The Autism Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping, and Healing--from a Mother Whose Child Recovered [Paperback]

Karen Siff Exkorn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2006

Practical advice and information from the world's foremost experts on autism -- and a mother's own hard-won lessons from helping her son recover from the disorder

When Karen Siff Exkorn's son, Jake, was diagnosed with autism, she struggled to pull together comprehensive information about the disorder. Fortunately, she was able to educate herself quickly, and her extensive at-home treatment of her son led to his amazing full recovery. But the journey wasn't easy, and now, in The Autism Sourcebook, Siff Exkorn offers parents the wisdom she wishes she'd had at the beginning.

Recent studies show that there is a worldwide epidemic of autism. More than 1.5 million people are affected in the United States alone, with one in every 166 children diagnosed. Early detection and early intervention are two of the key factors in improving prognosis -- but too often, writes Siff Exkorn, parents get bogged down in denial or confusion about the still mysterious disorder, and are unable to take the necessary steps. Providing accessible medical information gleaned from the world's foremost experts, Siff Exkorn offers an inside look at families with children who have autism, and ties in her own firsthand experience as a parent. The author shares valuable knowledge about the following:

• What the diagnosis really means
• Understanding and accessing treatment options
• Knowing your child's rights in the school system
• Coping with common marital and familial stress
• Making the stigma of autism a thing of the past

With extensive appendices, including the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Diagnostic Criteria for the Five Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and carefully selected lists of Internet resources, recommended readings, and top autism organizations worldwide, The Autism Sourcebook is the single most comprehensive, practical resource available to parents and loved ones of children with autism.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

After her son's recovery from autism, Karen Siff Exkorn made it her mission to reach out as a consultant to other families living with autism. With a B.A. from Brown University and an M.A. from New York University, she is a frequent lecturer at universities and autism organizations around the world. Karen has appeared on ABC's Good Morning America, Nightline, and an international media tour. She and her husband recently established the Siff Exkorn Family Foundation, which provides funding for research and treatment of autism. The author donates a percentage of the proceeds from book sales to autism organizations worldwide. She lives in Rockland County, New York, with her husband and son.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; 1st, Paperback edition (September 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006085975X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060859756
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #945,991 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now a paperback with heart!, September 20, 2006

By 

Juan A. Lucio "juannyc" (The Rocky Mountains!) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Autism Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping, and Healing--from a Mother Whose Child Recovered (Paperback)

I have a loved one (nephew) that has been challenged with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I felt that reading this book would be informative as well as showing my support for the family. Well it was, and then some.

What surprises me is that it is not a dry and tedious read. Author Karen Siff Exkorn manages to explain technical, diagnostic and therapeutic terms and processes in intelligent and uncomplicated English. Make no mistake - this is not a dim-witted "Autism for Dummies" style book either.

It is clear that she has been through much, for only the voice of experience could have this veracity. I was intrigued to read about her family's personal experiences. Her stories and examples involving her son, Jake, are understated and not drenched in sentimentality. It added a very real and human dimension to the book.

The book has four sections:
-Diagnosis
-Treatment
-Coping
-Healing

It also includes a large and pragmatic appendix; covering areas such as diagnostic criteria, organizations, resources, recommended reading, and a glossary.

At the end of each section are questions and answers. I found myself reading the questions and thinking to myself "Hey, now there is a good one!" No stone was left unturned.

I think many parents and guardians will also appreciate chapter 7: "You Have the Power: Advocating for Your Child's Legal Rights". It is clear and practical information, loaded with parent's experiences and helpful tips on how to "work the system". There are a variety of programs and Siff Exkorn explains how to jump the hurdles and stay on top of it all.

There is an aspect often neglected by other books and articles regarding ASD: the emotional impact on the care-givers and the family. Siff Exkorn devoted much of the last two chapters to this very subject matter. Here she advocates taking care of ourselves, and ways to do it, so that we remain effective care-givers and create a content family life that includes a child with an ASD. It was reassuring to read that others have gone through similar experiences.

I am most grateful to Karen Siff Exkorn for authoring this much needed book, and would recommend it to anyone who has interest in the Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

By the way, her son is completely mainstreamed and it is obvious that some reviewers (of the hardcover) have not read the book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Autism, January 7, 2010

By 

Donna Craig (Silver Spring, Md United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Autism Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping, and Healing--from a Mother Whose Child Recovered (Paperback)

I bought this for a friend that works with autisist children.

She works with them daily at school and she was greatful for the inside information. Plus, she as able to incorporate the coping techniques into her daily job.

1.0 out of 5 stars Too little information about biomedical treatment, November 10, 2008

By 

M. Averkamp - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Autism Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping, and Healing--from a Mother Whose Child Recovered (Paperback)

I bought this book based on the rave reviews only to get it and be sorely disappointed. I will donate it to the library. It is a lot of info about working with the school, the doctor, family, friends, etc. but very little about really healing a kid from the inside. Mine are 19 and 15 and I need good ideas on what other biomedical treatments to use--we have used many and have come far but I am always still combing literature looking for more information.

This book is clearly not the one for me. Too introductory in the biomedical area for my needs.