Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self-Esteem and More - 10 Essential AbilitiesEvery Child Needs and Deserves to Learn [Paperback]

Chantal Sicile-Kira (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 7, 2008

Award-winning autism expert Chantal Sicile-Kira presents a positive and empowering ?bill of rights? for every person with autism.

From an award-winning author and advocate, Autism Life Skills presents a positive and empowering "bill of rights" for every person with autism, regardless of impairment level. With advice and reflections from autistic adults across the spectrum, as well as Sicile-Kira's own experience as an advocate and parent of an autistic teen, the book covers these ten essential life skills:

Making Sense of the World * Communication * Safety * Self-Esteem * Pursuing Interests * Self-Regulation * Independence * Social Relationships * Self- Advocacy *Earning a Living

Whether your child or student has Asperger's or is on the more severely impaired end of the autism spectrum, this action-oriented guide will provide hope and help -- so that every child has a chance to reach his or her full potential.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Sicile-Kira has done a beautiful job of putting the voices of many people on the spectrum into one book.”
—Temple Grandin, Ph.D., from the Foreword

“The many moving personal stories from adults on the spectrum in Chantal’s books provide much- needed insight into the children we are raising and educating today. Both parents and educators will gain more understanding of what it is like to have autism, and learn how we can best prepare our children for adulthood. I highly recommend this excellent book.”
—Lee Grossman, President and CEO, Autism Society of America

“In her best work yet, Chantal went straight to the source – people on the autism spectrum – to answer some of the most vexing questions related to helping those with autism to lead fulfilling and productive lives to the greatest extent possible.”
— Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D., author and autism consultant --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade (October 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039953461X
• ISBN-13: 978-0399534614
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #165,975 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."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sophy Chaffee January 22, 2009

By S. Chaffee

Format:Paperback

By interviewing adults with autism about what essential skills they feel are important to develop, Chantal provides invaluable insights for parents and professionals. Her advice is practical. Her understanding of autistic people is remarkably respectful. Her tips can be put into practice right away, no matter the age of the person on the spectrum. Who knew that teaching a child to order at a restaurant could carry over to more fundamental life lessons?! She includes suggestions from a wide range of experts, as well as drawing from her personal experience. This is a great resource!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable Autism Resource For All Ages November 17, 2008

By Leeann Whiffen

Format:Paperback

As a parent and autism advocate, I found this revealing look into the perspectives of various individuals with autism fascinating and enlightening. These unique views are presented along with practical tips and guidelines for implementing important life skills. The outlined techniques will fully equip your loved one with the appropriate tools to safely navigate life with self-confidence. I especially appreciated the section on pursuing interests, as there are so many talented, bright individuals with autism who have so much to contribute. This is another well-written, fabulous resource from Chantal Sicile-Kira.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for anyone dealing with or interested in learning about autism December 9, 2008

By Debra G.

Format:Paperback

All of Chantal Sicile-Kira's books are valuable resources for anyone impacted by autism (or seeking to better understand it), but "Autism Life Skills" is an especially exciting addition. As our population of autism-spectrum kids grows older, becoming teens and young adults, autism awareness is becoming a necessity. For those on the spectrum, it is so important to have the tools to better achieve communication, self-advocacy, and independence. Clear, direct, and filled with invaluable tips and insights, "Life Skills" provides all of the above.