Customer Reviews

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

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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!

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.

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.