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Presents guidance for parents of autistic children on understanding an autism diagnosis and deciding on the best course of action for treating and caring for a child with autism or PDD (pervasive developmental disorder).
As the parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder, you need an informed, caring advocate who can deftly guide you through the complex maze of treatment options. In this empowering resource, bestselling author Bryna Siegel--one of the world’s leading authorities on the disorder--helps you zero in on proven strategies and tailor them to fit your child’s unique needs. Like no other book, Getting the Best for Your Child with Autism shows how to get an accurate assessment of your child’s strengths and weaknesses so you can develop a plan of action suited to his or her individual learning style, interests, verbal abilities, and social skills. You’ll learn what services you’re entitled to, how to determine what’s right for your family, and ways to work effectively with doctors and school professionals. With Dr. Siegel as your ally, you can help your child learn and grow.
“Sometimes I do not like David. He is so different. He speaks a different language. . . . David is my brother.” Thus begins a moving story about David, who has autism, and his older brother, who is trying to understand the world David inhabits. David does not like when people are noisy; he does not like being hugged—not even by his own brother. David does not laugh when happy or cry when sad. He speaks his own language, which is difficult to understand at times. And he eats the same foods almost every day. However, David is a brilliant pianist and seems to have an amazing ability to communicate with the family dog. And even though he is not like most children, through the eyes of his brother we are able to see how he makes progress toward understanding his world. Dagmar H. Mueller’s moving text paired with Verena Ballhaus’s expressive art help bring to light the notion that there is a lot to learn about spending time with a child with autism. The book’s striking narration—told from the point of view of David’s brother—will help siblings and friends of autistic children better relate to them. This is a must for any home with children with autism and for classrooms that include mainstreamed special-needs kids.
If your child has been diagnosed with autism, this book is for you. When Raun Kaufman's parents were told that their son was autistic and would probably spend his life in an institution, they decided to look for their own solution. They joined Raun in his unique, isolated world and connected with him there. They then gradually lead Raun out of his disorder and his life changed dramatically. Raun now teaches his parents' Son-Rise method all over the world and has written this book to help families everywhere connect with their children and improve their lives. Autism Breakthrough explains autism and its associated behaviours from the child's viewpoint and shows parents how to apply the practical strategies of the Son-Rise programme. Wherever your child may be on the autistic spectrum, this book will provide hope, support and new ways to break free from autism.
Bryna Siegel gives parents of autistic children what they need most: hope. Her first book, The World of the Autistic Child, became an instant classic, illuminating the inaccessible minds of afflicted children. Now she offers an equally insightful, thoroughly practical guide to treating the learning disabilities associated with this heartbreaking disorder. The trouble with treating autism, Siegel writes, is that it is a spectrum disorder--a combination of a number of symptoms and causes. To one extent or another, it robs the child of social bonds, language, and intimacy--but the extent varies dramatically in each case. The key is to understand each case of autism as a discrete set of learning disabilities, each of which must be treated individually. Siegel explains how to take an inventory of a child's particular disabilities, breaks down the various kinds unique to autism, discusses our current knowledge about each, and reviews the existing strategies for treating them. There is no simple cure for this multifarious disorder, she writes; instead, an individual program, with a unique array of specific treatments, must be constructed for each child. She gives practical guidance for fashioning such a program, empowering parents to take the lead in their child's treatment. At the same time, she cautions against the proliferating, but questionable, treatments hawked to afflicted families. She knows the panic to do something, anything, to help an autistic child, and she offers parents reassurance and support as well as sensible advice, combining knowledge from experience, theory and research. For parents, autism in a child is heartbreaking. But it need not be overwhelming. Bryna Siegel offers a new understanding, and a practical, thoughtful approach that will give parents new hope.
Autism is a fascinating yet perplexing disorder that continues to intrigue researchers and clinicians studying brain and behavior. In this lucid and elegant book, Francesca Happé provides a concise overview of current psychological theory and research that synthesizes the established work on the biological foundations, cognitive characteristics, and behavioral manifestations of this disorder. She focuses her discussion on the cognitive approaches that deal with both thought and feeling--those hypotheses that link brain to action, deepen our understanding of the autistic person's view of the world, and offer better approaches to effectively managing the behavior of people with autism struggling to live in our world. The book reviews the latest research into the communication, socialization, and imagination impairments in autism, and further distinguishes the levels of severity in the spectrum of autistic disorders. Happé also includes a discussion of the talented few--high-functioning autistic individuals with Asperger's syndrome--and of the many childhood behavioral disorders, unrelated to autism, that manifest autistic-like symptoms. Autism is an important and much-needed contribution to the literature. It will be valued by parents and teachers of autistic children as well as by students and researchers interested in disorders of language and communication.
The Art of Loving An Autistic Child: Exploring Love in the World of Spectrum is a heartfelt guide born from personal experience, crafted by an author who understands the challenges and joys of raising an autistic child. Filled with practical advice and heartfelt insights, this book stands as a supportive companion for parents navigating the unique journey of parenting an autistic child. Discover practical strategies designed to foster stronger connections between you and your child. From communication tips to embracing your child's individuality, these down-to-earth suggestions aim to offer genuine support for your family. More than just advice, this book embodies an understanding of the highs and lows that come with raising a child on the spectrum. It’s a comforting presence, guiding you through the challenges and victories, reminding you that others share this journey too. Beyond strategies, it’s an invitation to see differences as strengths, building a loving bond with your child based on acceptance and celebrating their uniqueness. This guide is your doorway into a supportive community of caregivers and advocates. Join this journey toward empathy and understanding, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate world. Come, and embrace this journey with us. Let this book be your trusted companion, offering genuine insights and heartfelt wisdom drawn from real-life experiences in raising an autistic child.
This unique book is the first to fully explore the history of autism - from the first descriptions of autistic-type behaviour to the present day. Features in-depth discussions with leading professionals and pioneers to provide an unprecedented insight into the historical changes in the perception of autism and approaches to it Presents carefully chosen case studies and the latest findings in the field Includes evidence from many previously unpublished documents and illustrations Interviews with parents of autistic children acknowledge the important contribution they have made to a more profound understanding of this enigmatic condition
This classic work tells the tale of how a devoted mother accomplished miracles in fostering the intellectual, social and emotional development of her autistic daughter.
