Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Solutions for Addressing Everyday Challenges [Paperback]

Lori Ernsperger (Author), Danielle Wendel (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1931282471 | ISBN-13: 978-1931282475 | Publication Date: August 31, 2007 | Edition: 1

Co-authored by an experienced professional and a mother of a young girl on the autism spectrum, this much-awaited book combines the best of both worlds as it gives a voice to girls under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders. The authors provide insightful first-hand accounts of girls lives along with research-based strategies and practical techniques for addressing the unique needs of girls on the spectrum while nurturing and developing their gifts and talents. Throughout each chapter, you will find descriptions of interventions and strategies designed to improve specific behaviors at home, at school, and in the community. Throughout, the emphasis is on what sets girls apart from boys on the spectrum in an effort to ensure that their unique needs are met and their special talents are fostered and nurtured.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

LORI ERNSPERGER, Ph.D., is an expert in the field of autism and behavioral disorders with over 22 years experience working in the public schools as a classroom teacher, administrator, and behavioral consultant. She owns and operates Autism and Behavioral Consulting, an agency that works with school district personnel and families to provide effective educational programs and best practice strategies for students with autism and behavioral disorders. Dr. Ernsperger has authored two books, Keys to Success for Teaching Students with Autism and Just Take a Bite: Easy Effective Answers to Food Aversions and Eating Challenges. DANIELLE WENDEL is the mother of 11-year-old Mattie, who has Asperger Syndrome, and an 8-year-old son, Nicholas. Danielle is the co-founder of The Asperger s Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Support Group created to provide support and information to parents and professionals of school-aged children through young adults with ASD. She is a member of the Autism Coalition of Nevada, which supports legislation and public awareness for individuals with ASD. Danielle also presents on Asperger Syndrome to the local universities and public school district staff.

Product Details

• Paperback: 243 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Pub Co; 1 edition (August 31, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931282471
• ISBN-13: 978-1931282475
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #364,035 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Rainbow of Girls under the Umbrella of Autism, January 14, 2008

By 

Joanna Keating-Velasco "Joanna" (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Solutions for Addressing Everyday Challenges (Paperback)

What a refreshing perspective this book offers by focusing on girls under the autism spectrum. I found it fascinating and shocking while reading this book to discover that their may be a vast number of undiagnosed girls flying under the proverbial radar due to how society views gender differences which could affect whether or not a girl is diagnosed with autism versus being viewed as shy and/or eccentric. This book does many things including discussing that "the underdiagnosing of girls with ASD is due to our reliance on male prototype of autism, whereby diagnosis is based on behaviors that are more extreme in how they present themselves to the clinician or educator."

In addition to the interesting topic of gender difference in ASD and how it presents, this book is a "scrapbook" or journal of personal journeys from the perspective of young and young at heart ladies on the autism spectrum...the challenges they have faced, their hurdles and successes. It brings a unique insight into the world of autism from a girl's point of view.

The book is also a great resource including an appendix full of suggestions, checklists, plans, resources, etc. to help parents help their daughters navigate through the world of IEPs, advocacy and social skills. An even more important resource comes from the women who are advocating for these young ladies and are living examples to what those with autism can do with their life and suggestions on how to succeed...for example from Temple Grandin and Zosia Zaks.

I would highly suggest this book for a parent with a daughter who has been diagnosed with autism and/or a young lady who would like to further understand her autism. Also, teachers and para-professionals would learn a LOT from this book and it's a quick read full of information.

The "icing on the cake" was the wonderful painting and poem by Amanda, a fine young lady with autism.

Author and Instructional Aide, Joanna L. Keating-Velasco
A Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Resource, April 27, 2008

By 

Michele White "Shellygirl" (Severn, MD) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Solutions for Addressing Everyday Challenges (Paperback)

My 9 year old daughter has recently been diagnosed with PDD. I knew "something" was wrong but never had a name for what it was. Her diagnosis has finally told me where we are in the world of disabilities and this book is like a map. It has given me suggestions on how to manage behaviors, suggestions for IEPs and even potential therapy goals. I would recommend this book to anyone with a daughter in the spectrum.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Girls with autism/ASD, February 5, 2008

By 

Entrepreneur (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Practical Solutions for Addressing Everyday Challenges (Paperback)

Much of what has been written about autism applies only to boys/males, which accounts for about 80% of sufferers. This book is one of the only sources I have found which refers to girls. It gives plenty of helpful advice and is written by sufferers themselves. I can wholeheartedly recommend this book.