According to statistics reported by CDC in 2020, 1 in 54 children in the USA were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 2016.

It is suggested that boys are 4 times more likely to get a diagnosis of autism than girls. Autism does not discriminate; it effects all ethnicities and socio-economic groups. Getting the diagnosis and intervention early is better however unfortunately this does not happen for all families.

Like so many parents, you might be wondering if you are doing things right. Aside from being a Speech and Language Therapist, I am also a mum and I know the worry we put ourselves through. Speech and language are a highly complex learning areas that we take for granted. This is especially difficult if your child has more complex needs. If you have received a recent autism diagnosis, you mind is probably full of questions, you have likely been looking for answers on the internet. If this sounds like you, then you will have noticed hundreds of different sites offering information which is too complex and lengthy for light bedtime reading which is probably the only time you'll have to read without being distracted by what your child is doing.

From the point of view of an experienced professional and a parent, we are going to look at all the different areas of development but with children with ASD. I have put together all the information you need for now as it is easy to understand and absorb. This is the first book in this series, the other books will focus on all the different areas of difficulties.

In this book...

- Learn about the ASD diagnosis process

- Learn to create routines that you and your child can easily manage

- Discover simple ways to help your child develop their early interaction skills

- Tips and tricks to manage your child's anxiety

- Learn about different types of speech/play therapy you can do at home

The next book is on potty training and mastering personal care skills. There will be books focusing on speech and language development and much more so look out for those.