Customer Reviews

The Everything Parent's Guide To Children With Autism: Know What to Expect, Find the Help You Need, and Get Through the Day (Everything Series)

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

 

 

I picked up "The Everything Parent's Guide to Children with Autism" not as the parent of an autistic child, but as the aunt of one and as someone who wants to go into behavioral therapy/working with autistic children. However, there were many things I had yet to learn not only about autism itself but about how deeply it affects the lives of those around the child. I've been aware that it is certainly devastating for a parent to discover that his or her child is autistic, as I observed that myself, but I never realized the extent. I found myself really relating to everything that was said in this book. It certainly raises awareness to all aspects of autism and asperger's syndrome, from how it affects siblings, clarifying meltdowns vs. temper tantrums, helpful tips for improving communication skills, a child's specific rights to a free public education, etc. Despite the book's occasionally repetitive nature, it is very, very easy to understand and is perfect not only for a parent who has just been given the life-altering diagnosis of his or her child's autism, but for anyone who knows little about autism and cares to learn more. It uses everyday language and is extremely concise. Definitely, this is the book on autism to pick up (and pass on once you've read it).

Although there is SOME good information in this book, I have 5 things in the first chapter alone marked in red letters "wrong." As a parent of three children on the spectrum, a speaker on the subject, an education advocate with a national certification, and a person with common sense, I found too many mistakes in this book to recommend it. I try to keep up on what is out there because I talk to parents regularly who have just received their diagnosis. I will loan out this one, because the corrections are in it. As I said, it does have some good parts, but it is scary if parents, and other people, are reading this and only this and taking it as accurate.

My first grandchild is autistic. At the time he was born I had never been around an autistic person. I have read book after book about this condition - some of them were helpful. However, this book helped me understand all of the different actions and reactions I was going to face with this beautiful little boy. The book takes you through each and every step, and makes you secure that you are able to handle appropriately what comes up each and every day. I so respect all of the patience and love shown by the parents of these special children. Without the organized way this book was written I felt lost. My thanks to the author! What a great and helpful book.

In my opinion, this should be the first book any parent should read to help their Autistic child. It is the best resource we have found yet. I can't say how thankful we are for this book.