Product Description
It's not unusual for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to exhibit challenging behaviors including noncompliance, aggression, and repetitive actions that interfere with daily life. These behaviors, which appear meaningless, unproductive, or even dangerous, can be changed or stopped.

This guide describes functional behavior assessment (FBA), a highly regarded strategy that parents and professionals can use to identify the factors contributing to the problem behavior. As the book explains, children and adults with ASDs are susceptible to unwanted behaviors due to difficulties with communication skills, social skills, and narrow interests. For example, a nonverbal adult engages in head-banging to obtain beads reserved for times when he needs calming; a child with social skills deficits inappropriately seeks attention by hitting classmates; or an adolescent hyperfocused on one tv program irritates everyone by constantly talking about it. An FBA helps to determine what purpose the behavior serves for the individual and the specific circumstances that led to learning the behavior in the first place. Later on, the assessment is used to develop an intervention plan to help the individual unlearn the behavior.

Anyone can learn the basics of FBA. The book's step-by-step explanations, forms, and case studies make it easy for parents and professionals to:

• Decide which challenging behavior to address
• Select members of an FBA team
• Measure behavior
• Gather information from other observers
• Establish a baseline
• Observe a problem behavior
• Test the hypothesis about the function of the behavior
• Begin to plan for an intervention
• Troubleshoot

Customer Reviews (4)

Very helpful book, from the little of it I have read!
I cannot fairly rate this book, since I have read very little of it (have not had the time yet).From what I have read of it, I believe it will very helpful to us - to help our autistic son.

A great addition to any Autism Library
A great addition to any Autism Library. One of many books I've purchased lately in my pursuit of knowledge and answers. I would recommend it to anyone who is having behavioral issues. It's a good book. I would say it's a great place to start if you want to learn more about behavioral issues.

An extensively informative and exceptionally detailed explanation of the conditions autism might cause
Functional Behavior Assessment For People With Autism: Making Sense Of Seemingly Senseless Behavior by Beth A. Glasberg (Consultant for Douglass Outreach at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey) is an informed and informative analysis of the behavior tendencies and habitual pursuits of children with autism. As many sufferers of autism engage in certain behavior which might be cause to others' discrimination of them. Thoroughly accessible for non-specialist general readers with an interest in autism, Functional Behavior Assessment For People With Autism is an extensively informative and exceptionally detailed explanation of the conditions autism might cause, as well as a productive examination of valid and helpful solutions for which it should be given high praise, and is recommended very strongly to teachers and parents of autistic children.

keep it simple
This book is very concise and plainly written. I began working in Special Ed. not so long ago, and found this book full of helpful information and I especially like the "keep it simple" side bars. The first time I had to write up a behavioral analysis,I used this book as a guide, and it made the process so much easier! Recently took a graduate level course in Autism and the practicing instructor felt the book was one that she would add to her reference library also. I used this book as a blueprint for beginning new behavior mod programs with my one-on-one student, and with this guide I was able to decide which behaviors were the best ones to begin on. I continue to use this book for reference, and highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
In this innovative book, Dr. Temple Grandin gets down to the REAL issues of autism, the ones parents, teachers, and individuals on the spectrum face every day. Temple offers helpful do's and don'ts, practical strategies, and try-it-now tips, all based on her "insider" perspective and a great deal of research. These are just some of the specific topics Temple delves into:

How and Why People with Autism Think Differently

Economical Early Intervention Programs that Work

How Sensory Sensitivities Affect Learning

Behaviors Caused by a Disability vs. Just Bad Behaviors

Teaching People with Autism to Live in an Unpredictable World

Alternative Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine

Employment Ideas for Adults with Autism

And many more!

PLUS an exclusive interview between world-renowned psychologist Dr. Tony Attwood and Temple Grandin! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (61)

Amazing!
Honest, thoughful, and informative. Excellent information for parents, educators, and professionals. I wish all educators would take the time to read this book and think about how they treat their students "on the spectrum".

Book.....Ants and all....LOL
We ordered this book and knew it would be good but the package came with a surprise, over 200 of them.When we opened the package, a queen ant and over 200 drones poured out of the package all over our kitchen.The queen must of got in the package at the point of origin and the drones followed her.What a mess cleaning that up, my wife took pictures and texted them to me at work, I thought she was nuts.The book just had some ant guts on the outside but overall was not damaged.Just didn't expect to get a "bonus" with the book....LOL

Temple Granden -unique woman "The Way I See It"
I saw the movie on Temple Granden and rushed to buy one of her books. I hoped for some practical information with which to deal with my grandchild. Although the book was riviting, it was not the one for this purpose. In fact, it's main theme was that each person with Asperger's Syndrome is unique and must be treated as such.

Recomendation
I absolutely loved this book! It has a very real and personal perspective on Autism so that everyone could relate to what Ms. Grandin went through. She has great suggestions for how to deal with some issues and she provides something I haven't seen in other books on Autism. She provides hope; a reasurance that we can make it through the tough times and that things will be better. I loved this book and I'm sure you will also. It was the best purchase I've bought this year.

Great ideas and motivator for parents!
As a parent of a child with Asperger's I love this book!In the first 50 pages it had given new ideas and great motivation in how I work with my child.I have never met Temple but I have met Eustacia Cutler (her mom) several times and their story is so inspirational considering the timeframe when Temple was growing up.I would also recommend reading Eustacia's book Thorn in My Pocket: Temple Grandin's Mother Tells the Family Story also. ... Read more

Product Description
From the award-winning author of Autism Spectrum Disorders, comes Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, a complete guide to the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of preteens and teenagers with autistic disorders, ranging from the relatively mild Asperger's Syndrome to more severe ability impairment. Using clear examples, practical advice, and supportive insights, this book covers:

- Health risks such as seizures and depression
-Treatments, therapies, and teaching strategies
-Teaching skills to cope with puberty, self-care, and social skills
-Teenage emotions, sexuality, appropriate relationships, and dating
-Middle school, high school, and developing an Individual Educational Program
-Preparing for life after high school ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

book review
This book was perfect just what I was looking for and I couldn't put it down

Clear, accessible, well organized, great bibliography.Wonderful guide.
I don't think that anyone in my family is on the autism spectrum, but it is a part of life nonetheless.We all know people on the spectrum.My children know kids at school and at church, etc., who have Aspergers.Autism is here to stay, and it is only left to us to learn to understand it better.Throughout the ages, great minds have reminded us to understand humanity, from Lao-tzu to Alexander Pope and beyond.You may be familiar with this concept in the quote,"The true science and the true study of man is man" (Pope).

All this to say, it's not only the parents and teachers of AS children who could do to read up on the subject.We all could use the insights.For some people, a simple overview is sufficient, such as is found in one of the newer books written for children.For others, if we are curious and compassionate, perhaps, the subject becomes more interesting the more we learn - and the field is young and growing fast.

Chantal Sicile-Kira is already an authority in this field.I have not read her other book, Autism Spectrum Disorders, but I probably will eventually.I am especially interested in the teen-aged individual right now, as we are on the cusp of those years, and the people we will be encountering will be the mainstreamed or mostly high functioning ones.One of the things that makes this book so handy is the way it is laid out.There are many sections and sub-sections, and variations in type face (not so much as to be too busy on the page), and a generous amount of white space.It is easy to read the parts that make sense, as well as to skim or skip entirely the bits that may not be helpful at the moment.There is room for notes, both penciled and sticky-paper.There is a rich and up-to-date bibliography and an equally healthy index.

