Parents have a myriad of decisions to make when their child is diagnosed with autism.  Choosing a course of therapy is one of the most crucial elements.  Without early intervention, the child will stay shut-off from the world.  THE MILLER METHOD: Developing the Capacities of Children on the Autism Specturm, written by Arnold Miller with Kristina Chrétein, (March 2007, Jessica Kingsley Publishers; Hardcover, $24.95; ISBN: 978-1-84310-722-4; 320 pages) is one of the most effective treatments based on 40 years of research and work with autistic children by Dr. Arnold Miller and his late wife Eileen Eller-Miller.

THE MILLER METHOD is used in schools and clinics nationwide and abroad.  However, not everyone has access to facilities and therapists trained in THE MILLER METHOD.  Written in lay terms, the publication of THE MILLER METHOD allows parents and therapists to try these techniques in their own home or school.  The therapist uses elevation to build body awareness and focus the children on people and objects.  THE MILLER METHOD works on the premise that children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) learn more effectively when their whole bodies are physically and repetitively engaged in a learning system.  ASD children are often locked in their own world and have difficulty coping with change.  THE MILLER METHOD introduces carefully gauged disorder into their lives to help them gradually accept change without throwing a temper tantrum.  Such tools as the elevated square and flashcards can be easily created and utilized at home or in school.

Arnold Miller, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, is Executive Director of the Language and Cognitive Development Center of Newton, MA as well as Affiliate Professor Psychology, Clark University.  He has held research appointments at Boston University and Harvard Medical School.  Kristina Chrétien, M.S. works as cognitive-developmental therapist at the Language and Cognitive Development Center of Newton.