The Autism Book: Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions (Paperback)

~ Jhoanna Robledo (Author), Dawn Ham-Kucharski (Author) "HOW do you know if your child is truly different from others?..." (more)
Key Phrases: New York, United States, Autism Society of America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Answers to more than one hundred of the most frequently asked questions about autism, a disease that affects an estimated one in 250 children.

At the age of two, Dawn Ham-Kucharski's son, Alex, was diagnosed with autism, and she was given little hope that he would ever express himself verbally or interact meaningfully with others. But, now at the age of six, Alex is an uplifting autism success story, due to his mother's tireless efforts to seek out an appropriate treatment program, educational plan, and socialization strategy.

In The Autism Book, health and parenting journalist S. Jhoanna Robledo and Ham-Kucharski, an impassioned advocate for educational opportunity for autistic children, use their hard-won knowledge and experience to objectively and compassionately answer the most urgent questions of parents and educators of autistic children. The authors offer comprehensive information on diagnoses, causes, manifestations, treatment options, managing emotions, family relationships, parenting and lifestyle issues, education, and common worries.

About the Author

S. Jhoanna Robledo is a graduate of the Columbia School of Journalism and is a freelance writer specializing in parenting and health. Her work has appeared in Newsweek, New York magazine, Self, Real Simple, and American Baby.

Dawn Ham-Kucharski is on the board of directors of the Michigan Autism Partnership and serves as the outreach coordinator for the PLAY Project. She and her family have recently been featured in Family Circle, the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, and The Ann Arbor News.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Avery Trade; 1 edition (April 7, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583332243
• ISBN-13: 978-1583332245
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #996,707 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Basic Groundwork For Newly Diagnosed Families, April 25, 2005

By	Jackie Igafo Teo (Jackson, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Autism Book is a comprehensive introductory manual for those entering into the world of autism. Using a Q&A (Question-and-Answer) format, this book scratches the surface of everything from speculative causes of autism to diagnosis and treatment to the adult living with autism. While The Autism Book gives a good overview and introduction to most issues that face parents of a child with autism, significant information gaps still remain. For example, the book is a little vague when it comes to the more challenging issues such as the propensity some children have for running away, dealing with rage aimed at themselves and others, how to handle situations where behavior is so challenging that only trained respite care providers can be used, and how parents who cannot afford traditionally costly help (i.e. housekeeping services, therapists and home help aides) can find the vital support necessary to develop and maintain a cohesive family atmosphere. The Autism Book gives a glimpse into dozens of the more common topics such as "meltdowns", treatment information, and a broad range of therapy options. I was very impressed at the depth and detail in which the writers conveyed the diagnosis and family impact portions of the book. As the book repeatedly states, you are the one who knows your child best so gauge every decision around your child's specific needs and tolerance levels. As a bonus feature, there is a comprehensive list of resources included containing resources corresponding to each section of the book. Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids.org

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book if you know for sure, March 6, 2009

By	Patricia Koller "Patt Koller" (Grosse Pointe Woods Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you have someone - a child, a grandchild, a friend's child, diagnosed as being diagnosed with autism specturn disorder, this is an excellent referrence book. If you are simply wondering why your kid is weird, do more research. I borrowed this book from our library then decided it is worth owning for more than 30 days.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth adding to your autism library, April 26, 2006

By	andimoon (akron ohio) - See all my reviews

Very down to earth, educational, comprehensive and easy to follow. .I thought I knew an awful lot about autism, but this book has become a desk top reference for me.

It's obvious these ladies know of what they speak.

wtg, Jho and Dawn!