Customer Reviews

Russell Is Extra Special : A Book About Autism

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book describes Russell, a boy affected by autism. It uses Russell's particular story as a jumping off point to describe some other aspects of autism. This is not a book about mild autism. It shows the difficulties and the rewards of dealing with a child who has significant challenges.

I liked the fact that this book is illustrated with photographs of a real child and his family. The illustrations clearly convey the caring bond between Russell, his parents and his siblings. Sometimes photographs can be more evocative than even the most sensitive drawings.

Carol E. Watkins, M.D.

I found this book extremely helpful in educating my family about my son's diagnosis. Not only did my younger nieces and nephews enjoy the book, but it was a simple and straight forward way of explaining austism to adults as well. This book contains many pictures and and describes how Russell can be a happy child and brother, and yet be very different. My original copy is out on loan and I will be ordering another.

As the parent of a child with autism, I was very excited by the possibilies this book offered. There is limited availability of books for children on autism. I was saddened though as a I read this book and looked into Russell's eyes. The pictures made him seem so isolated from his family and the world. All children have gifts and this book did not share Russells' gifts. It did not make me want to know Russell only feel sorry for him. My son's brother did not want this book read to his classmates as it would make them feel sorry for his brother.

A book about autism for children is by Charles A. Amenta III, M.D. He is the father of three boys, one is autistic. The book is black and white photographs of his sons, showing how his son relates to his siblings and parents. There is a two page introduction for parents and then captions under each photo. The last page lists some resources.

This is a great way to teach the reading public about autism by example within the home setting in these family photographs. His siblings can use sign language as well and have fun at the breakfast table. There is a photo of Russell deep in thought while in the bathroom. The photos reflect the daily rituals an autistic child has and how a family makes the best of it.

The book shows Russell as a happy engaging boy who is well loved by his family. An excellent book to read to siblings, have relatives read, other kids who may know the child with autism and need to gain some further insight.

I am a medical professional with lots of experience in psychiatric & social disordersm and I recommended this book to a group of women (Veteran's wives) with high rate of autism in their children. I learned a few new things from this book myself.

Dr. Amenta has written a very compassionate, insightful, and informative book that works for children, extended family and also for teachers & professionals dealing with autistic children.
The photos are ingenious; they convey much more feeling and information than any illustration could.
The language is simple, and understandable for children.

The one or two reviewers who stated this was "sad" or "disappointing" are way off-base, I believe.
Dr Amenta makes it clear that this is ONE case of autism and that other autistic children may function at higher or lower levels of social awareness & insight than Russell does. This is stated several times in the book.

Rated 5 stars for helping children, family friends & relatives, and teachers understand what autism means - and for providing a loving, insightful look into one family's experience.

I think this is an excellent book-warmly written by a father. The pictures are wonderful. As the parent of a low functioning autistic child, I was glad to see a book that to which our family could relate.

"Russell is Extra Special" and so is is family! Thank you for letting us peak at your life. As a parent to a seven year old and a recently diagnosed (autistic)2 1/2 year old this book was recommended by a Special Resource Teacher. The pictures are simplistically beautiful and real and the text is basic without being vague. Not only did my seven year old learn from this book but my husband and I as well. The forward to parents had some statistics and benchmarks that some professionals are hesitant to share. I have already read a stack of books on the subject but don't expect that all our family and friends will. In this way "Russell" is an excellent "light" read (while remaining very informative)to pass along to all involved in the life of an autistic child. I wish Russell and his family all the best from me and my family!!

This is one of my least favorite children's books on autism. It examines one autistic boy from his family's perspective, not his own. The pictures are black and white and very grim. While it might be useful for children who have a sibling with autism, it does little to give encouragment to the family or explain to that sibling how he can still have a brother who loves him very much. Granted, it looks at the life of a severely autistic child, not one with PDD-NOS, AS, or HFA. But it just felt so fatalistic to me-cold and clinical. Not recommended for classroom reading or reading to children, especially not for inclusion teachers. Many better autism books out there.

An honest, clear and affectionate book about one boy with autism. It not only gives a simple explanation of autism, but also gives a vivid picture of Russell himself as an individual, and of how his autism affects both him and his family. A lovely way to explain autism to children.

This book could be appropriate for siblings of a child with classic Autism. I would not reccomend this book for the use of explaining Autism in a whole.If you are looking for something that dipicts a child with highfuncting Autism or Aspergers, this is not the book for you.