Children with Autism: A Parent's Guide [Paperback]

Michael D. Powers (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Special Needs Collection | Publication Date: July 15, 2000

From the new parent coping with a child's recent diagnosis to one who's an experienced advocate, this book is a must-have reference. It is a trusted, respected source of information on autism and the other conditions within the spectrum of pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Now completely revised and updated, this book covers a multitude of special concerns, including daily and family life, early intervention, educational programs, legal rights, advocacy, and a look at the years ahead with a chapter on adults with autism. Parents can turn to this new edition for the latest information on current diagnostic criteria, Applied behavioural Analysis, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), autism advocacy via the Internet, and much more.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A shining example of an excellent book for parents...."

From the Publisher

A Review...

"In our current 'information age' there is often great difficulty separating accurate, useful information from the glut of unsubstantiated, opinionated, and biased writings available from a multitude of sources. In the sea of information about autism, especially for the parent of a child who has been recently diagnosed with autism, there are a few good starting points.

Children with Autism by Michael Powers is a shining example of an excellent book for parents that deals with a number of critical concepts with accuracy, sensitivity, and perspective. It is one of the few books I consistently recommend to parents because I know it sets the stage for positive family understanding and involvement.

The first edition was a great contribution to the field of autism. The second edition has built on that excellent base. With its updated information and expanded resources section, this book will continue to be the standard to recommend to parents. The range of topics and authors is excellent. Particularly useful are the many quotations from parents who add their reactions and perspective to the topics. Coming to terms with having a child with autism is a great challenge to most families. We are fortunate to have this book as a resource for families to meet this challenge head on with the critical information they need, presented in such a useful and positive perspective."
--Raymond G. Romanczyk, Ph.D., CBA
Director, Institute for Child Development
Professor, Clinical Psychology; Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry-SUNY Health Sciences Center
State University of New York at Binghamton

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 427 pages
• Publisher: Woodbine House; 2 Sub edition (July 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890627046
• ISBN-13: 978-1890627041
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #752,405 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for parents and caretakers, February 22, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Children with Autism: A Parent's Guide (Paperback)

In Children With Autism: A Parent's Guide, Michael Powers has gathered together an indispensable guide to the nature and terminology of the conditions collectively referred to as "autism" or Pervasive Developmental Disorder, including Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Parents are provided comprehensive information relevant to daily and family life, development, early intervention, educational programs, legal rights, advocacy. Of special note is the chapter dedicated to adults with autism. Current diagnostics criteria surveyed included Applied Behavior Analysis, medications, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), as well as autism advocacy resources on the Internet. Highly recommended, essential reading for parents and caretakers of autistic children of any age or degree of severity, Children With Autism is thoroughly "reader friendly" and enhanced with a glossary, reading and resource list (including extensive web site listings), and photographs of children with autism.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars informative first-stop for parents of the newly diagnosed, June 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Children With Autism: A Parents' Guide (Special Needs Collection) (Paperback)

Although somewhat dated (the next edition is adding revisions to reflect new information & research), this was an excellent first read when my son was first diagnosed. A friend visited a chat room where the topic was "My child has just been diagnosed with autism. What do I do?" Powers' book was overwhelmingly recommended & it's easy to see why. This is a very comprehensive text giving the good, the bad & the ugly about autism (something the previous reviewer didn't appreciate). Autism isn't a pretty picture but knowledge is power & what you do with it determines your child's future. This is a good start.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The chapter on adjusting to the diagnosis was very helpful.., September 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Children With Autism: A Parents' Guide (Special Needs Collection) (Paperback)

The issues discussed in Chapter Two, Adjusting to Your Child's Diagnosis, were very relevant to me. This chapter dealt with many of the feelings I was experiencing as the parent of a newly diagnosed PDD child. I felt this chapter alone was worth the cost of the book.