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A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive
Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism are detected earlier and more accurately today than ever before. Children and teens with these disorders often stand out for their precocious intelligence and language abilities--yet profound social difficulties can limit every aspect of their lives. This hopeful, compassionate guide shows parents how to work with their child's unique impairments and capabilities to help him or her learn to engage more fully with the world and live as self-sufficiently as possible. From leading experts in the field, the book is packed with practical ideas for helping children relate more comfortably to peers, learn the rules of appropriate behavior, and participate more fully in school and family life. It also explains what scientists currently know about autistic spectrum disorders and how they are diagnosed and treated. Real-life success stories, problem-solving ideas, and matter-of-fact advice on everything from educational placements to career planning make this an indispensable reference that families will turn to again and again.
278 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
19 people are currently reading
673 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 28, 2011
I bought this book on my Kindle because it's one of those parenting manual type books, and there just aren't that many for parents of children with any form of ASD. For those that don't know, I have a son born in 2002 diagnosed with PDD-NOS.
This book took me a while to read because it's not the kind of book in which I could immerse myself. In fact, I read through several other books during the time that I plodded through this one. That's not to say that I didn't like it or get much from it; on the contrary, there were times when I needed to put it aside to think about my own son and if anything of what I had just read could help me help him in some way. But to be perfectly honest, there were points in the book where I was bored silly and had to force myself to forge onward.
I knew quite a bit about many of the things discussed in the book. I suppose I could pat myself on the back for knowing about IEPs and IDEA rights and social stories already. There were other things in the book that I greedily devoured. What will I do when puberty comes? What will I do in the case of bullying? What will I do when he wants to go to college or get a job? Well, I don't know, but this book had suggestions for me.
It was written in an organized and accessible way. Of course, books on the Kindle tend not to be as overwhelming, but the sectioning of information into chapters still matters. I hate non-fiction that jumps around. This book does not. There are also a few anecdotal tidbits thrown in there. They sent a vague message of, "hey, you're not alone; your kid isn't the only one." I appreciated it deeply. I consider myself to be fairly educated and I know that it is a prevalent condition, but many many days a feeling of loneliness hangs over the parents of children with ASD. That's just the way it is, and this book acknowledges it.
I had a hard time deciding between 3 or 4 stars on this one. I ended up giving it 4 because it performed an important function for me as a parent to my son: it gave me hope. It reassured me that things will be ok, and there are things I can do to smooth the ride a little bit. There's a place in this world for my child and ways to help him grow up and find it. That made reading this book worth my time.
This book took me a while to read because it's not the kind of book in which I could immerse myself. In fact, I read through several other books during the time that I plodded through this one. That's not to say that I didn't like it or get much from it; on the contrary, there were times when I needed to put it aside to think about my own son and if anything of what I had just read could help me help him in some way. But to be perfectly honest, there were points in the book where I was bored silly and had to force myself to forge onward.
I knew quite a bit about many of the things discussed in the book. I suppose I could pat myself on the back for knowing about IEPs and IDEA rights and social stories already. There were other things in the book that I greedily devoured. What will I do when puberty comes? What will I do in the case of bullying? What will I do when he wants to go to college or get a job? Well, I don't know, but this book had suggestions for me.
It was written in an organized and accessible way. Of course, books on the Kindle tend not to be as overwhelming, but the sectioning of information into chapters still matters. I hate non-fiction that jumps around. This book does not. There are also a few anecdotal tidbits thrown in there. They sent a vague message of, "hey, you're not alone; your kid isn't the only one." I appreciated it deeply. I consider myself to be fairly educated and I know that it is a prevalent condition, but many many days a feeling of loneliness hangs over the parents of children with ASD. That's just the way it is, and this book acknowledges it.
I had a hard time deciding between 3 or 4 stars on this one. I ended up giving it 4 because it performed an important function for me as a parent to my son: it gave me hope. It reassured me that things will be ok, and there are things I can do to smooth the ride a little bit. There's a place in this world for my child and ways to help him grow up and find it. That made reading this book worth my time.
December 16, 2015
I was recommended this book a while back by one of my son's therapist. My son is currently 8 years old. He was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 3 and diagnosed with High Functioning Autism with Sensory Processing Disorder at the age of 5. The therapist recommended this book to me because he thought that my son should be diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome instead. With all my research, I had come to find where the therapist may think this. They do share lots of the same "traits" and I can see where some of the things the therapist saw would suggest this. I do like how the book puts both together, because there isn't that much of a difference in the two. I think the title has to do more with the "times". From my understanding, they are now being all combined in a group title of ASD, but with just different stages. As how will times go by with anything, the titles seem to change etc. I think now even all the other diagnosis are even bunched up into Autism, like SPD, OCD, etc, because they are all parts of ASD. But I am no 100% sure. Like I said, things seem to be changing rapidly here lately with the titles, etc.
Anyway, back on point. It took me a while to read this book. Not that it was bad, but because I knew a lot of the information it was giving. I am always researching, and looking into stuff. I had an idea that my son had ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder) for a while. I just couldn't find a doctor that was willing to help me figure out what was going on. Until I found a doctor that was willing to listen to me, I looked up stuff myself. I pretty much knew before I got the diagnosis. I found this book very informative, but would be for someone just starting their journey, or one not knowing much about it. I already knew most of the information given in the book. But I would still recommend it as a refresher, or a way to help a teacher, friend, etc understand.
The main purpose of this book is to give you an idea of what it is. How it is different for everyone. What is the best way to go about finding out what your child needs. The book is well written and gives great information for those that may not know where and what to do. It also gives references of other books to look into. I wish I would have come across this book in the very beginning, it would have saved me from so much frustration from trying to figure it all out on my own.
