Receiving the news that your child is diagnosed or suspected to have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be difficult information for a parent to absorb, and the family caring for the child with autism faces many challenges with each developmental stage—often without clear guidelines. Obstacles to achieving appropriate care can include parent denial, lack of information, and limited financial resources. Child and adolescent psychiatrists, pediatricians, family practitioners, and other mental health professionals need practical answers to the many questions and situations that present when treating a child with an ASD. Recognition of the diagnostic symptoms of ASD is one thing, certainty on how to proceed is often lacking. This Institute provides working knowledge of basic research and practical information on how to help parents after their child is diagnosed and how to create a treatment plan. Assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and the clinical implications of recent research advances in genetics and neuroimaging are presented, as well as behavioral, educational, and pharmacological interventions. Participants learn how to develop an appropriate, realistic, multi-modal treatment plan that encompasses emotional and educational support for caregivers so the child with ASD can achieve optimum functioning and life skills.