Parents can help autistic kids connect, communicate and learn

Does your baby take an interest in other children? Does he enjoy playing peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek? Does he smile when he sees your face? Does he respond to his name when you call? If you answered 'no' to these questions your baby may be displaying early signs of autism, which affects more than one in 110 children in the United States. But don't panic-cutting edge research reveals that parents can play a major role in teaching even the youngest children with autism spectrum disorders how to connect with others and live up to their potential.

Psychologists Sally Rogers and Geraldine Dawson are pioneering autism researchers known for their work on early interventions for infants and preschoolers. In An Early Start for Your Child with Autism: Using Everyday Activities to Help Kids Connect, Communicate, and Learn (Guilford Press, June 2012), they translate their groundbreaking approach into step-by-step strategies that help parents promote important social and emotional skills. "Keep in mind that the goal of this book is not to turn you from a parent into a therapist!" they write. "Rather, these strategies are meant to be used during the normal routines that are part of your daily experience, like bath time, at the park, or while putting your child to bed."

For example, here are some tips for taking advantage of meal times:

• Give your child a small portion of food. Offer her more, but don't hand it over until she has signaled in some way that she wants it. Once she has communicated her desire, give her the food and say something like, "More? Sure, you can have more."
• Offer your child a bite and then encourage her to give you a bite.
• Put your child's cup on the table in sight but out of reach. Hold it up and ask if she wants it before giving it over. Wait for her to communicate in some way before giving her the cup.
• When your child is done eating, sing a little song. Help your child make a gesture that goes with the song. Songs are great language builders.

With straightforward compassion, Sally and Geraldine show you how to build on the loving, caring relationship you already have with your child, and use that foundation to help them overcome some of the challenges of autism spectrum disorders. Equal parts reassuring, authoritative, and empowering, they answer all your toughest questions about autism and provide strategies that open new doors onto a brighter future.