Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs ofTeenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders [Paperback]

Chantal Sicile-Kira (Author), Temple Grandin (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 28, 2006

From the award-winning author of Autism Spectrum Disorders, comes Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, a complete guide to the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of preteens and teenagers with autistic disorders, ranging from the relatively mild Asperger's Syndrome to more severe ability impairment. Using clear examples, practical advice, and supportive insights, this book covers:

- Health risks such as seizures and depression
- Treatments, therapies, and teaching strategies
- Teaching skills to cope with puberty, self-care, and social skills
- Teenage emotions, sexuality, appropriate relationships, and dating
- Middle school, high school, and developing an Individual Educational Program
- Preparing for life after high school

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Chantal Sicile-Kira, author of Autism Spectrum Disorders, is a national speaker and advocate who has been involved with autism spectrum disorders for nearly 20 years, first as a professional and then as a parent. She currently hosts a weekly radio show, "The Real World of Autism with Chantal," on Autism One Radio. Her company, Autism Making a Difference, Inc., provides workshops and training materials.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; 1 edition (February 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399532366
• ISBN-13: 978-0399532368
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #128,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Chantal Sicile-Kira's passion for empowering others, her love of writing, and her personal interest in autism has led her to become an award-winning author, speaker, and leader in the field of adolescence and transition to adulthood. She has been involved with autism spectrum disorders for over 25 years as both a parent and a professional on both sides of the Atlantic. Chantal recently founded AutismCollege.com, which provides practical information and training to parents and educators.

A former researcher on BBC documentaries and a line producer on a TV Series in Paris, Chantal is the author of five books on autism. She blogs on Huffingtonpost.com, and PsychologyToday.com.

Jeremy, Chantal's son, was highlighted in the Newsweek cover story "Growing up with Autism" and featured in the MTV documentary True Life series, in "I Have Autism" which was the recipient of a 2008 Voice Award. Chantal's experience of raising her son in France, the UK and California was the subject of a 22 page article in the French professional journal on education and research for special education, La Nouvelle Revue de l'Adaptation et de la Scolarisation, June 2006, published by INS HEA.

Book Awards
Chantal's first book, Autism Spectrum Disorders, was the recipient of the 2005 Autism Society of America's Outstanding Literary Work of the Year Award, and was nominated for the 2005 PEN / Martha Albrand Award for First Nonfiction. The UK edition was the winner of the 2003 San Diego Book Award for 'Best in Health.'

Her second book, Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum was awarded the 2006 San Diego Book Award for "Best in Health/Fitness."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed and helpful for parents, August 22, 2006

By 

Benjamin T. Dewolfe (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs ofTeenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

As a school system employee, I have worked with many students in the past years that fall on the Autism Spectrum. Recent research indicates that 1 in 166 people fall somewhere on the autism spectrum. Such children can be extremely challenging for parents, but parents with the right information can be empowered to help their child improve. This book is an excellent and detailed resource for many of the issues parents face in raising a child on the Autism spectrum. The book begins with a great description of Autism, and is especially useful for parents who are reading their first book on autism. The book moves into more inspirational mode, and discusses the importance of acceptance and a positive attitude in the face of adversity. The book continues with information and strategies on how to cope at the family level (e.g. non-disabled peers relationship with an autistic peer and the challenges for married couples). It also discusses strategies to talk to teens about puberty, the birds and the bees, and proper hygiene. A strength of the book is the detail it goes into. For example, the author discusses strategies in dealing with teens who have sensory issues and don't want to comb their hair, etc... The book also supplies valuable information about transition to high-school and beyond, and future employment. It also educates parents about special education law. I would recommend this book as a great resource for parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fills in a lot of gaps, July 30, 2007

By 

A. Swinford "Spectrum Mom" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs ofTeenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

My son is too old for "early intervention" and is definitely on the high functioning end of the continuum, which has made it difficult at time to find resources. So many books (and programs) are geared toward early intervention - which is fantastic - but we're past that point. A good percentage of the rest are geared towards kids not as lucky as mine who face much greater challenges and limitations.

This book deals with issues across the spectrum and functional level continuum specifically in relation with the issues and challenges adolescence poses for both kids and the adults in their lives. It is readable - the language is comfortable, the tone is positive and motivational, the ideas and suggestions are, for the most part, accessible to most people. Maybe a little too much emphasis of self-sacrifice, but that is offset by the chapters on balancing the needs of the family, couple and neurotypical siblings with the affected child.

Recommended highly for parents charting the rapids of adolescence in the lop-sided ASD rowboat.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Fuel to Keep Going, April 29, 2006

By 

V. Zysk - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs ofTeenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Paperback)

Amidst a surge in books on autism and adolescence comes this praiseworthy contribution for parents of teens and `tweens with autism spectrum disorders. In a frank yet soothing voice, author and mother Chantal Sicile-Kira offers page after page of real-life wisdom addressing difficult adolescent issues: hormones, hygiene, friendships, sex and safety, transition issues, changing social and academic expectations. At a life transition that often finds parents exhausted from the daily struggle that can accompany autism, this book is the fuel they need to power themselves and empower their child on the journey to adulthood.