Customer Reviews

Children with Autism: A Parent's Guide

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

When I received a diagnosis of autism for my daughter, it was very heart breaking. I didn't know what to do or where to look for answers. I felt very alone. When I found this book, it answered every question I had, plus some I thought of later. It deals with the anger you feel, to finding people to talk to, to updating your will. I think every parent should receive this book from the doctor as soon as they receive a diagnosis of autism.

Dr. Powers has been a major contributor to the understanding of autism spectrum disorders for many years. The ORIGINAL book was one of the few available on the subject at the time of publishing, and while it is NOW outdated, it has been replaced by the current edition published in 2000. This edition contains much useful information that parents will not find elsewhere. I was, therefore, somewhat confused that the reviews for the previous edition are still on this website, as they really describe a different book, which is very misleading.

Please, do not let this be the first book you read when your child is diagnosed. This book is depressing and includes no information about actually helping your child or dealing with the biological aspects of this disorder. This book assumes you have given up on treating your child's illness and that there are no comorbid disorders associated with the autism diagnosis, which is completely wrong. Keep searching, there is help and much better books.

I agree with one of the previous reviews that said this should not be the first book you read when your child is initially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, once a parent has done some reading and talked to professionals and knows the degree of their child's diagnosis, it is helpful when used as a guide or point of reference. My son has ASD, but he has mild symptoms in most areas, and I know where his weaknesses are. It clearly states in the introduction to this book that it is a GUIDE. Use it as such! Skip the chapters that don't pertain to your child. Refer to the chapters on IEP's only when you feel you need the resources it provides. Some of us have wonderful, supportive relationships with those professionals in charge of our child's IEP, and others don't. That's reality. Not every child with ASD is the same, and not every parent's needs are the same, so be aware of that when purchasing this book and I think you will find it a valuable resource.

This book was a beacon in the storm. After getting the initial diagnosis on my autistic son, this book helped my wife and I sort throught the floatsom and the jetsom to get a better understanding "grip" on the situation. Since then, we have had our younger son get the same diagnosis and have the "label" taken off of our older son, but still this book helped immensely in getting a handle on the immense task ahead!

With the second edition of "Children with Autism", Michael Powers has again provided families of children with autism (along with professionals)an invaluable resource for living with, and loving, a child with autism. In straightforward, non-technical language, "Children with Autism" addresses the needs of persons with autism and their families across their lifespan. From diagnosis, to early intervention, to adulthood we are presented with practical information that, in addtion, has a fairly broad research base. I am on my third copy as I keep lending mine out and, for some reason (perhaps the value of the information contained) they never seem to be retained. Highly recommended.

I am sure the author didn't intend for this book to be depressing, but it actually is. It leaves the reader with very little hope, other than perhaps good placement in a residential home. Which is ironic, because the very last statement is that parents should have hope. Also, since it's an older book, the information is a bit outdated. I usually don't write negative reviews on books, but I had to be sure other parents of children with ASD knew to look elsewhere - this book is not a keeper.