Puberty and the teen years can be a difficult and awkward period for anyone.There are things that make it different for the AS child and his or her family - and this book addresses a lot of those things, simply and clearly.It also talks about planning for beyond high school, for recognizing and fighting for a life and career where the AS individual can market and use their particular skills, and not be relegated to low-paying, unsatisfying jobs because of our general cultural impression of AS people as deficient and untrainable.So many parents are so exhausted by the school and socialization process that we forget to remember about life after high school.We cannot afford to do that.

I have scanned a few more pages of the book to add to those that amazon has up for viewing, and hope that you may find them helpful.

I have this book from the public library, on inter-library loan, but I could easily see it becoming the pick on the subject - the title that one ends up electing to purchase and have for a home copy.

Great advice that confirms and helps...
With my own son advancing into the preteens, this book offers knowledge that would take a week for a professional in the medical and psychological fields to explain about adolescents on the Spectrum. Writen in everyday language for concerned parents to understand and appreciate. And, as I learn more about my son, I am begining to see more in my husband. For me, "Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum" not only offers help and knowledge for my son, but for my husband as well...giving me a greater strength.

Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs ofTeenagers with A
I haven't found anything else out in the market that has offered such helpful advice, particularly in regards of adolescents.

Fills in a lot of gaps
My son is too old for "early intervention" and is definitely on the high functioning end of the continuum, which has made it difficult at time to find resources. So many books (and programs) are geared toward early intervention - which is fantastic - but we're past that point. A good percentage of the rest are geared towards kids not as lucky as mine who face much greater challenges and limitations.

This book deals with issues across the spectrum and functional level continuum specifically in relation with the issues and challenges adolescence poses for both kids and the adults in their lives. It is readable - the language is comfortable, the tone is positive and motivational, the ideas and suggestions are, for the most part, accessible to most people. Maybe a little too much emphasis of self-sacrifice, but that is offset by the chapters on balancing the needs of the family, couple and neurotypical siblings with the affected child.

Recommended highly for parents charting the rapids of adolescence in the lop-sided ASD rowboat. ... Read more

Product Description
How do teachers and parents of children with autism address a child's social skills? And what do they do about problem behaviors? This book provides possible explanations for these behaviors, and a wealth of practical help for both teachers and parents to address them. Teachers learn how to create environmental supports and how to incorporate specific teaching strategies. Students with autism learn the new skills they might need, and ways of making their behavior more acceptable. This book is full of practical tips on how to tackle different kinds of challenging behaviors both in the classroom and outside it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Does a good job of addressing behaviour problems
Well done.It is a good resource for parents and teachers alike.Practical with ready-to-photocopy pages so that you can start working right away.Obviously written by someone who knows Autism.I recommend it.

Its all in the cover :-)
I picked up this interesting book at Hastings(Kansas). Our 5 yr old autistic son spotted me looking through it. He right away noticed the pencil on the cover. He spent 25 minutes just trying to figure out HOW TO MAKE THE PENCILS go the same way, this drove him absolutely crazy. I really got some great and useful information from this nicely put book. Very rarely do we ever find books for our 'highly functioning' autistic children. Thanks for writing this.

Rebecca Moyes did it again
Finding information to assist children with High-Functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome can be challenging, at best, but Rebecca Moyes' book leads you through the maze with sound steps to help not only the parent but the educator.
I would recommend this book to parents, educators,and health care workers, as well as, lay people interacting with our children.
Ms. Moyes starts with a fabulous cover of colored pencils in a row. The pencil in the middle is upside down. It is yellow and bright but different than the rest.Not wrong, just different. An individual that shines if understood.
Ms. Moyes balances the line between parents and educators, explaining that "teachers really do want to help our children;but they need the training and support to be able to do an effective job". She notes that "if parents and teachers can learn and truely accept and appreciate the individuality of these children, they can open themselves up to a wonderful, enriching expirience".
Her chapter's are clear and consise including possible causes of misbehavior,antecedent strategies,as well as ways to motivate and reward our children. Ms. Moyes also includes how to evaluate the effectiveness of these interactions.
Any person that cares for or teaches our High-functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome child should read this book.
Thank you Ms. Moyes. ... Read more

Product Description
(2008 IPPY Award: Bronze Medalist, Psychology/Mental Health)

Learning self-help skills (eating, dressing, toileting, and personal hygiene) can be challenging for people with autism, but is essential for independence. SELF-HELP SKILLS FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM thoroughly describes a systematic approach that parents and educators can use to teach basic self-care to children, ages 24 months to early teens, and even older individuals.

With an encouraging tone, the authors--behavior analysts and psychologists--emphasize that it's worthwhile to devote the extra time and effort now to teach skills rather than have your child be forever dependent on others. The many case studies throughout SELF-HELP SKILLS depict individuals with deficits in specific self-care tasks, and demonstrate how a coordinated and systematic approach is effective in teaching more complex skills. For example, a 12-year-old with the self-feeding skills of a toddler (who was excluded from the school cafeteria), is taught to stay at the table to eat a full meal using utensils.

The book's beginning chapters explain the teaching process in detail: Specify the target skill to be taught after prioritizing the self-care tasks that are most important and will likely have the greatest success rate; Use task analysis to break complex skills into a series of small steps that will later be linked together to form the more complex skill; Apply a systematic approach to instruction that consistently employs proven methods for teaching people with autism including verbal prompting, reinforcers/rewards, chaining, graduated guidance, shaping, modeling, visual supports, etc.; Monitor progress by collecting and analyzing data; Modify the approach as needed to achieve the target goal.

A chapter is devoted to each of the four skill areas (eating, dressing, toileting, personal hygiene) offering detailed insight and specific instruction strategies. Appendices contain forms to complete for task analyses, instructional plans, and data collection. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good choice
I think this will be a very helpful resource. I have found great tips that helped with potty training and will tackle the other stuff once that is established.

Self Help Skills for People with Autism
Being a professional in the behavioral business with individuals on the autism spectrum, I thought this book was very good when it came to giving ideas and showing how to create task analysis programming situations.However, I bought this book hoping I would get a detailed list of ALL the skills that needed to be taught for specific items.For example, I wanted to see some self-help skills checklists that I could use as examples when I'm training new therapists/parents.How does a new person in training learn anything without the basics?Kathryn Raulerson-Kellas, Founder[...]

BEST Book on Self-Help Skills
This book is clearly written and behaviorally accurate.It will be helpful to both parents and professionals who need to improve their own techniques so the children and adults they work with can become independent with self-help skills.As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, an author, and a mother of an 11-year-old son with autism, I am recommending this book to everyone!

Mary Lynch Barbera, RN, MSN, BCBA

[[ASIN:1843108526 The Verbal Behavior Approach: How to Teach
Children With Autism and Related Disorders]]

... Read more

Product Description
Many young people have a hard time understanding the complexities of what autism Is and why people with autism engage in the behaviors that they do. This book gives answers to the many questions brothers and sisters of young people on the autism spectrum have about their siblings. In addition to explaining in basic terms the characteristics of autism, this little book is full of helpful suggestions for making family life more comfortable for everyone. The many illustrations make this a warm and accessible book for young people. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Connor's mom
I did not care for this book. In the begining it goes on to explain how there is nothing you can do to fix autism and how it is just in the childs "genes". Some of the points were good, however I feel that this book is outdated.
Autism is treatable, I have a son that is making great progress everyday with diet and nutritional products!

Understanding the Differences
Everybody Is Different, by Fiona Bleach, is a fantastic little book. At around 75 pages, it's perfectly accessible for kids, as the subtitle indicates: A book for young people who have brothers or sisters with autism.It's written mostly in a question/answer format, divided into six parts: general information about autism, main characteristics of autism, odd behaviour (the author is English, hence the alternate spelling), sibling feelings, therapy and help, and a glossary at the end. It also features cute little illustrations by the author.

