Once a diagnosis of autism is made, a myriad of questions arises. Why is this happening? What can I do? How will I cope? What will the future bring? Will I ever smile again? A roadmap is needed, a handbook to refer to when all seems overwhelming. The priorities are to begin the healing process and to start treatment. The way to ensure success is to begin with the end goals in mind. It is remarkable how things fall into place once a vision of the future is formulated - a productive, upstanding, and most important, happy adult! This book walks parents through the steps of early intervention by demonstrating ways to achieve the most optimal outcomes. We address the following: Happy adults have a positive outlook, feel valued when their passions are honored and when interest is shown in the things they love. We can help children foster those attitudes in early childhood. Productive adults regulate their emotions, manage their time, cope with change, make wise choices and accept responsibility for their actions. We illustrate how to develop these skills from the outset. Adults perform skills independently and complete tasks necessary for work and home life. Children should be expected to do the same and we outline ways how to do that. Wherever a parent is on their parenting journey, and whatever age the child is, now is the time to look forward and plant seeds for the future, beginning with the end in mind. Our shared goal is to honor the glory that is in all of us, and to enhance each child's journey towards their fullest potential. If you are now confused and overwhelmed, you need a compassionate and optimistic guide for the early years and beyond. Where to start? Right here.

Meet Marvin, a lovable monster with a twelve-stringed baby fang guitar, a rambunctious case of ADHD, and a diary to record it all. His teachers scold him, his parents don't know what to do with him, and his sister is convinced he was raised by triple-tailed monkeys. In short, Marvin's life is feeling out of control—until a secret formula changes everything.In the same humorous spirit of Diary of a Wimpy Kid comes Marvin's Monster Diary: ADHD Attacks! (And I Rock It, Big Time). Using the "monstercam" and "ST4" techniques developed by Dr. Raun Melmed of the Melmed Center in Arizona, Marvin's Monster Diary teaches kids how to be mindful, observe their surroundings, and take time to think about their actions. Marvin's hilarious doodles and diary entries chronicle his delightful adventures, misadventures, and eventual triumph in a funny, relatable way. It's the one book on ADHD that kids will actually want to read! Marvin's Monster Diary also includes a resource section to help parents and teachers implement Dr. Melmed's methods, plus ST4 reminders that kids can remove, color, and place around the house.

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.

School’s out and summer camp’s in! When Marvin and his friends meet Joey, a lake monster with a loud mouth and few manners, it seems that Marvin is the only kid in camp who will be his friend. And Marvin’s friendship with the lake monster is causing ripples among his other friends. No one wants to be around the kid who cuts in line, or talks over them, or tells them what he really thinks about their art project. But Joey secretly wants only one thing: friends. Can Marvin help Joey learn how to make—and keep—friends? Marvin's hilarious doodles and diary entries chronicle his delightful adventures, misadventures, and eventual triumph in a funny, relatable way. It's the one series on ADHD and associated issues that kids will actually want to read!