worker. She has dedicated her career to addressing the mental health and developmental needs of...
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This landmark book focuses on how AS presents in pre-school children. An essential guide for parents coming to terms with their child's AS diagnosis and for the professionals who work with this age group, it is unique in answering pressing questions specific to younger children. How can parents help their AS child to develop speech and language? What help is available at school and home? When, if at all, should a child be informed about AS? Including a useful summary of early childhood development stages, Leventhal-Belfer and Coe provide a diagnostic model based on assessment of the child in contrast to 'neurotypical' children, considering relationships at home, in school or in care. Their book shows how to develop tailored early intervention strategies and to assist parents, teachers and mental health professionals in making informed decisions to nurture the development of AS children.
Acknowledgments7Preface9Ch. 1The World of the Young Child17Ch. 2The World of the Young Child with Asperger's Syndrome32Ch. 3The Diagnosis53Ch. 4The Many Faces of Young Children with Asperger's Syndrome81Ch. 5The Parent's Journey105Ch. 6Paths of Intervention: From Traditional to Alternative131Ch. 7Parent-Child Therapy: An Intervention for Building Relationships144Ch. 8Building Connections with Peers: Therapeutic Groups160Ch. 9Enhancing Relationships through Speech and Language Intervention190Ch. 10Building Connections through Sensory and Motor Pathways: Occupational Therapy211Ch. 11Building Connections with the Child's School238Ch. 12The Ongoing Journey262App. IDiagnostic Criteria270App. IIBehavioral Strategies Chart for Group Settings274App. IIIEligibility Criteria for Special Education Services in the United States280App. IVAsperger's Syndrome Web Sites284The Contributors285References286Subject Index296Author Index301