The book tackles some difficult questions, such as "Why do some people have autism?", answering them in a way that kids can understand, without being too simplistic. One of the book's strengths is that it not only answers questions, it also makes a point of discussing how the NT sibling feels and what they can do about it. This includes dealing with such emotions as anger, resentment, frustration, sadness, and embarrassment.

My younger son, Aidan, and I have consulted the book many times regarding various subjects and found it to be helpful and encouraging. Aidan benefitted from reading about why his brother makes strange noises, why he says and does the same things over and over again, why he throws or breaks things, and why he hurts himself. The book also listed some good tips for maintaining privacy and how to respond to an autistic sibling who doesn't know what that means.

Of the many attributes of Everybody Is Different, one that really stands out is the encouragement of siblings to talk with their parents and friends about how they feel. I also appreciated the positive suggestions for interacting with autistic siblings and explaining their behavior to friends or others who are unfamiliar with them. I highly recommend this excellent book for any family with autism.

Not as much for Asperger as it is for Autism
This is a short enough read that my 5th grader buzzed right through it.We skipped over several parts though, because our person in our family has Asperger syndrome and the book is geared toward Autism mainly.I did find it refreshing to find a short enough read that would help my son understand some of the things going on with his sibling, however I think we had already covered the majority of the book with him.I read the book in 1 hr.It was well written I thought.

for syblings of autistics
I bought this for my 9 year old daughter who has a 7 year old asperger brother who can be very difficult.I thought she might ignore the book, but she read it, laughing and commenting on what reminded her of her brother.I will by more of this type of thing.Even if the kids in the books are different than mine, I think it helps her to know she is not the only girl with this situation in her family.

Everybody is different
This book is specially designed to give answers to the many questions of brothers and sisters of young people on the autistic spectrum.

As well as explaining the characteristics of autism, it is full of helpful suggestions for making family life more comfortable for everyone concerned.

I found it to be interesting and helpful in explaining simple answers for little ones and more in depth info for older children and adults. ... Read more

Product Description
Enzyme therapy is one of the fastest emerging successful alternatives for people on the autism spectrum as well as other neurological conditions. Reports of significant improvement in health, pain reduction, language, food tolerance, socializing and other benefits emerge daily. Drawing on long-standing scientific research and trials by a wide range of families, Karen DeFelice deals comprehensively with all the information on enzymes that parents or those new to enzymes need: how enzymes work, who may benefit, what to expect, practical tested advice on selecting and introducing the right kind of enzymes, and how this can be combined with other approaches and therapies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Little Patient Big Doctor
I read Enzymes for Autism and Other Neurological Conditions and it was really helpful for my son who has many different allergies.It provides a clear understanding of how enzymes work in the body.You can read about my experiences in Little Patient Big Doctor.I hope that both of these books will be as helpful to you as they were to me. Little Patient Big Doctor: One Mother's Journey

Bowel Problems Gone!
Wow!!!!!!!! We have been GFCF for three years, corn-free for one, chocolate-yeast-soy-free for six months, and looking to eliminate more because problems were creeping up.I NEVER thought we'd ever get off of a restricted diet!In addition, my son has had chronic diarrhea since starting the restricted diet.(He had chronic constipation before)

Now, I'm not constantly in the kitchen cooking some look-alike and acting the part of a food .We can relax and enjoy family get-togethers and my son is trying new foods. WOW!!!!I have my life back!!!!!!
Also, his bowel problems are GONE!!!His gut has healed and his stools are normal.(I've tried so many things to fix this without results)
He looks HEALTHY for the first time, despite all the supplements I was giving him before.
My son did develop dark circles under his eyes the week we started enzymes. We added NoFenol three weeks later and the dark circles went away.
He was stimmy for the first 3 days despite staying on the restricted diet.This resolved quickly and I introduced REAL foods the next week.
This is the miracle we had been praying for!Why didn't someone tell us about this sooner?

Great first book for Autism diets
If you are not sure about using a diet to help with Autism, then click Buy Now! This book will open your eyes. It's a great "real life" story. Highly recommended.

Another great resource on how healing the gut can reverse autism:
Gut and Psychology Syndrome DVD

"A new boy...."
I happened upon this book by accident but could not be more grateful for that accident.My son is 2 1/2 years old.He has MANY sensory issues (he is a sensory seeker), he also has apraxia of speech and autistic tendencies.He has been on the GFCF diet for over two months.It helped somewhat, but the diet is so expensive and stressful that I was very open to the idea of an alternative to that.
My son has been on the enzymes for almost one month now and he has BLOSSOMED!His sensory issues are almost non-existent---and this was a child whose sensory issues seemed to control him.His speech has tripled and he is much more open to trying to say new words and is open more to seated activities such as reading, puzzles and play-doh.He stays still for much longer periods of time.His eye contact was always pretty good but now it is fantastic.He is even calling me Mama for the first time ever....if you have a two+ year old who has never called you Mama or Mommy, you come to be desperate for that...let me just tell you it has been music to my ears.He is better at identifying pictures.He even pointed to a picture of me and said "Mama" without any prompting.
My son is in speech, occupational and developmental therapies, mostly b/c of his sensory issues.After three weeks on the enzymes, his speech therapist said to me, "you have a new boy on your hands".She and the OT both were shocked at how calm he was, how attentive he was to calm activities.He no longer needed to "crash and burn" during therapy, but could transition from one activity to the next with ease.A child who used to tantrum if he had to leave the sensory room was now requesting to leave halfway through the session in order to go back to the speech therapist's room!
I will be forever grateful to the author of this book and to the previous reviewers that steered me towards this book.My son is a different boy who has even been able to incorporate some wheat back into his diet without any repurcussions.It is so exciting to look towards the future to see what doors these enzymes will open for my soon.I simply cannot say enough positive things about this book.It has forever changed our lives as it continues to heal his leaky gut.
If you have a child with gut issues (chronic diarrhea---my son had this and it is now gone!), speech issues, and especially sensory issues, please take the time to read this book!!!!

great information, but do with your MD's guidance
A good resource and a great book, but this is alot of information. I would recommend getting this book if you are interested in learning more about enzymes and autism but not doing anything without your child's Dr.s advice. Enzymes are not a "cure all" to autism, as all children with autism are different. Many venues must be investigated and discussed withyour MD to find the program that is best for your child. ... Read more

Product Description
Julie can't wait to go to the park and feed the ducks with her big sister. Her little brother, Ian, who has autism, wants to go, too. Ian doesn't have the same reactions to all the sights and sounds that his sisters have, and Julie thinks he looks silly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

Book for siblings of Autism
I bought this book for my daughter who is almost 6 and has an almost 4 year old brother with Autism....it honestly put some pieces together for her and she was really glad to see there aree other siblings out there who have siblings with Autism and how to "deal" with that................really good book

Provides insights into how siblings cope with an autistic brother
On the autism spectrum, symptoms can range from milder forms to more extreme cases. This story focuses on a young boy, Ian who suffers a more severe form of autism, and is non-verbal. Sisters Tara and Julie are about to go to the park to feed the ducks and Ian whines, indicating he wants to tag along, much to Julie's displeasure. She feels embarrassed at having a brother who is not like other boys, a brother who prefers sniffing the bricks outside the post office building rather than the lilacs at the flower stand, who doesn't like hugs, and who'd rather eat leftover cereal than hot dogs. It is only when Tara and Julie lose sight of Ian that Julie realizes how very much she loves her brother.

This is a very well-written book that would make suitable reading for children who have autistic siblings, and also for children in general, so that they may better understand peers who are autistic, especially in school settings. I have several friends and acquaintances who have autistic children, and this book has made it easier for me to explain the differences in their behavior to my 5-year-old daughter. Recommended!

