Ohio's Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders

This manual provides an overview of the world of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It was developed by Ohio parents of individuals with ASD who have a broad range of experience with interventions, resources, and services. The group’s work began with the question: What do you wish you had known the first year your child was diagnosed?

The manual covers a wide range of topics of interest to families, and each chapter contains rich reference materials, including books, websites, and names of organizations where additional information on each topic may be obtained.

The Parent Guide can be downloaded either in its entirety or by individual chapter.

Please note: Download times may vary depending on connection speed and the size of each document. Please be patient.

[ Download Ohio's Parent Guide to ASD ] (Complete Document)

Chapter 1: What Is Autism Spectrum Disorders?

The definition of ASD with a list of characteristics and common warning signs in young children

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Chapter 2: Diagnosis, Screening, and Identification

An explanation of the difference between the medical diagnosis of ASD and the educational identification of autism

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Chapter 3: Living with ASD

A review of common issues of daily life with an individual with ASD with practical tips for families, including forms and checklists that families will find useful

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Chapter 4: Interventions

An overview of the common interventions, treatments, therapies, and educational methodologies

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Chapter 5: Accessing Educational Services

A guide for how to obtain educational services

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Chapter 6: Ohio’s Social Service Agencies

A list of Ohio social service agencies and a review of the support they can provide

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Chapter 7: Disability Awareness and a Guide for Advocacy

A guide to help families become informed advocates for their child and learn to influence public policy

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Chapter 8: Future Planning Issues

A review of issues related to planning a secure future for children with ASD and ease their transition into adulthood

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References and Resources

A list of books, websites, and organizations that provide additional help and information

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Appendix A: The Definition of Pervasive Developmental Disorders

A full definition of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

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Appendix B: Useful Forms

Emergency Contact Form, Developmental History Form, Family Health History Form, Home-School Communication Form, Parent Record - Keeping Worksheet, Child/Student Profile

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Please note: An issue of Disability Solutions is included in the hardcopy of the Parent Guide, Appendix B. It is a separate download here because of its considerable size.

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Appendix C: Navigating Rough Water

A review of steps parents can take when they disagree with educators regarding their child’s program

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Appendix D: Letter to Request a Multi-Factored Evaluation

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Appendix E: Flowchart of Process for Determining Eligibility for Special Education Services

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Index

A list of terms used and page numbers where their meaning is defined

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OCALI has received a grant from the Autism Society of Ohio to provide a print copy of Ohio's Parent Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders to any parent of a child with autism who calls to request one. Parents may call toll-free at 866-886-2254.