The Hidden World of Autism: Writing and Art by Children With High-functioning Autism [Paperback]

Rebecca Chilvers (Author)

Book Description

A celebration of the talents and insights of children on the autism spectrum, "The Hidden World of Autism" presents a collection of writings and drawings contributed by 20 autistic children.The children's work covers topics that are of primary importance in understanding some of the common experiences that children with autism, and their families, go through. These include life before diagnosis, friendships, relationships, feelings, bullying and the future. A key characteristic of having autism is the inability to express emotions; but too often that prevents children with autism from being listened to. This book gives them both a voice and a forum for creative expression and provides direct insight into what having autism means for the children themselves and how they feel about their experiences.This unique collection provides invaluable insights into the autistic experience for professionals, families and friends of children with autism, as well as the children themselves.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"'This is such a refreshing book. Interleaved with valuable theoretical and practical information about autism, I was left feeling I had really heard the voices of these young people with a new clarity." --- Dr Jenny Thomson, Assistant Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education, USA

'The Hidden World of Autism provides a poignant, present and private perspective that both teaches and touches the reader as to the triumphs and tribulations of this complex neurodevelopmental disorder. The reflections from the children with autism provide a deep awareness often unspoken in typical children, much less from those that experience a disorder marked by assumed limited insight. The drawings are revealing in playful, charming ways. Further, the clarity and simplicity of many of the statements are memorable, such as, "I'm like you, I just think different" (Janet Barber, 17) or "... autism is like being on the reflective side of a two way mirror... the other kids see you, but you can't see them" (Louise Parker, 12). This delightful read is a gift that all of us that find ourselves in the world of autism, whether professionally or personally, must receive with openness and gratitude.' --- Blythe A. Corbett, Ph.D., University of California Davis, M.I.N.D. Institute

About the Author

Rebecca Chilvers is a research psychologist. She has worked in the Social Communication Disorders Clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London for over three years and specialises in working with children with high-functioning autism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 124 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (November 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843104512
• ISBN-13: 978-1843104513
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,360,954 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How children perceive their autism, November 27, 2007

By 

Carol N. Oleary "enjoythejourney" (Chappaqu,NY/London) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hidden World of Autism: Writing and Art by Children With High-functioning Autism (Paperback)

Rebecca Chilvers new book looks at high-functioning autism from the child's point of view -not a researchers.

Rebecca Chilvers met many children in her work as a psychologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London. Once her experience allowed her to understand the uniqueness of children with autism she wrote this book to allow them to be heard. The amazing thing with this book is that she lets the children's voices be heard -not hers.

As many children with autism have difficulty expressing themselves through words, she included their artwork- in full color. This makes this book un-like any other book published on autism.

Poetry written by siblings is also included.

I am lucky to be the mother of one of the children chronicled in this book.

What I feel the reader will most enjoy about this book is the author has intertwined what research into autism has shown with what the children with high-functioning autism feel. This insight helps what the children say and draw make sense to the reader.

Some of the topics covered include -
What is so different about me ?
School - social problems,fitting in, help and support
Family dynamics,Handling obsessions,The future -social ,educational

This book would make a lovely present for a special education teacher, an art teacher, a parent or a pediatrician.

I hope this book will help society to understand these delightful children and include them more in our society.