Caring for Autism

Dr. Michael Ellis was born and raised in Vero Beach, FL. He attended medical school at Nova Southeastern School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. He is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and expert in treating Autism Spectrum Disorder. He seeks to educate the parents of children with ASD to help both the parents and the children navigate the medical and lifestyle challenges this life-long journey. He has a wife and 3 children and the oldest child, currently 11 years old, has autism spectrum disorder.

Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
Contributor List

Chapter 1: A Father's Perspective on Autism
My Child's Diagnosis
Why Did This Happen to My Child
Lessons Learned
Chapter 2: A Mother's Perspective on Autism
By Lori Layton Ellis, BS, MPH
Chapter 3: Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
History of Autism
The Symptoms of ASD
Diagnoses That Mimic ASD
Common Comorbid Disorders
Screening and Diagnostic Instruments
Medical Work-Up of Your Child
Other Referrals Needed
Chapter 4: What Causes Autism?
Possible Causes of Autism
Brain Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Genetic Causes
Environmental Causes
OBGYN Recommendations
Chapter 5: Autism's Effect on the Whole Family
Impact of ASD on the Family
Parenting Efficacy (Am I A Good Parent?)
Parenting Stress
The Effect of ASD on Parents' Health
Hardships of Parenting a Child with ASD
How Environment Affects the Child with ASD
ASD's Impact on Siblings
The Cost of ASD
Quality of Life and Well-Being
What Should I Do?
Coping and Acceptance
Social Support
Interventions/ Therapies
Chapter 6: Psychopharmacology- Should I use Medications for My Child?
What Symptoms Can Be Treated with Medications?
Stimulants
Nonstimulants
Other Medications That May Be Used Off-Label for ADHD
Atypical (Second-Generation) Antipsychotic Medications
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Antiepileptic (Anticonvulsant) Drugs
Glutamatergic and Gamma-Aminobutyric Acidergic Agents
Cholinergic Agents
Oxytocin
Other Agents
Sleep
Pharmacogenetic Testing
Chapter 7: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies (CAM) for ASD
Gluten-Free/Casein-Free Diet
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamin B6
Artificial Food Colors
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Chemical Chelation
Melatonin
Cannabis (THC) Oil
Tips on the Use of CAM
Chapter 8: Non-Medication Therapies for ASD
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI)
Developmental Relationship-Based Approaches
Comprehensive Treatment Models for Early Intervention for Preschool Children
Parent Training
Social Skills Groups
TEACCH Program
Speech Therapy
General Recommendations
Chapter 9: The Educational System and ASD
Disciplinary Action
11 Important Points for IEPs
Predictors of Your Child's Educational Success
Chapter 10: Long-Term Planning and Legal Issues
Health Insurance
Medicaid Waiver Programs
Guardianship
Special Needs Trust
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance/ Disabled
Adult Child Benefits (SSDI)
Chapter 11: Stages of Grief, Spirituality, and Religion
Meaning-Making Theory of Grief
Religion in the Individual with ASD
Chapter 12: Navigating the Journey

About the Author
Index