Realistic and helpful
I had to find a way to explain to my 5 year old that his best friend has autism.This book made it easy.

Wonderful!!!
This is a wonderful book.Especially for a sibling of a child with autism.I feel that most siblings would be able to connect to this story in some way.

Ian's Walk: A Review
This is a story of a day in the life with autism as seen through the eyes of a neurotypical sibling.

Being a mother to only one child (who also has autism), I was initially taken aback by Julie's reaction when her little brother, Ian, wanted to go with her and their older sister, Tara, to the park.

The story starts out,

""It's the perfect day to go to the park and feed the ducks with my big sister, Tara.Except my brother wants to come along too.

"Aw, Ian, why don't you stay here?" I say.Ian doesn't answer me though, because he has autism.But he raps his finders hard against the screen and begins to whine.""

It's no secret that autism has made me a bit sensitive. Sometimes, too sensitive.

I have siblings.One sister and brother; both older.I remember what it was like being the baby of that clan.There were many a time when my sister and I didn't want to be "bothered" with my brother, and he was neurotypical. There was also many a time when no one wanted to be "bothered" with the other.

Sibling rivalry is normal, and getting on each other's nerves is what makes for some interesting memories.

But there is something that sets Julie and Tara a part from other siblings... they have the additional challenge of living with autism.

The story, as seen through Julie's eyes, takes you through various scenarios where Ian's actions cause her discomfort.However, it is only when Ian wanders off that Julie's negative feelings about autism change.

Although, the book speaks of the differences between Ian and his siblings, it would have been nice for the author to mention any similarities between them.

All in all, I 'would' recommend this book to anyone looking to better understand some of the behaviors of autism.

It makes for a nice introduction. ... Read more

Product Description
Seeing is learning. Dr. Jed Baker embraces this philosophy in this a dynamic teaching tool that engages the attention and motivation of students who need a little extra help learning appropriate social skills by using pictures of children mastering skills such as communication, play, emotion, and empathy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

Excellent Book for Child on Autism Spectrum
I purchased this book as a parent a child on the Autism Spectrum.I found the pictures very clear and easy for my child to understand.The information was easy to understand and convey to my child.He is five years old and there still is a lot in the book that we are working on, but he really enjoys when we work together using this book.Ironically he takes this book everywhere.Out of the hundreds of other books in the house he carries this with him in the car, bus to school and on vacation.He loves giving you a hug saying he is a "Space Invader".

Excellent book for elementary age children!
I am a School Psychologist and Mobile Therapist and this book has come in handy on many occasions. I work frequently with students who have been diagnosed with Autism, and I have found that this is one book that students really enjoy. There are great pictures and stories that my students love to see and read. We typically act the stories out afterward either in person or with dolls/action figures. No matter how resistant the students are to the rest of the activities, they typically consider this a rewarding experience. I would recommend it to all school staff and parents who deal with students that are lacking social skills in some way.

Social Skills are important
This book is great for kids with autism.The pictures are very helpful.My granddaughter thinks the book is funny, but it is helping her to see what kinds of social skills she needs to think about.I like the way this book is set up and will use it often with my grandson and granddaughter who are both on the autistic spectrum

Very helpful
Got this book to help teach my 3-year old son with Autism Spectrum Disorder a little more about how to deal with the world.He seems to be learning, although we've only had the book a few weeks.We're trying to start with just a few stories, and repeating them over and over until he shows improvement in that particular behavior, and then to move on to others.I just wish it covered other behaviors (like the typical 3-year old boy behaviors) as well!

Wonderful social skills tool
What a fabulous book!The layout of this book is perfect.The text is easy to read and the true life images are so much better than drawings.My twins, like many other children with ASD are visual learners, and this book takes the abstract concept of social skills and puts it into a wonderful visual format that works! ... Read more

Product Description

A practical resource filled with information, tips, and checklists for helping kids with autism

This useful, accessible guide offers teachers and parents a better understanding of children on the autism spectrum and provides them with the kinds of support and intervention they need. Written in an easy-to-read checklist format, the book is filled with up-to-date research, practical advice, and helpful resources on a wide range of topics. The book covers five areas: basic information on autism, checklists for parents, checklists for teachers, effective support strategies, and helpful resources.

• Provides vital, accessible information for parents and teachers working with children in the autism spectrum
• Contains a wealth of useful strategies, information, and resources
• A volume in the popular Jossey-Bass Checklist series
• Offers a comprehensive yet affordable resource
• Kluth is the bestselling author of You're Going to Love This Kid!: Teaching Students with Autism

Customer Reviews (4)

A Great Resource
This book covers every challenge in school or at home, and how to overcome them.Being the parent of a child with Autism, I have now decided to purchase a copy for my child's teacher, HCA(one on one aid), and a copy for the school library.Anyone who reads this book will understand my son and his needs. It's a must read for any Parent, Therapist, Special Ed. Teacher or anyone who comes in contact with someone with Autism.I wish I would have had this book 5 years ago, when we received our diagnosis.

Carolyn Gammicchia
I would urge every parent of a child with ASD, every educator who teaches children with ASD, as well as each individual within the community that supports individuals with ASD to purchase at least one copy of this book.My initial purchase was five copies and I'm on my second order.

For many years Paula Kluth has been an asset to our son's educational process with her previous publications as well as professional advice on her website.She is not only invested in assisting within her professional standards, but also has done much within community acceptance and awareness for individuals living with autism daily.She is an amazing advocate for all children and adults that have unique learning and communication abilities as well.

John Shouse's input in this book also is apparent not only from the insight of being a parent, but also from the aspect of an individual that is a strong believer in community access, providing opportunity, and giving that gem of information that just clicks.

As a parent of an eighteen year old son with ASD, I am very appreciative that this book exists and only wish I had it sixteen years ago when our son was first diagnosed.

You'll want to buy this in bulk
The authors have packed a lot of information into short sections that are useful for anyone who interacts with individuals on the autism spectrum.Most of the classroom tips and strategies are applicable to homeschoolers. I like the fact that Kluth and Shouse include a lot of information on sensory challenges and movement differences in autism, two topics that are sometimes shortchanged in books about autism.You'll need a highlighter and your sticky notes to mark pages, if you're like me. This is one you're going to want to order in bulk, so you have one to keep and some to loan or give to teachers, church staff, coaches, and others who interact with your family member who is on the autism spectrum. You might even make it required reading for anyone who interacts with your child.

Solid Addition to a Caregivers Arsenal
Paula Kluth's book, "The Autism Checklist" is a valuable addition to the bookshelf of those providing care for an autistic individual. In one place and in very clear language, one can find the answers many will have about raising an autistic person. Throughout the book, Kluth adopts a compassionate yet practical point of view. It is difficult for parents to raise an autistic child and for teachers to reach them. Time is limited and emotions often come into play so an easy to use reference that can help parents and teachers save time and replace emotions with rational tactics and strategies is always welcomed. This is just what Kluth's work does and she along with John Shouse her co-author deserve praise for their efforts.

This work will be useful for those new to the field as well those with considerable experience. It will also help the relatives of families understand what parents are going through and how best to help. ... Read more

Product Description
(2007 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award: Finalist, Education)

Children with autism spectrum disorders are increasingly being educated in inclusive general education classrooms. For optimal results, teachers need to know as much as possible about autism and the teaching methods and modifications that work best for these students. This is a huge undertaking for time-crunched general education teachers, many of whom may never have had a student with autism before. Now teachers can turn to Autism in Your Classroom for the information and guidance they need.

