Understanding Death and Illness and What They Teach about Life: An Interactive Guide for Individuals with Autism or Asperger's and their Loved Ones [Paperback]

Catherine Faherty (Author), Gary B Mesibov PH.D. (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2008

Finally, family members and professionals have true guidance for these difficult, but necessary, conversations. Author Catherine Faherty offers detailed, concrete explanations of illness, dying, life after death, losing a pet, and numerous other issues. Her descriptions are written with such care; even caregivers will be comforted by her words.

The Communication Forms following each short topic will engage learners and include them in the conversation, allowing them to share personal experiences, thoughts, and concerns. Wonderful chapters such as "What People May Learn When Facing Death" and "Role Models and Mentors" put death into perspective in terms of life, and encourage us all to live fully.

Catherine covers important topics such as:


- Illness and Injury

- Recuperating and Healing

- When Someone is Dying

- What Happens to the Person Who Dies

- Putting Pets to Sleep

- Rituals and Traditions

- What People Say and Do

- Plus many more!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Catherine Faherty has written a masterpiece for people of all ages and abilities!" --Kathy Kelchner, M.Ed., Educational Consultant

"In this book, you will find a comprehensive treatment of death focusing on things most likely to concern those with ASD presented in the clear, straightforward, and concrete manner that is most likely to help those on the spectrum, as well as the professionals, family members, or friends that are concerned about them. Readers of this book will learn a lot about death, themselves, and how to help people with ASD to better understand and cope with it. After reading this book, my admiration for the author, Catherine Faherty, has continued to grow, along with my appreciation for her courage and conviction in making this available for all of us who care about helping people with ASD to deal with this issue and succeed in understanding this still confusing and anxiety-provoking aspect of our everyday lives." --Gary Mesibov, Professor at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

About the Author

Catherine Faherty works with children and adults with autism through the well-renowned TEACCH program in North Carolina. She is also a parent consultant and child therapist; consults to school programs; trains teachers and other professionals locally, nationally, and internationally; and runs social groups for children and adults with autism. She has written manuals used in TEACCH trainings, developed training models, and, in addition to this new title, has written a workbook for children with autism and their parents and teachers, titled Asperger's: What Does It Mean To Me? Catherine Faherty resides in Asheville, North Carolina.

Product Details

• Paperback: 341 pages
• Publisher: Future Horizons; 1 edition (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932565566
• ISBN-13: 978-1932565560
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #648,664 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful and Inspiring, March 1, 2009

By 

Dennis Ruane (Marshall, North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Death and Illness and What They Teach about Life: An Interactive Guide for Individuals with Autism or Asperger's and their Loved Ones (Paperback)

Catherine Faherty has done the impossible with this beautiful book on a difficult subject. "Understanding Death and Illness and What They Teach us About Life" is an amazingly comprehensive and practical book. It is not only an invaluable resource for families who have family members with autism, but for anyone struggling with the emotional, complex issues surrounding death. In our American culture we typically view death with fear and so avoid contemplating it as much as possible. This stunningly illustrated book covers many topics related to death such as understanding injury, long term illnesses, death of a pet as well as different beliefs about afterlife. It offers concrete, helpful exercises people can use to help their loved ones with autism better understand the confusing language and mysterious customs that frequently surround illness and death. I love perusing my copy, stopping at a section to appreciate the illustrations, read and reflect. This inspiring book will not only help people with autism and their families but all of us redefine how we view and cope with illness and death. Thank-you Catherine!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Of special note is the topic of putting pets to sleep, February 9, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Death and Illness and What They Teach about Life: An Interactive Guide for Individuals with Autism or Asperger's and their Loved Ones (Paperback)

How to deal with death and dying is always a sensitive and complex issue that is even more complicated in helping someone with autism or Asperger's when someone they love becomes terminal ill or passes away suddenly. An autism expert, parent consultant, child therapist, and teacher trainer, Catherine Faherty has created "Understanding Death And Illness And What They Teach About Life: An Interactive Guide for Individuals With Autism Or Asperger's And Their Loved Ones", a consumable 341-page workbook that addresses what steps can be taken and activities engaged in to help those with autism or Asperger's to deal end-of-life issues and experiences. Replete with useful checklists, "Understanding Death And Illness And What They Teach About Life" address such diverse but germane issues as illness and injury, recuperation and healing, what happens to a person in the process of dying, what happens when they die, rituals and traditions associated with death, and so much more. Of special note is the topic of putting pets to sleep. "Understanding Death And Illness And What They Teach About Life" is especially recommended to teachers, counselors, parents, and care givers dealing with children and young adults who are autistic or who have Asperger's Syndrome.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous!, February 7, 2009

By 

Lori Jeanne Peloquin (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Understanding Death and Illness and What They Teach about Life: An Interactive Guide for Individuals with Autism or Asperger's and their Loved Ones (Paperback)

This author has an excellent grasp of the needs of individuals with autism and Asperger's Disorder and the types of difficulties they encounter around the issues of death and illness. As a clinical psychologist specializing in work with these individuals, I highly recommend this book for people with ASD and their parents, as well as teachers, staff and therapists who work with this population.