Lexington resident Dr. Blaise Aguirre has seen firsthand the impact an autism spectrum diagnosis can have, not just on the child but on the childs family.

An expert in child, adolescent and adult psychotherapy, Aguirre is the medical director of 3East at McLean Hospital in Belmont and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard University. His recent book, Parenting Your Child with Autism: Practical Solutions, Strategies, and Advice for Helping Your Family, which he co-wrote with M. Anjali Sastry, PhD, serves as a guidebook for parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Aguirre spoke with the Lexington Minuteman about his new book and the rise in autism diagnoses in children.

What is your book about?

Many parents learn that their child has autism at a time when life is hectic for even the most typical of families. We asked ourselves the question: How can parents educate themselves about what the diagnosis means, navigate the medical and educational systems, and deal with difficult decisions about what to do and what not to do? How do they come to terms with the implications for their families while advocating for their child? This is the book that answers those questions. It is recognizing the parent as central to the process, that parents can become the experts of their particular situation, and that a parent who can take care of themselves is going to be a more effective parent.

Why did you want to write a book for parents?

Parents of children with autism report high levels of stress, but theres evidence that they rebound in the years that follow an initial diagnosis. Our advice to families acknowledges that the way forward may be difficult and that it can also get better. If our book helps people get there any faster, well have reached our goal.

We want to equip caregivers by giving them the tools to choose the right treatments and educational approaches for their child. We want to draw on science and the study of mindfulness, combining parent-tested tips with systematic approaches to making decisions amid limited information and insufficient resources. This is in contrast to what can at times be a reactive, headline-driven approach to parenting.

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Lexington psychiatrist writes book on parenting kids with autism