Autism and the Extended Family: A Guide for Those Outside the Immediate Family Who Know and Love Someone with Autism

by Raun Melmed, M. Ed. Maria Wheeler

Overview

Not many resources examine how autism affects grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Yet, they are all affected by this disorder, too! Follow Dr Raun Melmed, Developmental Pediatrician, and Maria Wheeler, M.Ed., as they examine the complex relationships that develop, and are changed by an autism diagnosis in the family.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781935274667
Publisher:	Future Horizons, Inc.
Publication date:	09/21/2015
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	6.60(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Dr. Raun Melmed, medical director of the Melmed Center and a developmental and behavioral pediatrician,
founded Developmental Pediatric Associates, now known as the Melmed Center in 1989. He is a co-founder and the medical director of the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. A native of South Africa, he completed his postgraduate studies in Israel, New York City and Boston. He was a fellow with Dr. Mel Levine at the Children's Hospital in Boston where he was an Instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Melmed is an
Adjunct Senior Researcher at the Translational Genomics Institute in Phoenix. He is a member of the Society for Behavioral Pediatrics and the Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, the Ambulatory
Pediatric Association and he is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. He is a board certified pediatrician and is also certified as a Diplomat in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics. He lives in
Scottsdale, AZ.

Dr. Melmed has been instrumental in setting up nationally recognized physician training programs for the early identification of infants and toddlers with developmental and behavioral concerns and has authored a program geared toward the early screening of autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Melmed is the co-author of Succeeding with Difficult Children. He has published numerous articles and chapters and has presented around the world on topics related to development and learning. Dr. Melmed is a member of the board of directors of community agencies including the New Directions Institute, the Council for Jews with Special Needs.

Dr. Melmed is principal investigator in numerous studies including the use of novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of ADHD and autism. He is a co-principal investigator in studies involving family linkage, proteomics and gene expression in autism. He lives in Scottsdale, AZ.


Maria Wheeler, M.Ed., has spent more than 20 years in the fields of psychology and special education, with an emphasis on neurobehavioral disorders, applied behavior analysis, and specific learning disabilities. She authored the definitive guide Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism or Other Developmental Issues, as well as the staple behavior guide A Treasure Chest of Behavioral Strategies for Individuals with Autism. She lives in
Amarillo, TX.

Table of Contents

Foreword Eustacia Cutler v

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

Chapter 2 Welcome to the World of Autism! 5

Chapter 3 How Lives Are Affected after Autism is Diagnosed 13

Chapter 4 Grandparents 33

Chapter 5 How are Siblings Impacted by Extended Family Matters? 43

Chapter 6 Stepfamilies and Other Blended Families 53

Chapter 7 Uncles and Aunts 63

Chapter 8 Close Friends 73

Chapter 9 Cousins 79

Chapter 10 Surviving and Enjoying Special Events and Holidays 91

Chapter 11 Conclusion 107

Appendix: Activities 109

Activity A Who is your extended family? 111

Activity B Conflict resolution for the extended family 117

Activity C Create an Autism Survival Kit 120

Activity D How to communicate well - for step-parents and everyone else 122

Activity E Everyone should practice stress management 123

Activity F Behavior management for extended family members 124

Activity G How to handle rude comments in public and even bullying 126

Activity H Tips for toileting and eating 127

Activity I Adult and Child Rights 130

Resources 131