Customer Reviews

Embracing Autism: Connecting and Communicating with Children in the Autism Spectrum

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent book that includes interviews with parents, educators and clinicians about people with autism. The book opens with a parent/clinician who interviews a couple whose grown son had severe autism and was unable to care for himself. In a sad twist of irony, that same interviewer found herself answering similar questions about son Jacob, who has severe autism.

I like the way each personal account describes the behavior of the person with autism and how that behavior impacts on the lives of all whom they encounter. My favorite part was the chapter on Shawn Lyons, an extraordinarily bright young man with Asperger's Syndrome, the spectrum parter to autism.

Parts of Shawn's story were funny. I loved the very moving part of his impromptu joining a church production of the Nativity. Instead of being turned away and ordered back to his seat, the cast members allowed him to come on stage. When told that the chorus was going to sing, Shawn somehow got everyone, audience included to participate. That was my favorite part.

The only thing I didn't like was the word "perseverate," which is a damning and damaging word. "Excessive repetition," or "special interests" are far preferable and certainly speak to tolerance whereas that other word simply does not. The use of that word cost this book one star. Luckily Shawn dodged the bullet of just how very harmful that word really is. I am sorry it was ever applied to him in any way, shape and form, especially during his social skills lessons. It is a word best permanently retired.

On the other hand, Shawn's aides came up with some innovative ideas to help him learn how to "read" other people. On one occasion when Shawn was sharing his special interest in botany, his aide gave an exaggerated yawn and politely told Shawn that her brain could not hold as much information as his could about botany and that whenever one's eyes glaze over or they look away, fidget or yawn, those are good indicators that he has belabored his topic. Shawn was then able to apply that concept in other areas.

The title of this book speaks to tolerance. The idea of embracing this sensori-neurological condition is very much one of acceptance, one of recognizing the gifts that people on the spectrum have to offer.

Honesty and humor is always a good combination and Robert Parish serves up plenty of both. I laughed hysterically as one contributor described air travel with her spectrum child, "It's just a little autism." I cried reading the personal accounts by parents and felt like they were telling my story...the despair, the hilarious moments, and the extraordinary lives we lead because of our spectrum children. It's wonderful to be able to describe our lives as "extraordinary" and really mean it. The book is highly readable, full of hope, and acceptance. Thanks Robert!

Being a parent of a child with autism, I love the positive perspective this book gives professionals and parents. This book overlooks the stigmas and stereotypes and focuses on acceptance and the unique qualities our children bring to the world. Rob Parish has compiled so many perspectives by so many levels of this "disorder." This is a must read for everyone new to the world of autism!

Robert Parish presents a collection of wonderfully written experiences, of family and friends, with children whom radiate a diverse light. Enlightening to those who may feel the need to pull a shade - encompassing to those with understanding - and for some to learn a new meaning of compassion. The stories recount the challenges faced day to day. The strengths they carry, the weakness they share. Take the time to challenge yourself and feel someone else's world.

Embracing Autism, by Robert Parish and Friends, is a fantastic read.
As an adult sibling of a brother with autism there are many stories and emotions in this book which I can relate to. I found myself laughing and crying within the same story. I am so pleased that there is a book which presents different points of views and levels of autism.
I would highly recommend this book.

Embracing Autism: Connecting and Communicating with Children in the Autism Spectrum

Embracing Autism is a well-written compilation of life experiences, struggles and inspirational portraits of families and professionals who have lived with and improved the lives of children and adults in the autism spectrum. I heartily recommend it to families and friends of those parents who struggle with the diagnosis and are grappling with what this diagnosis means.

It will certainly help many to see the diverse nature of this diagnosis and help parents to view their children not as "impaired" but as "unique."

I do not have a child in the spectrum, but do have friends who are struggling with the diagnosis in their families. It helped me to view autism in a new light and unexpectedly, it also gave me inspiration in dealing with my own children outside of the spectrum.

The book certainly speaks to the frustrations of meltdowns, parents struggling with diagnosis and treatment, and the need for more continued education of those of us who do not have a child "in the spectrum." Our culture needs brave souls such as these to make themselves transparent, so that people, like I, can understand how to react, love and support those who live with this challenge.

Many families and parents of ASD children will be sure to enjoy this book,as they read not just about the Author's journey with his family, and his Autistic son, but many other families who contributed to this book. I think folks will be able to relate to the stories in this book, and a co-worker of mine called it her "own little support group". The book has many uplifting and funny stories to make you laugh, and parts that are emotional as well. It's not just another book on Autism with facts and statistics. It has real stories, involving real people. I think this book was written with great care and love. It's a must read!!

I purchased this book for a book club at work. I work in an elementary school as a Special Ed. Assistant. Our building has many children on the spectrum, and this book is helping to embrace and understand this population of people. It is also giving us the opportunity for some wonderful conversations! All eight of us doing this are really enjoying these stories. If you are just starting out with this population, or already have a lot of back round knowledge this book is for you!

Embracing Autism
As an autism specialist, I have met with countless parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These parents often feel distraught and hopeless. After reading Embracing Autism, I immediately sent copies of the book to several of them.

Embracing Autism gives parents and educators a real look into the lives of families of children with ASD. It allows parents to hear stories similar to their own, and educators to gain a better understanding of the reality of raising a child with ASD.

Through humor and honesty, the book focuses on acceptance of the child with ASD- a powerful goal that both relieves stress and hopelessness for parents and helps the child with ASD feel confident,calm, and loved. This book also will help parents and educators learn to foster better positive social experiences for their child/student.
Parents and educators of children with ASD will identify with many of the stories in this book- And I hope many will embrace the positive message of acceptance that is highlighted throughout its chapters.

I highly recommend this book.

The ever increasing personalities of autism is reaching into the mainstream at quite a rapid rate...and that is a good thing!! The message that wends its way through each of these families, with their own particular stories, is really ONE---having autism is not a disadvantage but just another vantage in seeing the greatness that can be. The voyage of discovery lies not in seeking new vistas, but, in having new eyes...and so it is spoken about so beautifully within the pages of this book. Not only those that are intimately involved with autism, but all of us now have the great opportunity to unwrap that precious gift that lies within each ASD individual. Unconditional love and creativity are the mainstays incorporated everyday--not merely pontificated about. Embracing Autism is true to its title, and in the revelation, that the brain is a marvelous mass that manifests itself in a multitude of variations--PEOPLE. I love this book,as I am sure you will also.