Autism is Not a Life Sentence: How One Family Took on Autism and WON! [Paperback]

Lynley Summer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 18, 2006

Autism is Not a Life Sentence is about a mother-daughter team who worked together to build a life of fulfillment and success not by beating autism, but by working with it. It is the story of how author Lynley Summer s daughter, Jessica, descended into darkness from what appeared to be a normal infancy. The book chronicles how the author incorporated her background of chaos theory into behavioral modification therapy and used it successfully to systematically eliminate some of the characteristically autistic behaviors from Jessica s life. The reader will see Jessica, initially diagnosed as limited to a self-contained classroom and a helmet, grow into an accomplished high school student who composes music, writes stories and speaks at conferences about life with autism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Autism is Not a Life Sentence" is a fabulously real book filled with hope, optimism, joy and wonder. -- Liane Holliday Willey EdD, Author of “Pretending to Be Normal”

Lynley Summers may have discovered a strategy that not only works for her daughter, but may also work for others. -- Tony Attwood, PhD, Author

Lynley Summers may have discovered a strategy that not only works for her daughter, but may also work for others. --Tony Attwood, PhD, Author

These are techniques that can be implemented for ANY child, not just those with autism or on the autism spectrum. -- Susan Perry Simpson, PhD candidate, individual with ADHD and parent of a child with ADHD, coordinator, CHADD

These are techniques that can be implemented for ANY child, not just those with autism or on the autism spectrum. --Susan Perry Simpson, PhD candidate, individual with ADHD and parent of a child with ADHD, coordinator, CHADD

“Autism is Not a Life Sentence” is a fabulously real book filled with hope, optimism, joy and wonder. --Liane Holliday Willey EdD, Author of “Pretending to Be Normal”

“Autism is Not a Life Sentence” is a fabulously real book filled with hope, optimism, joy and wonder. --Liane Holliday Willey EdD, Author of “Pretending to Be Normal”

These are techniques that can be implemented for ANY child, not just those with autism or on the autism spectrum. --Susan Perry Simpson, PhD candidate, individual with ADHD and parent of a child with ADHD, coordinator, CHADD

About the Author

Lynley Summers is a behaviorist working with children and adults across the autism spectrum. She is an advocate for children with disabilities and serves on the board of directors for the Arkansas Disability Coalition and the Arkansas State Medical Care Advisory Committee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 203 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company (January 18, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931282889
• ISBN-13: 978-1931282888
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,079,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring Story, February 15, 2006

By 

Kristi A. Sakai (Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Autism is Not a Life Sentence: How One Family Took on Autism and WON! (Paperback)

Initially upon reading the cover and starting the book I thought this was an "I know how to cure autism" book. As the mother of three children with autism spectrum disorder/Asperger Syndrome, I am hypersensitive and probably overreactionary when I perceive that message. But I was wrong, this isn't that kind of book at all! This is an inspirational story of a mother and daughter as they face the daily challenges of living and loving through autism. Indeed, necessity is the mother of invention, and Lynley took it upon herself to invent some very creative ideas for helping her daughter, Jazz. I enjoyed her thoughts on chaos theory and how she implemented it as a tool for helping her daughter be able to adapt more readily to a changing schedule. Plus, I could so strongly identify with the emotions she expressed as a mother and this greatly endeared this book to me. There were moments that touched my heart so deeply, particularly the story of her daughter having a major meltdown at the grocery store because it is a common experience for so many parents, including myself. A public humiliation. And yet, Lynley held her head high, continuing to put items in her grocery cart and checking out despite being an absolute mess. As a mother Lynley embodies the, I'm down but I'm not out, and I'm fighting back spirit. She's not fighting against autism, she is fighting FOR her daughter. And with her dedication and the grace of God, she has helped Jazz grow into quite a charming and successful young woman. This book will inspire many to follow their hearts and not give up even when things seem hopeless.

Kristi Sakai, parent of 3 children with ASD and author of
Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Read - proven methods, January 25, 2006

By 

Robyn Koch "Robyn A. Koch" (Little Rock, Arkansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Autism is Not a Life Sentence: How One Family Took on Autism and WON! (Paperback)

Lynley's daughter was a beautiful infant that laughed walked sang and danced. She talked and played and then disappeared. Her mother refused to give up and and worked with her. Her methods are proven. Jazz is now 16 years old and is a 4th generation National Honor Society Student. Highly recommended for parents and caregivers of Autistic Children.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story, January 31, 2006

By 

Brittany Hampton (Arkansas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Autism is Not a Life Sentence: How One Family Took on Autism and WON! (Paperback)

This book tells the story of a family that has autistic children. Artistically written, Dr. Summers shows that autism is not necessarily a bad thing; it's not a disease; and that people overcome it.

I would have liked to been able to read a few more "Jessica Speaks" and maybe have added an "Alex Speaks" to tell how he feels about his autistic siblings.

All in all, this is an amazing book that everyone should read.
Dr. Summers has done a great job.