Written by two neuropsychologists with extensive clinical and classroom experience, this new book is a concise, easy-to-read guide developed for primary school teachers (grades K- 6).

Part I provides a complete overview of the types, causes, characteristics, and treatments of autism spectrum disorders. It also explains various secondary characteristics of autism that create challenges for students, such as sensory abnormalities, behavioral issues, and limited social skills and peer interaction.

Part II focuses on the student in the classroom: It covers a variety of strategies to manage learning & behavior, such as:
Modifying classwork & homework;

Helping with language difficulties:

Using visual strategies;

Keeping students focused & organized;

Teaching reading & math;

Using positive reinforcement & rewards;

Handling challenging behavior;

Explaining autism to other students;

Teaching social skills in the classroom;

Balancing the needs of typical and special students.

Part III features two useful case studies. Both stem from the authors' hands-on work and consultation with teachers, students, and parents. The book concludes with an appendix of frequently asked questions about children with autism asked by educators. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good intro guide for general educators
This book is a great introduction into what a student with autism will mean in your general education class. If you are unfamiliar with the needs of students with high functioning autism, this will be a great fit.

For any educator who would hope to understand and properly handle Autistic students' special needs
There are more children with autism in schools than ever before in the history of American public education. "Autism in Your Classroom" gives educators the practical information and guidance they need to support these children with ASDs, or Autism Spectrum Disorders. "Autism in your Classroom" is a much-needed resource that gives teachers the understanding of the types, causes, characteristics, and treatments of these ASDs. Deftly written by Deborah Fein, Ph. D., a clinical and research neuropsychologist with 35 years of experience and serves as Professor of Psychology at the University of Connecticut; and fellow Ph. D Michelle A. Dunn, an Associate professor of neurology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine with 25 years of experience. The combined expertise of the two make "Autism in Your Classroom" invaluable to any educator who would hope to understand and properly handle Autistic students' special needs. Also very highly recommended from Woodbine house is "Autism 24/7: A Family Guide To Learning At Home And In The Community" (9781890627539, $19.95) by autism specialist Andy Bondy and speech/language pathologist Lori A. Frost.
... Read more

Product Description
The difficulties experienced by children with autism and related conditions in inferring the thoughts, beliefs, desires and intentions of others are well documented in numerous studies. It now seems that these deficits underlie many of the social and communication problems that are characteristic of autism. Teaching Children with Autism to Mind-Read explores the relationship of "theory of mind" deficits to other areas of childrens functioning and describes existing experimental work that has attempted to enhance the skills associated with understanding others minds. Drawing on their own intervention programme, and providing detailed information about the teaching materials and strategies they use, the authors provide practical guidelines for helping children with autism spectrum conditions to improve their understanding of beliefs, emotions and pretence. The authors tackle specific problematic issues including

• how to interpret facial expressions

• how to recognise feelings of anger, sadness, fear and happiness

• how feelings are affected by what happens and what is expected to happen

• how to see things from another persons perspective

• how to understand another persons knowledge and beliefs

Customer Reviews (8)

Great for children under 10 with autism
My five year old son with autism is learning a lot about what situations would make a person sad, mad and happy.The presentation is well laid out with a brief description of what is happening in the drawing and the drawing includes a person without expression leaving the child to understand the even both visually from the words and the drawing.

Teaching Children with Autism to Mind-Read: A Practical Guide for Parents and Teachers
Excellent resource for parents and teachers. Practical, flexible, and easy to use in the classroom and home.

Teacning Children with Autism How to Mind Read
The book is fantastic way to teach the basic theory of mind.The picture of the stories enable the child to understand the different emotions and their triggers.

My son loves the book.

Autism
I would recommend this book to individuals who wish more information regarding children with autistic spectrum disorder. There are many issues discussed within the book and ideas to assist children in progressing successfully. I believe this book is geared more toward educators who really want to know, or toward parents and caregivers who want to help teachers learn more effective ways of dealing with autistic idiosyncrosies. Our 8 year old son's teacher have loved the information and found it helpful to meet the needs of many children in their classes, not just those of our son.

Great Book
I have applied the principles of "A.B.A." for approximately 10 years. I have worked with numerous families and children who have been afflicted with Autism. I also try to stay up to date on the newest techniques and reading materials. I found this book facsinating and have begun to apply many of these techniques with the children I am currently working with. I work with preschool and school aged children. When these principles are applied correctly I have seen amazing results. I have found this book extremely helpful and only wish I could have found it sooner. ... Read more

Product Description
A powerful, groundbreaking new book for anyone touched by autism!

Autism has captured the world's attention as the neurological disorder that impacts one out of every 166 children--ten times higher than just ten years ago. Despite the international scrambling of scientists to provide an explanation, there remains no single known cause for the rise in autism. Autism and the God Connection is the first book of its kind to view autism through a spiritual prism, unlocking its hidden meaning. Through countless, compelling interviews William Stillman documents extraordinary examples of spiritual giftedness.

Autism and the God Connection boldly challenges our traditionally held beliefs about people with disabilities. Readers looking for hope, inspiration and a deeper understanding of their loved ones will appreciate the affirming anecdotes of ordinary families. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

An Insider's Look at Autism and Spiritualiy
This is a very interesting, first-hand account of the spirituality of people with autism.I had a hard time putting it down.
As a mother of a young adult with autism, I found the experiences described very validating of my own experiences and those of my son.

Real disservice to autistics
For anybody who prefers to rely on superstition and unfounded anecdotes, this book is probably just what they need. For anyone who wants to understand autism without adding to the burdens of those on the spectrum, it offers nothing that has any connection with reality. I doubt that autistics are any more spiritual than any other population, and there are plenty of us who are complete unbelievers in invisible beings, and have a great deal of trouble even understanding what is meant by "spirituality."

File this book under New Age nonsense, along with crystals and indigo children.

Fabulous
This Book is amazing.My daughters story of her silent voice in a cry for help is depicted in this book.As a mother of a child with Autism, it is a "Must Read".

This book changed the way I view my son and myself
This is THE BEST book about autism Ive ever read...THANK GOD someone finally took a stand and described the autistic as people with a different way of perceiving things as opposed to people who are afflicted with a disease. William Stillman...you're my hero!

Not What I Expected
I hope I didn't give up on this book too early but the author seems so self absorbed and his concept of God so vague as to have no real substance.I do believe the less fortunate are gifts from God and provide us a road map and the opportunity to gain eternal happiness.This book didn't provide that insight (at least not quick enough) and got weighed down with the author's own issues that came across to me as whining.

Any reason to pick it up and try again? ... Read more

Product Description
Autism has evolved from an unfamiliar term to an everyday reality for millions of people. Bookstore shelves are filled with resources that address how Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) affect children and adults at school, work, and home.

But what about the church? What about your church? How can it become a welcoming place for individuals and families affected by ASD?

This resource offers practical ways to welcome and include individuals with ASD into the full life of your congregation. It will enable your church to appreciate those with ASD as persons created in God's image. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Church is for Everyone
"When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." -- Mark 10:14

"If you open up your heart, you will see He's right there.He always was and will be.He'll relieve you of your every care."-- George Harrison, 1970 from "Awaiting on You All"

This book is most timely and needed.Given the rise in autism, people will need helpful resources in helping them cope with their children's needs during church services.Thank goodness many churches have ministries and programs for children with special needs.

A family with a child who has cognitive delays and cerebral palsy attend my church.The child will scream out intermittently during mass, but everybody takes it in stride.I take the position that God wants us all to be there and that child has just as much right to be part of the services as anyone.There are also many families of children with autism who attend my church, which is a Catholic church.