I will say that no one knows your child as well as you do. So there may be things "recommended" that may or may not fit for your child. This does give you are "starting point" but listen to your gut and always pick what is best for your child. I have learned lots from my son. I just read and research for options on things and to try to better understand what is out there to help. But he has been my best guide on this journey.
Anyway, back on point. It took me a while to read this book. Not that it was bad, but because I knew a lot of the information it was giving. I am always researching, and looking into stuff. I had an idea that my son had ASD ( Autism Spectrum Disorder) for a while. I just couldn't find a doctor that was willing to help me figure out what was going on. Until I found a doctor that was willing to listen to me, I looked up stuff myself. I pretty much knew before I got the diagnosis. I found this book very informative, but would be for someone just starting their journey, or one not knowing much about it. I already knew most of the information given in the book. But I would still recommend it as a refresher, or a way to help a teacher, friend, etc understand.
The main purpose of this book is to give you an idea of what it is. How it is different for everyone. What is the best way to go about finding out what your child needs. The book is well written and gives great information for those that may not know where and what to do. It also gives references of other books to look into. I wish I would have come across this book in the very beginning, it would have saved me from so much frustration from trying to figure it all out on my own.
I will say that no one knows your child as well as you do. So there may be things "recommended" that may or may not fit for your child. This does give you are "starting point" but listen to your gut and always pick what is best for your child. I have learned lots from my son. I just read and research for options on things and to try to better understand what is out there to help. But he has been my best guide on this journey.
March 13, 2017
I didn't read the whole book. I was looking for specific information that was in the second half of the book. This book would be a great resource for families new to the diagnosis.
September 24, 2018
Perhaps a little dated, but worth the read for the advice in Chapter 6 (sibling relationships, schedules/routines in the home, etc).
June 19, 2023
Helpful, though outdated in terminology and diagnostic information. Still, there was a lot of good information about strategies and behavior recommendations.
April 11, 2015
The introduction of DSM-5 in 2013 eliminated Aspergers and PDD-NOS as diagnoses, rendering Part I of this book (diagnosing the disease) obsolete.
However, just because the APA declines to recognize Aspergers or high-functioning autism as a legitimate diagnosis, doesn't mean they've ceased to exist. Approximately 2/3 of cases have been reassigned as "Social Communication Disorder". (Is it me, or does SCD sound curable with shyness pills As Seen On TV?) This ambivalent diagnosis means that, for the foreseeable future, schools and insurance companies need no longer provide services to the SCD crowd.
Yay for them.
Part II of the book, which concerns managing the disorders, remains applicable. Much of it is geared toward high school- and college-age Aspies, which is useful as most parenting lit on this topic is geared toward younger children.
However, just because the APA declines to recognize Aspergers or high-functioning autism as a legitimate diagnosis, doesn't mean they've ceased to exist. Approximately 2/3 of cases have been reassigned as "Social Communication Disorder". (Is it me, or does SCD sound curable with shyness pills As Seen On TV?) This ambivalent diagnosis means that, for the foreseeable future, schools and insurance companies need no longer provide services to the SCD crowd.
Yay for them.
Part II of the book, which concerns managing the disorders, remains applicable. Much of it is geared toward high school- and college-age Aspies, which is useful as most parenting lit on this topic is geared toward younger children.
January 4, 2010
This had some really good information. There's still a few parts I need to read--I've been skipping around to the parts that I think will answer my questions. It's not a book specifically for PDD-NOS, but much of the information still applies. It was great to have when we had our big conference with the school trying to get through the hoops necessary to get services. I ended up not needing it, but I had sticky tabs marked all over with supportive information, and it helped me feel more prepared.
April 3, 2008
Very informative and helpful. I need to buy it, as I'm sure I'll want to turn to it again and again. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone dealing with a child with high-functioning autism/ apserger's (used interchangeably). In my opinion it's not just good for parents, but good for educators as well.
October 5, 2008
Informative, helpful, reassuring. I would not hesitate to recommend it to a parent or proffesional working with AS/HFA kids.It helps you to understand what AS/HFA is, why your child does what s/he does, and most importantly how to work with your child, teachers, and others to ensure continual progress.
December 18, 2013
This was one of the first books on the subject of Aspergers/HFA I read after my son's diagnosis of high functioning autism at the age of 5. It was very helpful to me to understand how entirely differently those on the spectrum interpret sensory information. This is an excellent book to start with.
December 7, 2007
Everyone at this point must know someone who is has Asperger Syndrome or some high-functionaing Autism. The best thing you can do for everyones sake is to get educated on the topic. This the one book to read.
November 26, 2008
It's nice to have a book that helps break down what High-Functioning Autism is and what we can do to help Alex become a full functioning adult. I will keep this book on my currently-reading list for now. It is a great book to continue to refer back to.
July 13, 2010
One of the easier books to get through on AS. Very parent friendly and not too technical.
August 7, 2010
Great ideas....a little repetitive and long winded at times.
January 17, 2011
An informative resource for anyone dealing with a child with PDD NOS, Aspergers, and ASD's.
September 10, 2016
Good book! Very helpful
August 5, 2012
I found this book to be very helpful and interesting.
February 18, 2013
Great book with lots of information for us parents that are constantly looking for it! :)
September 9, 2023
Very helpful to those who live and teach kids on the spectrum.
January 13, 2011
It wasn't helpful for me. I like Autisms Question and Answer book a lot better.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews