Family Services Resources

Ohio Parent's Guide to Autism Spectrum Disorders

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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.

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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)

I Suspect My Child Has Autism

[ Download I Suspect My Child Has Autism ]

Chapter 1: What Is an Autism Spectrum Disorder?

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

[ Download Chapter 1 ]

Chapter 2: Screening and Diagnosis

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

[ Download Chapter 2 ]

Chapter 3: Living with ASD

A review of common issues of daily life with practical tips for families

[ Download Chapter 3 ]

Chapter 4: Interventions

A review of therapies, program models, biomedical interventions, and individual strategies

[ Download Chapter 4 ]

Chapter 5: Accessing Educational Services

A guide to obtaining appropriate educational services

[ Download Chapter 5 ]

Chapter 6: Social Service Programs

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

[ Download Chapter 6 ]

Chapter 7: Advocacy and Disability Awareness

A guide to help families become advocates who will influence services and supports for family members with ASD and influence public policy related to ASD

[ Download Chapter 7 ]

Chapter 8: Future Planning

A review of issues to consider as individuals with ASD grow into adulthood

[ Download Chapter 8 ]

References and Resources

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

[ Download References and Resources ]

Appendix A: Definition of Pervasive Developmental Disorders

Full definition of pervasive developmental disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (IV-TR)

[ Download Appendix A ]

Appendix B: Useful Forms

Developmental Milestones, Family Health History, Emergency Medical, Emergency Response Information for Individuals with a Disability, Parent Record-Keeping Worksheet, Child/Student Profile, Home-School Communication, IEPs, MFEs, Diagnostic Assessments

[ Download Appendix B ]

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

[ Download Disability Solutions ]

Appendix C: Navigating Rough Water

Steps parents can take when they disagree with educators on their child’s program

[ Download Appendix C ]

Appendix D: Letter to Request a Multi-Factored Evaluation

[ Download Appendix D ]

Appendix E: Process for Determining Eligibility for Special Education Services

[ Download Appendix E ]

Index

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

[ Download Index ]

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.