Customer Reviews

The Autism Book: Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
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2 star:		(1)
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The Autism Book is a comprehensive introductory manual for those entering into the world of autism. Using a Q&A (Question-and-Answer) format, this book scratches the surface of everything from speculative causes of autism to diagnosis and treatment to the adult living with autism. While The Autism Book gives a good overview and introduction to most issues that face parents of a child with autism, significant information gaps still remain. For example, the book is a little vague when it comes to the more challenging issues such as the propensity some children have for running away, dealing with rage aimed at themselves and others, how to handle situations where behavior is so challenging that only trained respite care providers can be used, and how parents who cannot afford traditionally costly help (i.e. housekeeping services, therapists and home help aides) can find the vital support necessary to develop and maintain a cohesive family atmosphere. The Autism Book gives a glimpse into dozens of the more common topics such as "meltdowns", treatment information, and a broad range of therapy options. I was very impressed at the depth and detail in which the writers conveyed the diagnosis and family impact portions of the book. As the book repeatedly states, you are the one who knows your child best so gauge every decision around your child's specific needs and tolerance levels. As a bonus feature, there is a comprehensive list of resources included containing resources corresponding to each section of the book. Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids.org

If you have someone - a child, a grandchild, a friend's child, diagnosed as being diagnosed with autism specturn disorder, this is an excellent referrence book. If you are simply wondering why your kid is weird, do more research. I borrowed this book from our library then decided it is worth owning for more than 30 days.

Very down to earth, educational, comprehensive and easy to follow. .I thought I knew an awful lot about autism, but this book has become a desk top reference for me.

It's obvious these ladies know of what they speak.

wtg, Jho and Dawn!

I think this is the most wonderful book to have. I recommend this book highly, I have read several books on autism that are very hard to follow, but when I read this book it had all the information at hand and one that you can understand. For any parent starting out on the journey of autism buy this book, you will not regret it!!! I have never read a book so well written.

This is a well-written and organized book. It covers everything from the diagnosing autism and causes to treatments, interventions and discipline.

The authors helps the reader as they leave their "comfort zones" with information and practical tips about how to juggle doctor and therapists appointments.

But perhaps the strength of this book is that it addresses the emotions and worries that parents have about their child's education and future. It bravely asks and offers touching answers to the questions, "Will my child be able to hold down a regular job?" Can my child live on his own when he grows up?" "Will my child ever have a best friend?" and "Does my child know I love him?"

As a health journalist, I admire the depth of research presented in this book, and the great writing that presents it all. The book addresses a very emotional, complicated topic in a forthright, even-handed manner, in a tone that's friendly and reassuring. It also covers a very broad range of issues but doesn't belabor them -- it's informative but not overwhelming.

For a person who is relatively new to the world of developmental disabilities, this book was amazing! It is chock full of crucial information for parents who are grasping with the news of having a child with autism. The authors did a fine job breaking it down simply for anyone to understand. It is a down and dirty, nitty gritty look at the facts and the resource information in the back is a life saver! Congrats to a great team of thoughtful authors who are able to make a complex subject very understandable and informative!

As the brother of Dawn Ham-Kucharski, I have been able to observe first-hand the challenges that she and her husband, Rich, face in raising Alex, their son who lives with autism.

Dealing with the medical appointments, the looks from strangers who don't understand why Alex sometimes behaves differently from other children, the finanical implications, the public schools, and so on, creates challenges that you cannot anticipate or understand until you are in that situation.

I admire Dawn's willingness to share her experiences with others, in the hope that this book might make life just a bit easier for those dealing with the issues created by autism.

If you think vaccines may have any correlation to your child's autism or that autism is treatable via bio-med, don't pick up this book - you'll be sorely disappointed. It does give an overview of some therapies but it's not very thorough at all. "Autism Spectrum Disorders" by Chantal Siclile-Kira or "Autism Spectrum Disorders,Understanding the Diagnosis & Getting Help" by Mitzi Waltz are far better and more comprehensive.

I found this book so helpful. Everyone that has a autistic child should buy this book. It actually gives a lot of hope for parents.

Dorothy (proud Mom of Dawn and other proud Mom to Johanna)