An Introduction to Autism for Adoptive and Foster Families : How to Understand and Help Your Child

What is autism? -- How is autism assessed? -- Overriding principles for parenting a child with autism -- Everyday transitions and home and school -- Placement transitions and contact -- Attachment and belonging -- Life story, loss and trauma -- Looking after yourself -- Seeking help and resources. Written for busy foster carers and adoptive parents, this book provides a concise introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and how to support a child with a diagnosis. It emphasises the common strengths children with ASD have, as well as offering strategies for any behavioural issues that are likely to arise, highlighting how these can be exacerbated by the care system and adoption process. The first part of the book looks at the different aspects of autism and the challenges it can pose for children and parents, providing strategies for managing difficulties at home and at school, using social stories, and reducing sensory input in a child's environment. The second part looks at issues that arise for fostered or adopted children, including placement transitions, contact, and explaining the past. It concludes with helping parents to think about self-care. Practical advice and recommendations on how to parent a child with ASD for adoptive parents and foster carers. This book is split into two sections - the first details what ASD is, and the second looks at the particular issues it can cause for an adopted or fostered child. The perfect introductory guide for busy parents and carers