When I was 6, I said that "just because you go to church doesn't mean you're good."That comment was borne from the frustration I felt in dealing with people who came across as cruel and callous, yet who made a big show of attending mass.I like the way this book addresses the "Pharisee Syndrome," that is people who pay lip service to the precepts regarding universal acceptance and who post welcoming signs at the church only to try and bar people with special needs from attending.

This book is ideal and presents information in easily processed amounts.I am a firm believer that God welcomes all with open arms and if He wanted to bar any of His special needs children, then He would never have created them in the first place.People who talk a good game and who make a big show of attending mass only to treat others shabbily once mass is over make me tired.I once said that people who behave this way "treat the church as a time clock and they are the punch cards - punch in for mass, but once the service is over, it's back to business as usual."

I especially loved the chapter focussing on autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) behaviors.This book has chapters that feature a particular condition and provides helpful tools and suggestions on how to help the child, family and church cope.I especially loved the chapter entitled "Ten Strategies for Including Individuals with ASD" and provided a list of resources.

Another good feature included in this book is directed towards church officials in how to make accomodations for people with special needs.The samples section illustrating possible case scenarios and ways of working directly with individuals with special needs was a standout feature.

This book belongs in EVERY parish; church library; school; church/parochial school and ministry library.This is a book that is vital and critical to all who are part of the organization of a church.It is an excellent jumping off point to help guide and direct people toward the Path of Understanding & Tolerance.

Great Resource for Introducing Programs for Autism at Church
As a person who seeks new information regarding autism, this book was the perfect fit as my church committee began planning to create a program for children with special needs. I loved how the introduction stating "Everyone Welcome" at church really opens our eyes to the fact that this usually isn't really the case. Families bringing kids with autism to church campuses all over the country are being turned away due to the church's inability to understand and support some of the behaviors that autism presents. AUTISM AND YOUR CHURCH is a great way to just springboard your church to really meaning "Everyone Welcome" instead of just posting a sign that is often ignored.

This resource is excellent for providing bite-sized pieces of information that when added together can really help a committee, person or overall church create a program that welcomes all of God's children with open arms.

Chapters include:

Defining Autism Spectrum Disorders
Common Areas of Difference in Individuals with ASD
Ten Strategies for Including Individuals with ASD
An Action Plan
Reproducible Resources

The book offers advice on the administrative side of a program as well as specific suggestions on managing behavior challenges and finding strengths in individuals with ASD. It also offers personal glimpses into real scenarios to help you learn from them. My favorite part is having the reproducible samples in the last chapter that can easily be used and/or modified to meet your church's needs. As well, sample social stories to help children with ASD follow schedules and understand scripture are helpful.

I sincerely feel that EVERY church library as well as every youth/associate/head pastor should take the time and read this book. Although it doesn't have ALL of the answers, it is a great start to helping support families - who have kids on the spectrum - in seeking involvement in a church family. By learning just this much about autism and having an open heart to these wonderful families will open your eyes to how important they can be as participants in your church family.

As a side note, in addition to this resource, if you are starting a program or would like to integrate a program for individuals with special needs, I suggest you seek out Friendship Ministries online.

Joanna Keating-Velasco
Author of Childrens' Books on Autism
Independence Facilitator for Adult Transition Program
Placentia Presbyterian Church Deacon and Committee for Special Needs Childrens' Ministry
A Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism
In His Shoes, A Short Journey Through Autism

Must Have For Children's Ministries
Anyone who is involved with Children's Ministry needs to have at least skimmed this book over. It has helped us with some of the larger picture things related to autism. I oversee a Children's Ministry with about 130 kids, 20 teachers and 18 helpers. This book has equipped our church to looking at them, not simply as a handful child, but as something greater.

Autism and Your Church
This book was given to the pastor of our Church.Since giving this book to him, I have found that he is more welcoming to my children.....even his sermons are more understandable.My children have often stopped and listened to the teaching after the gospel - it feels like he is talking to them.This is a must for all Churches/Temples - no matter the faith.Our children want to be a part of our faiths - this book will help guide our leaders to that end

Every Church Should Have this Book!
Since the stats say that 1 in 96 boys will be diagnosed with autism this year, it's something that every church should have a plan to address.If churches are going to welcome everyone, and minister to everyone, they need to know how to reach this special group of people.This book gives a clear, basic introduction to what autism spectrum disorders are, how they interfere with a person's ability to participate in most churches without any accommodation, and some simple, tangible steps churches can take to accommodate and include the autistic community in the body of Christ.I will make one comment though.The writer obviously does not have a child with autism, as she makes the absurd recommendation of educating middle and high school students on the differences between ASD children and NT children by showing portions of Rainman (quite possibly one of the most offensive propositions I've ever heard).That being said, I read the book, crossed that section out and gave it to my church administrators for them to read.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Dr. Temple Grandin and Sean Barron use their colorful life stories to explain the unwritten rules and patterns of social relationships. They create guidelines for living and working with others and illustrate their infinite applications, in even the most complex situations. The authors’ brilliant insights are invaluable to anyone who has ever felt "outside the norm" in school, at work, or when relating to people in general.

Dr. Grandin has received enormous accolades for her best-selling book Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior, but, more often than not, it’s because she "has transformed autism from being an unfortunate disability to being an enviable advantage that many of us would give anything to experience."She and her co-author Sean Barron carry this mantle one gargantuan step further with Unwritten Rules.They give us insight into our own world like no one else has. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

excellent insight
It was a well written book with lots of great insight into the perspective of 2 autistic adults with very different experiences.

Very Insightful, A Must Read!
This was a very insightful book for those of us on the outside of the spectrum.It really highlights some of the constant challenges that ASD people deal with from the perspective of those on the spectrum. However it is not a pity party. The book encourages those on the spectrum and those teaching them to take responsibility for behaviors and actions that can cause problems."Neurotypicals",(and I used that term loosely), also have a responsibility to educate themselves regarding this different mind set. I really think that anyone and everyone should read this book.It should definitely be a must read for parents, employers, teachers,and doctors. Given the prevalence of ASD, we will all at some point cross paths with someone on the spectrum.This book really opens your mind to a different way of thinking.Temple,Sean and many others on the spectrum are featured in this book.I had no idea how complex social relationships could be,even for so called neurotypicals.It was truly mind blowing to see it from the ASD perspective.

Great for Parents....Not so much for patients
I have Asperger's Syndrome, so you would think this book would've helped me.And while I could identify with a few aspects of the authors' experiences with Asperger's, I found precious little that could help me cope with life in the non-autistic world.The book goes into great detail about how to raise, teach, and help folks with autism and Asperger's, but it doesn't really offer much for folks who have the syndrome. Then again, I've yet to find a book written as a guide specifically for aspies.Most of the literature out there is geared toward teachers and parents.I guess they figure we can't handle it :P

I used this to write goals for my child's IEP! And explains a lot about social rules to neurotypicals, too!
I have a 13yo girl who is a VERY high functioning Aspie. She is a straight A student, very smart, very verbal. And there are still places where her Aspie traits trip her up. It is hard to write IEP goals for someone who is high functioning, because the typical "social skills training" is not what she needs. This book is brilliant because Temple's "rules" articulate the hidden norms that society runs on. Knowing what the norms are makes it easier to learn and apply them. From there, it's much easier to write social skills goals designed to help high functioning kids learn to deal with complex social situations. I know my Aspie really well, and I am still surprised by her reactions to some social situations. Her disabilities sometimes show up in ways I'd never anticipated.Temple's "rules" identify the stuff that NT's seem to "get", especially those that I vaguley understand but don't know how to express. I am often my daughter's social interpreter in complex high school interactions, and it makes it so much easier to explain complex social interactions when I understand the rules myself!

