Table of Contents

• Introduction
• About the Author
• I. The Evaluation and Diagnosis
• A. What is Autism?
• B What Should You Expect at the Time of Diagnosis?
• II. You and Your Feelings
• A. Responses at the Time of Diagnosis
• B. Stress Management and Support for the Family
• III. Early Intervention Strategies
• A. What are the Goals of Early Intervention?
• B. Tackling the Tough Issues
• C. Early Intervention Treatment Components
• D. The Early Intervention Treatment Plan
• E. Guidelines to Follow When Considering Using Medication So What is the Good News?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion
• Glossary
• Resources

About the Author

Raun D. Melmed is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician and Director of the Melmed Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is also co-founder and Medical Director of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, and Adjunct Senior Researcher at the Translational Genomics Institute in Phoenix. Dr. Melmed has established physician-training programs for the early identification of infants and toddlers with autism and other developmental and behavioral concerns. He is currently investigating the genetics and phenotypes of autism, as well as the use of novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of ADHD and autism.