Making Autism a Gift: Inspiring Children to Believe in Themselves and Lead Happy, Fulfilling Lives [Paperback]

Robert Evert Cimera (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 11, 2007

Despite new research and increased public awareness, autism is still looked at in a negative light. Most books on the subject perpetuate this notion by saying that autism is bad or needs to be overcome, rather than highlighting the positive—for instance, many people with autism graduate from college, attain exciting careers, and lead happy, fulfilling lives. Making Autism a Gift emphasizes these positive realities and tears down the wall of isolation associated with this disorder. With information from hundreds of up-to-date sources, this practical book looks at the effects of autism on the individual and provides strategies parents can use to help their autistic children at home and beyond.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Dr. Cimera begins his book by showing that there is another side to the story than what parents were told even less than twenty years ago— when I was first diagnosed— and in some places even to this day: that there was no hope for children with autism, no matter how hard they tried. Covering various issues that autistic individuals have, from obsessions to temper tantrums, to issues autistic individuals will have as they get older, Dr. Cimera gives valuable advice to each problem. As you will see throughout every chapter, autism is not stupid or spoiled! It's a different way of being, thinking, and feeling that sometimes needs to be better understood. Fortunately, this book will help. (James Williams )

An open-minded, positive approach to autism... Packed with useful information and written with warmth, compassion and humor, this book will be a godsend for parents and teachers of children with autism and autism-spectrum disorders. (Kirkus Reviews )

The increased prevalence of autism is a growing concern, and Cimera (special education, Kent State Univ.) offers hope by stressing the positive: individuals with autism can lead successful lives. The author reinforces this position by introducing the idea that an individual with autism is different from the typical person (versus disordered). He presents practical information for families and educators, covering a full range of topics relative to the diagnosis and the management of individuals with autism-spectrum disorders. This information includes defining autism, describing characteristics of autism and social communication skills, and managing behavior, self-stimulation, temper tantrums, and so on. He concludes with a discussion of adults with autism. Cimera lends a personal touch by writing in the first person, describing his experiences while working with individuals with autism. The book also serves as a review for working speech-language pathologists and as an informative, easy-to-understand resource for a broad audience. Highly recommended. (CHOICE )

About the Author

Robert Evert Cimera is an associate professor at Kent State University in the Department of Special Education. He has worked extensively with autistic children and their families and since being diagnosed with A.D.H.D. as a child, Robert has earned a Ph.D. and published seven books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers; 1 edition (January 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742552888
• ISBN-13: 978-0742552883
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,051,781 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is hands down my favorite book on Autism, June 29, 2008

By 

Steph "Searching for Answers in Autism" (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Autism a Gift: Inspiring Children to Believe in Themselves and Lead Happy, Fulfilling Lives (Paperback)

I would say this is my favorite book on Autism. It's written in such a positive manner! It's a book that really helps you come to grips with everything that goes along with Autism. It covers everything from diagnosis, medical, children-teens, adults, wills & trusts. It's great for anyone new to Autism. I love it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about time!, April 18, 2008

By 

Staring Girl "Staring Girl" (Thornton, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Autism a Gift: Inspiring Children to Believe in Themselves and Lead Happy, Fulfilling Lives (Paperback)

I'm a college student getting my degree in elementary education. In addition I have a four year-old son who is high-functioning autistic. I decided to write my term paper for one of my classes on autism and came across this book in the library. What a refreshing book to read after the mounds and mounds of books I had to go through that put such a negative spin on autism. This book gave wonderful insight and information on all aspects of autism in a relaxed and realistic way. It was almost as if I was sitting down with the author talking about autism over coffee. The book isn't written as methodically as many of the other books I have read on this subject, yet still gave very good information.

With the almost pandemic rate of children being diagnosed with autism, parents need books like these to say 'hey, so your child has autism, that isn't necessarily a bad thing'. This book doesn't dwell too much in the past scrutinizing over WHY your child has autism, it looks at the NOW and the FUTURE and says what can we do to turn this into something positive. What can we do for the child NOW.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, June 23, 2008

By 

Scoutmrs777 (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Making Autism a Gift: Inspiring Children to Believe in Themselves and Lead Happy, Fulfilling Lives (Paperback)

As a teacher of students with autism, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more and family and friends of someone with autism. Dr. Cimera writes in a conversational tone that is friendly and while informative, not overly technical. The book does not focus on the negative, but accentuates the positive.