For example, how do you teach someone to rank rules in a situation where several rules apply and they conflict with each other?? This is something most people do automatically. If you don't realize that this is an issue with Aspie/autist kids, they can make some really bad choices. So the IEP goal becomes: "student will learn to rate the relative importance of following conflicting rules in a given situation and follow the rule that is most important." That way teachers and parents realize that the various rules have to be articulated, discussed, ranked, and then how to apply the rules in different situations has to be taught. Difficult, but possible.

This book is brilliant. Anyone can benefit from learning these "rules"; any parent of any teenager, NT or spectrum, can use these rules to help teens work through the shark pool of high school interactions and become more socially skillful people.

not just for the autistic and their family, everyone should read this book
While verbose with too many restatements, this book did indeed provide unique perspectives.A lot of that perspective was personal testimony by the authors who have autism.Since the symptoms of autism vary in kind and intensity on a wide spectrum, even normal people (called neurotypicals in the book) may display some symptoms.I saw some of myself and some people I know as I read the details.Some instances could be bad education instead of neuronal short circuits.Read this book to understand autism and also good social behavior. ... Read more

Product Description
Stories of hope and recovery from a nation of parents of autistic children, by the high-profile, bestselling author of Louder Than Words.

When Jenny McCarthy published Louder Than Words, the story of her successful efforts to save her son, Evan, from autism, the response was tremendous. It hit #3 on the New York Times bestseller list; and Jenny and Evan were featured on the covers of several magazines, including People. But what she hadn’t anticipated was the overwhelming response from other parents of autistic children, who sought her out to share their stories.

No two autistic children heal in exactly the same way. And in her new book, Jenny expands her message to share recovery stories from parents across the country. Mother Warriors, shows how each parent fought to find her own child’s perfect “remedy of interventions” and teaches parents how to navigate safely through the many autism therapies.

Along the way, Jenny shares her own journey as an autism advocate and mother as well as the progress of her son, Evan. Emotional and genuinely practical, Mother Warriors will inspire a generation of parents with hope. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (116)

Mother Warriors:A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds
As a grandmother that is new to Autism, this was the first book I read on the subject.very enlightening. Explained not only some of the characteristics of autism but also let you knowwhere to look for help as the general medical profession seems to turn a deaf ear to parents who know something isn't right but their doctor won't listen.

Mother Warriors
Fabulous,This will open your eyes to what is going on. Please read and heed the information. It could change your life and your child's future. I am a medical professional and agree 100% that we need to be our own health care advocates and not puppets of a greedy pharmaceutical industry. There are some great advantages to modern medicine but be aware of the negative side effects that are great possibilities. Many times there are natural, healthy alternatives that we can incorporate into our lives that will make a difference. Please Educate Yourself before you inject 36 vaccines with neurotoxins into your precious children. This book by Jenny mcCarthy is so user friendly and easy for the general public to understand.Another great website for more info is [...] by Dr Tinus Smits

Great inspirational stories
Woah what a wonderful book...well worth the read...i learned alot...i work with a boy with autism and i learned so much from reading this book....very educational...

Inspiring and yet Hard to Read
This book will make you cry, make you laugh, give you HOPE.It is by far Jenny's most serious, wonderful, in-depth book to date.Even if you don't yet "buy into" medical or homeopathic treatments for autism, this will give you something to chew on.Something to go "Hmmmm....maybe if it works for that child, it could work for..."It is a very good read!!Just heartbreaking in parts. You'll love it!

A MUST READ . . . I'm a new fan of Jenny McCarthy!
Five Stars
A Must Read


If you have a child, plan to have a child or are a new grandparent, this book is a must read. I loved it. Of course I loved it, it reiterates everything I've been saying for years.

Vaccines cause Autism. Stories from the trenches. Stories from real parents who watched their child regress and get worse. Children who were doing well, on schedule, talking, walking and eating are suddenly autistic. Loved this book.

From the introduction:

Like many of you and like some of my colleagues, I'm extremely concerned about what has caused the tremendous increase in autism and related disorders over the past decade. The presumption that doctors are much better at diagnosis is absurd and unscientific. (I know I am not 400 to 800 percent smarter than I was years ago.) The truth is that we ahve to look harder at what happens when we directly and repeatedly inject toxic materials into babies, toddlers and children. The benefits for most healthy children are easily matched or outweighed by the risks of the immunization schedule used by almost all pediatricians. Some of our vaccines have outlived their usefulness in the United States and elsewhere, and other need reformulation to make them safer for those families who want their children to recieve them. Additionally, pediatricians and the medical community at large have to begin listening very closely to parents who know their children better than we do. . .
Jay N. Gordon, MD, FAAP, IBCLC, FABM
Assistant Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, UCLS Medical Center
Former Senior Fellow in Pediatric Nutrition, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute



That said most of it right there in the intro, but the book goes on to detail the stories of actual parents who once believed in the vaccine industry and no longer trust the entire medical establishment based on the guilt they feel from not knowing more about vaccines and accepting that they "should" do what they are told to do.

One chapter is called "Canaries in the Coal Mines" and echoes what many have been saying all along - if our children are this sick and our aging generations are being taken down by ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and more, what does that mean for US as we age and produce children?

It means we're toxic folks. More toxic than in any other time in history. We have decades on decades of toxins in us. We cannot escape it any longer and our children are paying the price.

If you don't believe in the danger of vaccines, this book is a great place to start. If you already know about the danger of vaccines, this book is a great read and will make you cry. If you have a child with autism, this book will provide a portion of hope that your child can get better through DAN! protocols. And no, this is not a sales pitch for DAN!, that just happens to be what has worked for most of the mothers in the book. Diet change, vitamins, supplements and in some cases chelation. Simple things that will not hurt your child, so why not try them!

Loved this book, am a new fan of Jenny McCarthy and still scratch my head at the people who don't see the facts right in front of their face.

Five stars.
A must read.
... Read more

Product Description
Now expanded to two volumes, this invaluable reference work provides a comprehensive review of all information presently available about these disorders, drawing on findings and clinical experience from a number of related disciplines such as psychiatry, psychology, neurobiology, pediatrics, etc. The Handbook covers descriptive and diagnostic characteristics, biological contributions, intervention techniques, legal and social issues. The Third Edition is updated to include the newest work in animal models, genetics, neuropsychological processes, screening and assessment methods. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Volkmar is a junk scientist
I would not believe anything he writes because of his anti-science bias.For example, in his adolescent psychiatry book he presents alot of patent falsehoods on ME (CFS) that likely serve to retard the science and cause a great deal of iatrogenic morbidity.

Great book
I ordered this book to help with my dissertation which is on Asperger's Syndrome.This book has been another wonderful reference book for my research project.Another great book from these editors!The only downfall is that it is 2 volumes and now I want the second volume!Although all the chapters are not helpful for my dissertation, the book will definately be a useful resource in the years to come.

Handbook of Autism ....
The most comprehensive, research-based information relative to individual's with ASD. None better! ... Read more

Product Description
These beautifully illustrated and fun-to-read storybooks simplify and normalize complicated childhood conditions, like autism. When read aloud, other children can identify why a peer may be treated differently and begin to empathize with them. In addition, children whose conditions set them apart as being different begin to feel accepted and safe. Each book includes a Kids' Quiz to reinforce new information and Ten Tips for Teachers to provide additional facts and ideas for teacher use. This book educates children about autism, a complex and often misunderstood condition. The story describes what life is like for a child with autism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Taking Autism to School
There couldn't be a better book to read to ,or have mainstream children read (teachers too).

