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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative, accessible, and a pleasure to read, January 3, 2009
This review is from: Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest: Achieving Supported Independence (Paperback)
As a psychologist with a strong background in neuropsychology, I am delighted at the unique contribution this book makes to my field. There are many books that address the needs of children with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), but none that guide parents to help their children live independently once they reach adulthood. I have a special interest in ASD because of my 25-year-old nephew whose hydrocephalus has left him with many executive function deficits that have significantly affected his ability to live independently, keep a job, and function socially. His deficits are so subtle that they are often misunderstood by the people who know and care about him. I have already ordered copies of this book for them.
This highly accessible book springs from Dr. Perry's personal experience growing up with two sisters with disabilities as well as her extensive clinical experience working with adults with ASD. It meets parents where they live, addressing their hopes and fears as well as offering practical advice for dealing with the everyday challenges unique to this population--challenges like managing money, lying, making friends, being sexually active, honoring commitments. It addresses parental guilt and acceptance with the compassion and insight. Dr. Perry gives down-to-earth explanations of complex constructs, like initiation, self-monitoring, impulsivity, empathy, and emotion and attention regulation. And a bonus: She describes these and other executive functions with such clarity that after reading this book you will find greater insight into not only your child's behavior, but also into the workings of your own brain. The tone is positive and supportive without shying away from the very real difficulties that ASD presents.
This book as an essential resource for therapists, employers, parents, concerned family members, and anyone else who cares about and works with adults with an ASD. The many case examples capture the essence and uniqueness of adults with this complex condition. She offers a good balance of first person reports, case examples, clinical information, and practical suggestions. It is both informative and a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest, April 22, 2009
This review is from: Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest: Achieving Supported Independence (Paperback)
I have been a child advocate for over forty years since my youngest child had unidentified issues that kept her from conformity. As this author points out, in the l960's ADHD was just beginning to be recognized. Her youngest son has lived with me for over six years and was finally labeled
Aspergers.
How I wish this book had been available to help our family over those many decades. The author knows the subject. How rare that is in the world of syndroms and disability! By reading and rereading this book I know this month that my ADHD girl probably is/was on the autism spectrum.
What a shock that I hadn't figured that out before.
There is a potential plan is this book for leading your child to become an independent adult. It may be too late for us to pull it off since we are in our 70's but I strongly recommend this book. It brings understanding and, most importantly, it brings hope. A must read!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Indispensable guide for parents, January 10, 2009
This review is from: Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest: Achieving Supported Independence (Paperback)
I am the father of a preteen son with an autistic spectrum disorder. My wife and I have struggled with many questions addressed in this excellent book. We know we should be giving our son a consistent message, but often find that we disagree on the best approach to take with him for problems like temper tantrums, lying, refusing to bathe, his bluntness/apparent rudeness with other people. And we're never quite sure how much of his misbehavior is willful and how much of it is due to his disability. So we are often feel frustrated (that he doesn't seem to learn from the consequences we give him), exhausted (sometimes we just don't have the energy to be consistent with him), and guilty (that we are not doing enough).
Dr. Perry has tackled all our questions one at a time, in a compelling and practical manner. My wife and I read this book together and have been able to implement many of her suggestions. One of the best things we got from this book is that we now agree on our approach! We are really trying to pick up on her objectivity so that we can be less reactive and feel less guilty. We think she sets the right tone--positive and supportive, but firm and consistent. Already we have seen fewer tantrums in our son.
As we were reading the book, we felt we were being guided by a kind, wise, nonjudgmental friend who wants the best for us as well as our child. It is truly a godsend for parents like us. We can now see our way through to our son's adulthood and how we can best prepare him to live apart from us. I can't tell you what a relief this is!
This book has a place of high honor in our household and deserves to be in every home with a child on the autistic spectrum. Thank you, Dr. Perry!
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