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

Claire Hughes-Lynch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2010

Children With High-Functioning Autism: A Parent's Guide offers parents the information needed to help them cope with their child's autism and to navigate the path as they first perceive differences, seek assistance and treatment, and help their child develop into his or her full potential.

Including examples of the author's own experiences with her child with autism, this book helps families realize that there are others on similar paths—and help is available. With topics ranging from understanding the first signs of autism and the diagnosis, finding a support network and filling out necessary paperwork, to determining the various types of therapies available and planning for adulthood, this book provides parents valuable insight into this new world.

With an emphasis on high-functioning autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, and Asperger's syndrome, Children With High-Functioning Autism: A Parent's Guide helps parents learn to celebrate small areas of growth and keep the focus on the child.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Claire Hughes-Lynch writes with the authority that comes from holding a Ph.D. in special education and the humanity that comes from being the mother of a child with autism. Her book—at once an accessible reference manual, a touching memoir, and a practical guidebook—is a compelling read for any parent of a child on the autism spectrum. --Mary McLaughlin, M.Ed., author of the autism blog, Mom Not Otherwise Specified

The humor, honesty, and real-world examples that the author brings from her personal perspective as a parent makes it easy to digest the incredible amount of information and research she provides as a professor. I strongly recommend this book not only to parents, but also to educators, administrators, politicians, and anyone else even remotely curious about ASD. --Wendy W. Murawski, Ph.D., professor, California State University

The humor, honesty, and real-world examples that the author brings from her personal perspective as a parent makes it easy to digest the incredible amount of information and research she provides as a professor. I strongly recommend this book not only to parents, but also to educators, administrators, politicians, and anyone else even remotely curious about ASD. --Wendy W. Murawski, Ph.D., professor, California State University

About the Author

Claire E. Hughes-Lynch is associate professor of special education at the College of Coastal Georgia. She received her doctorate in both gifted education and special education from The College of William and Mary. Her research interests include cognitive interventions for children with autism, Response to Intervention, and twice-exceptional children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 225 pages
• Publisher: Prufrock Press (March 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593634021
• ISBN-13: 978-1593634025
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #56,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Education & Reference > Schools & Teaching > Special Education > Behavioral Disorders
  • #79 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Children's Health > Autism & Asperger's Syndrome

More About the Author

I am an Associate Professor of Special Education at the College of Coastal Georgia where I teach in an integrated Elementary/Special Education teacher preparation program. I have a doctorate in gifted education and special education from the College of William and Mary and was recently a Visiting Fellow at Oxford University, studying autism. Most importantly, I am the mother of two children, "Elizabeth"- who is 8 years old and after an awful lot of therapy, no longer qualifies for a label of Pervasive Developmental Delay-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), and "Raymond"- who is 7 years old and has Generalized Anxiety Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (GAD-NOS) and Tourette's Syndrome. I've changed their names in this book for their own privacy sakes... They don't care now, but they will when they're in middle school...

I am also the author of this book that integrates both aspects of my life, "Children with High Functioning Autism: A Parent's Guide". I've sat at both sides of that IEP table, and I fully believe that both professionals and parents have a lot to learn from each other.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The whole enchilada March 3, 2010

By J. Bailey

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

There are literally hundreds of books on autism, but what distinguishes this one is the breadth of information relayed in a very personable style. The Appendix lists an amazing number of references; chapters offer detailed guidelines for getting help from professionals; and the intimate stories of a mother's experiences make this book one of the very best to read, and then re-read, and then use as a reference as a situation arises. Some of the very helpful sections include how to get the most from your IEP meeting- told by an insider; terminology that is useful to use with professionals; an overview of mainstream and alternative therapies and treatments; and practical strategies that can make life at home easier. In addition, the book covers warning signs and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders. I highly recommend this book as a guidebook for parents, grandparents, and mothers-in-law!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide for parents and educators affected by autism March 28, 2010

By Lealbr

Format:Paperback

This is a helpful book as told by a mother in the autism trenches, who also happens to be a highly trained educator. The story contains plenty of easily understood analogies and personal stories relating directly to each topic at hand and is presented in a conversational format. Parents of children with disabilities or any kind of disfunction need a support network, and this book could be your first step to finding one because the resource guide in the back of the book is worth the purchase price alone. I recommend this book!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Finally A Book that Seems to Fit my Daughter February 21, 2011

By Jennifer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

My daughter was diagnosed as autistic only 3 months ago, but in trying to read and research as much as possible, few books seem to fit her. She does not have an official "high functioning" clarification on her diagnosis but she seems to fit with this book. Despite having limited time to read, I could not put this book down, finishing it in just a couple of days.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting both a personal connection to another mother battling her way through the journey but also as a pretty good reference for a lot of information. I am in fact, passing this book along to my mother and sister to read because they have little to no knowledge on autism and they have expressed interest for my daughter's sake. I am sure they will find this book as informative and as easy to read as I did.