Coming March 23, 2010

In this authoritative and empowering book, one of the world’s leading experts on early child development gives caregivers of children on the autistic spectrum the knowledge they need to navigate the complex maze of symptoms, diagnoses, tests, and treatment options that await them.

For more than thirty years, James Coplan, M.D., has been helping families cope with the challenges posed by autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Each family that walks into his office, he knows, is about to begin a journey. With this book, he lays out the steps of that journey. Dr. Coplan brings you into the treatment rooms and along for the tests and evaluations, and provides the kind of practical hands-on guidance that will help you help your child with ASD through every phase of life.

At a time when ASD has become the subject of wild theories and uninformed speculation, Dr. Coplan grounds his recommendations in reality. He helps you understand for yourself where your child may be on the spectrum that includes autism, Asperger Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder. His clear, comprehensive, and compassionate advice prepares you to make informed medical decisions, evaluate the various educational and therapeutic alternatives, and find answers to such fundamental questions as:

• What is the best way to teach my child?
• How do the various therapies work, and what is the evidence to support them?
• What about biomedical therapies for ASD?
• What about medication for my child’s behavior?
• How do I optimize my child’s long-term potential?

This book empowers you to be an expert advocate for your child, so that can make with confidence the hundreds of important decisions you will face in the years ahead. For every parent who has made the painful transition from “Why did this happen?” to “What can we do to help our child?,” here is the indispensable guidebook you’ve been waiting for.

Click here to learn more.
 

Articles and Announcements

In July of 2005, Dr. Coplan published an article in Pediatrics, describing the natural history of autistic spectrum disorder.

·        Click here for a press release from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia .

·        Click here for the article as a PDF file (you will need Adobe Acrobat to read the file; available as a free download by clicking here).

·        Click here for a link to the American Academy of Pediatrics web site, where you can search Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 ·    Beginning in the Summer of 2006, NDPeds will be hosting healthcare trainees (medical, nursing, and social work students) as observers.  Your child's care is never delegated to these individuals.  We are proud of our role in shaping the attitudes and skills of the next generation of healthcare providers.  We also have set aside days without observers, if you would prefer.  Just ask, at the time you are setting up your appointment.