Parenting A Child On The Spectrum

Maureen F. Morrell and Ann Palmer are raising two very different children: Justin, a whirlwind of activity and mood swings, who is supervised in a residential farm community, and Eric, quiet and passive, who lives independently at college. The authors give an account of the striking similarities as well as the stark differences in their experiences of parenting children at opposite extremes of the autism spectrum. The two mothers speak openly about their children's diagnosis and early childhood through to adolescence, young adulthood and the day they leave home. They give a moving account of the challenges they faced and the surprising consolations they found along their sons' very different paths in life. Through their friendship and two decades of shared experiences of parenting an ASD child, each has gained a clear understanding of her own strengths and limitations, as well as those of her child. Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum offers a personal perspective and practical guidance for parents at the start of their journey with autism, especially those whose children are newly diagnosed. It also provides useful insights for professionals working with individuals across the autism spectrum and their families. The book was elected the 2007 Autism Society of America's Outstanding Literary Work of the Year.

A diverse collection of autistic voices that highlights how parents can avoid common mistakes and misconceptions, and make their child feel truly accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are. Most resources available for parents come from psychologists, educators, and doctors, offering parents a narrow and technical approach to autism. Sincerely, Your Autistic Child represents an authentic resource for parents written by autistic people themselves. From childhood and education to culture, gender identity, and sexuality, this anthology tackles the everyday joys and challenges of growing up while honestly addressing the emotional needs, sensitivity, and vibrancy of autistic kids, youth, and young adults. Contributors reflect on what they have learned while growing up on the autism spectrum and how parents can avoid common mistakes and overcome challenges while raising their child. Part memoir, part guide, and part love letter, Sincerely, Your Autistic Child is an indispensable collection that invites parents and allies into the unique and often unheard experiences of autistic children and teens.

This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Some children with ASDs are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others try to be social. Some get "stuck" on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing ("stims"). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions ("What’s an ASD?" "Why me?") and provides strategies for communicating, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, resources, and a glossary. Sections for parents offer more detailed information.

When you are raising a child on the Autism Spectrum, priorities and immediate concerns can often be wildly different to those of parents who are raising neurotypical children. The unique experiences and challenges are such that many typical families could not begin to imagine dealing with, and as a result, some parents who are raising a child on the Autism Spectrum might easily find themselves feeling isolated and overwhelmed. They might not have the ability or the resources required to consistently meet their own needs or their family's needs adequately.If you are the parent of a child on the spectrum, I am sure you can appreciate the value in connecting with other parents who are raising children with ASD. It can make a world of difference to those parents and to their children, and it is a large part of the reason why we wanted to publish this collection of stories. Another reason is a desire to reach out to a broader community and provide greater insight into the world of families raising children on the spectrum. It is our experience that education and awareness can also make a world of difference.Each of the 25 authors who have contributed to this collection have significant insights to share, and many work tirelessly within their communities to bring about positive change. While there might be some common themes throughout the book, each story is unique and the ways in which each of the parents approach the challenges of meeting their children's needs are many and varied. You are sure to find many experiences you relate to and you might even get some great ideas that you can put into practice in your home or in the classroom.As you read each of these stories you will want to laugh and you will want to cry, but most important of all, you will know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you will know that you are not alone.

This book looks at what it feels like to be an autistic parent, offering valuable insights, knowledge and wisdom on parenting autistic and non-autistic children. Three mothers reflect on their experiences of growing up as undiagnosed autistics, venturing into and embracing motherhood, and connecting with their children in a unique and powerful way. They offer advice on overcoming the challenges of parenting when you are autistic, such as socialising with other parents or sensory issues that come with excessive touch. Reflecting on their own experiences, they also emphasize the positives of being an autistic parent to an autistic child, such as understanding of why their child is struggling or the open-mindedness that can come from not being constrained by societal norms. They also explain how out-of-the-box thinking leads to creative parenting of non-autistic children, forming strong and loving bonds. Full of wit and warm advice, this book empowers autistic parents and reassures them that autism is a strength in raising their children with love, knowledge and experience, while also giving non-autistic parents and professionals a fresh perspective on helping autistic children to thrive.

Through this clinical guide, practitioners will learn how to teach parents of children with autism spectrum disorder new skills and behaviors so that they can promote their children's long-term improvement.

With its 101 stories from other parents and experts, this book will comfort, encourage, and uplift parents of children with autism and Asperger’s. If you are the parent of a child – from newborn to college age – with autism or Asperger’s, you will find support, advice, and insight in these 101 stories from other parents and experts. Stories cover everything from the serious side and the challenges, to the lighter side and the positives, of having a special child on the autism spectrum.

Amid a bewildering range of treatments that promise to alleviate or even cure autism, even the leading researchers can’t predict what will work for your child. As a parent, you are in a unique position to become the practical expert on your child’s needs and strengths. Parenting Your Child with Autism will equip you with family-tested and science-based approaches for meeting the challenges ahead. You’ll learn how to: • Get a diagnosis and navigate the health care and educational systems • Make sense of your child’s treatment options • Tap into expert opinions and your own observations to find a treatment program that works • Become your child’s best advocate and build a better family life “Finally, a book for parents of children newly diagnosed with autism that’s accurate and practical without being intimidating or alarmist.” —Alison Singer, president of the Autism Science Foundation “This wonderful book will bring comfort and practical help to many families as they search for creative ways to relieve their children’s distress, develop new skills, and find areas of joy.” —Joseph Gold, MD, chief medical officer at McLean Hospital