This easy-to-understand, impeccably researched, user-friendly guide addresses autism identification and treatment from conception through adulthood. Describing over 50 practical approaches with proven efficacy, from improving social skills through play; focusing on interacting, communication, and learning; dietary considerations; to boosting the immune system, Patricia Lemer's approach is based on multi-factorial causes, or "Total Load Theory." Children who develop autism have known risk factors that accumulate and cause difficult behaviors. Identifying what is physically wrong, and finding the proper treatments, can be the difference between management and healing. Every child with autism is unique, and this book helps determine what therapies, in what order, are right for a given child. In this new edition, research on every subject has been updated. New topics such as cannabis, stem cells, and dentistry are now included. This is a must-have for parents and families of children diagnosed with autism or Asperger syndrome, mental health and medical practioners, therapists, counselors, school counselors, school teachers -- anyone who interacts with children or adults with autism or Asperger syndrome, as well as for adults with autism or Asperger syndrome.