The Bottom Line
Could It Be Autism?, is a great resource for parents to help them recognize the first signs of autism, know what further testing should be done when a developmental problem is suspected, and understand what treatments are available.
It should be required reading by any parents that are concerned about their child's development.
Although written for parents, Pediatricians will also find it useful so that they aren't so quick to say "let's just wait and see" when a parent reports a problem.
Pros
- Teaches you to assess your child's development and look for red flags that may indicate a problem.
- Offers steps to get further testing and a diagnosis for your child with a developmental delay.
- Gives the support you will need once your child is diagnosed with a developmental delay.
Cons
- May worry some parents who focus on just one problem and not on their child's overall development.
- Seems to take a tone that you have to fight your Pediatrician to get help.
Description
- A 'first step' book to help parents and health professionals recognize the early signs of autism.
- Includes 'stories' from parents of children with autism that will help others cope with a diagnosis.
- Teaches key social, emotional, and language milestones that many people overlook.
- Includes information on how you can talk to your doctor when you think your child has a problem.
- Provides descriptions of key screening tools that could detect developmental problems in your child.
- Describes specialists who can provide more help testing and treating your child.
- Learn how to get help and support once your child gets a diagnosis of autism.
- And review what treatments are available that might help kids with autism.
Guide Review - Could It Be Autism?
Worrying that their child has autism or another developmental problem is often one of the biggest fears that parents of young children have.
Unfortunately, parents often feel like they have nowhere to turn when they have concerns about their child's development. What about their Pediatrician? While Nancy D. Wiseman, in her book Could It Be Autism?, is a little tough on Pediatricians, she is right that they don't often address parental concerns about developmental problems.
First Signs Developmental Milestones Checklist
The developmental milestones checklist is one of the best features of Could It Be Autism?. Parents will find it useful to get a good idea as to whether their child is or isn't following key milestones.Red Flags
The red flags of child development are perhaps even better than the developmental milestones checklist. These red flags include things like not smiling by 6 months or not babbling by 12 months and some other things for which you should seek an immediate evaluation by a developmental specialist.Autism Myths
Many parents and Pediatricians will find the little tips about autism myths particularly helpful. These are little things that often delay people from seeking for evaluation for autism, such as that a child couldn't possibly have autism if they are happy and affectionate.
