early signs of preautism in their infant or toddler. The Cowden Preautism Observation Inventory (CPAOI) will help parents to establish a baseline of behaviors and skills, along with the use of recordings and videotaping, to justify further testing of their infant or toddler. If further assessment is needed, the parent has documented all behaviors and movements of his or her baby. A cluster of clinical and developmental signs and symptoms can be detected from medical information, complications during pregnancy, cognition/prelanguage, social-communication-play, sensory motor skills, central nervous system maturity, and developmental movements. The CPAOI has simple directions for recording observations of behaviors as present, absent, or emerging. An in-depth chapter is included on brain plasticity-the ability of the brain to change and reorganize neural pathways, which is the foundation for success of early sensory stimulation programs for infants with preautism. Genetic and environmental causes are discussed in detail, and an entire chapter is devoted to neurological problems, immature brain development, and medical problems associated with preautism. Medical complications are also included in the CPAOI, as well as other specific activities and exercises for developing muscle tone, strength, and reflex integration. Over twenty comprehensive strategies for effective intervention have been summarized from past experiences, and a section to assist parents with their concerns has been included that outlines specific guidelines for selection of early intervention programs.

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