After a child's autism diagnosis, how can therapists, educators, and early interventionists best support parents and caregivers? This book is filled with the first-hand parent feedback professionals need to answer this critical question. Building on their research project that captured the experiences of more than 60 families, the authors reflect on excerpts from dozens of interviews that reveal parents' needs, concerns, beliefs, and dreams. Through these candid revelations and the authors' expert commentary, professionals will increase their understanding of the parent experience so they can provide the best possible services for children and families. Readers will discover invaluable insights they'll use toavoid misunderstandings and communicate accurately and sensitivelyunderstand parents' complex emotions and perceptionsnurture strong, respectful partnerships with parentsconduct effective assessment and interventiondemystify assessment results for parentsassist families in choosing and evaluating intervention serviceshelp families manage the short- and long-term issues that arise when parenting a child with ASDincrease their own awareness of the vocabulary of autism and the facts and mysteries of the disorderEssential reading for students, new professionals, and established practitioners alike, this incisive, accessible guide gives readers something they can't get elsewhere — a deep understanding of parents' needs and feelings, directly from over 60 families with firsthand experience. | Beyond the Autism Diagnosis by Marion O'brien, Paperback | Indigo Chapters