Recommended for inclusive classrooms and school libraries
This is a fictional story about a girl named Angel and her friendship with Sam, a classmate who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). From her own point of view, Angel explains how Sam thinks and behaves in school and at home. She describes characteristics such as sensory differences, repetition, and communication difficulties. Written in very positive language, this book also includes tips for teachers. For children ages 5-10. Please visit our website to obtain a copy of this educational resource for children.

Her Brother's Keeper
Angel is nonplussed when she meets her new classmate, Sam.Sam has autism and Angel is naturally curious about Sam's behavior and responses.

In time, Angel learns more about the sensory world as Sam experiences it and how Sam came to be fortunate to be mainstreamed, or "included" in her class.I like the way autism is described and explained in this book.A must have for the early grades and for educators and other interested professionals.Cheers to this book!

I also highly recommend "Looking After Louis" by Ely and Dunbar.That book together with this one paves the way down the Long & Winding Road to Inclusion.

Cute book.Good for inclusion classes.
This is a fictional story about a girl named Angel and her friendship with Sam, a classmate who has Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Angel explains how Sam thinks and behaves in school and at home. She describes characteristics, such as sensory differences, repetition, and communication difficulties. Written in very positive language, this book also includes tips for teachers. ... Read more

Product Description
She was a beautiful doelike child, with an intense, graceful fragility. In her first year, she picked up words, smiled and laughed, and learned to walk. But then Anne-Marie began to turn inward. And when her little girl lost some of the words she had acquired, cried inconsolably, and showed no interest in anyone around her, Catherine Maurice took her to doctors who gave her a devastating diagnosis: autism.
In their desperate struggle to save their daughter, the Maurices plunged into a medical nightmare of false hopes, "miracle cures," and infuriating suggestions that Anne-Marie's autism was somehow their fault. Finally, Anne-Marie was saved by an intensive behavioral therapy.
Let Me Hear Your Voice is a mother's illuminating account of how one family triumphed over autism. It is an absolutely unforgettable book, as beautifully written as it is informative.
"A vivid and uplifting story . . . Offers new strength to parents who refuse to give up on their autistic children." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Outstanding . . . Heartfelt . . . A lifeline to families in similar circumstances." -- Library Journal
... Read more

Customer Reviews (96)

Thank you, Catherine Maurice
Our therapists at the Brent Woodall Foundation for Exceptional Children ([...]) recommended this book when they evaluated our daughter this summer.I finally got a chance to read it in September and it was a great book.It really gave me confidence as a parent that I was not alone and a good picture of a thinking mother's journey.I hope I have even half the good instincts Catherine Maurice did!All of the specialists we have seen have told us that ABA is essential.

We have seen some great progress with our daughter in the past few months.Her eye contact is better and her joint attention is greatly improved.We are still trying to help her learn how to talk.She is almost 3.I don't care if she is quirky or quiet.I just don't want her to bang her head and scream with frustration over not being able to tell us what she wants, what is wrong, what is hurting, etc.

Do we still have sleep issues?Yes.She can only sleep 3 to 4 hours in a 24 hour period without medication.She also still struggles with sensory issues and high anxiety.And she only really likes milk and strawberries to eat.

But ABA has helped her learn to "play".The Brent Woodall Foundation used ABA therapy to teacher her how to play with a doll and how to say "please" and "thank you".And many other skills.There is even a social skills class for little girls where they use ABA methods to teach dress up play and have a tea party.Instead of being scared in a corner or running around the room, now she sometimes will at least try to play with someone else.I will always be grateful for that.

I don't think any parent of a child with autism wants their child to suffer, that's all.And we are haunted by what would happen if we died or something.I disagree with the above review that Catherine Maurice feels like autism was a fate worse than death.The fate we are trying to save these children from is not being able to be understood, to communicate need or pain or preferences.Quirky is great, but I honestly think ABA therapy helps a child to cope with the real world.The real world unfortunately has evil and bullies.The more my child can communicate and build relationships, the less likely she is to be a victim that can't defend herself.

Neurodiversity is great.Doing nothing to help a nonverbal child when ABA therapy has sometimes been very successful at an early age is just irresponsible.Biomedical approaches have had some success too, but not in our child's case.ABA therapy has made a huge difference.

But doing nothing at all?Sometimes I feel like that's what people are advocating under some ideal of "neurodiversity".I have a problem with that in that a couple of highly-functioning autistics that are able to post on the internet do not speak for all autistics everywhere.My daughter wants to communicate very much and deserves to be able to express herself and feel less anxiety and fear.

Anyway, the book was excellent and clearly showed the value of intensive ABA therapy at a young age, the value of parents passionate to help their child, and the arrogance of some who purport to help but only harm. I hope that I have not hurt anyone with this review and that I expressed my views without anyone feeling judged.Watching my child struggle like this is the hardest thing I have ever done.I wouldn't wish this pain on my worst enemy.

Must read if your child is autistic
This is an objective and very well written book on autism and various therapies.Ms. Maurice (pseudonym) is extremely bright and highly educated mother who eventually found the way to recover her children from autism.The book contains a lot of valuable information on ABA, as well as the family's personal experience with it.Reading is easy and relevant.Must read!!!

A hopeful story for all!
Catherine Maurice poignantly retells the courageous journey she and her husband took when faced
with a devastating diagnosis and little to no encouragement from the medical community.A must
read for anyone who who has a child on the autism spectrum or cares for these children.

Excellent!
I loved the book. For someone who is an aspiring behavior analyst it gave me insight on how it is viewed and just how many other false therapies are out there. I feel thatI am much better informed on autism itself as a result of reading this book.

If you have a child with autism or know a child with autism, this book is for you
Two and half years ago, my daughter was diagnosed with autism. Terror, loneliness, and a lack of knowledge wreaked havoc on our family life. We read a lot of books, joined online communities, and finally got her into a very limited ABA program that is part of a university research lab (only once a week during semesters). Through it all our extended family at first denied and then accepted the diagnosis, but other than expressing sympathy, they were at a loss as to how to empathize with us. "Let Me Hear Your Voice" expresses all that we went through. Additionally, it reinforced what we have been learning, that ABA works for some children and that it needs to be done intensively. Ms Maurice also is honest that her children made remarkably "quick" progress and that this is not necessarily the case for all children with autism because each child has varying degrees of the three main categories of symptoms: language (expressive and receptive) delays and disorders; social skills delays and disorders, and obsessively habitual body movements that are unusual.

"Let Me Hear Your Voice" brings readers into the Maurices' world and shows us the fears, the lack of knowledge, the loneliness, and how it can be overcome by taking control of the situation through research, a supportive family, and through the application of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Although she clearly states that their therapy was successful, she cannot promise it will work for all; but she demonstrates thattaking initiative and using the science behind the therapy progress can be made.

Most importantly, she eloquently communicates what it is like to be in a family afflicted with autism, which is something that most of us cannot adequately communicate; therefore, this book should be read by everyone who is affected: within the nuclear family, extended family, and even friends of the family.

After reading this story, readers will have learned what autism really is and how everyone needs to work together to help the child and the family make progress against autism. ... Read more

Product Description
In The Fabric of Autism: Weaving the Threads into a Cogent Theory, Judith Bluestone combines her personal autistic experience with acedemic research and over 40 years of clinical practice to craft a unique and compelling view of the phenomenon called autism. Bluestone's book is both a significant clinical work and a moving memoir that illuminates the humanity beneath the brewildering facade of autism. Infused with rare and hard won insights into the etiology of autistic behaviors, this book weaves the various threads of autism into a sensible theory while simultaneously offering practical tools for strengthening the interactive systems of the body-brain-mind-spirit.The Fabric of Autism takes it's readers on a riveting journey into the world of individuals whoselives are influenced by ASD, most of whom have achieved significant improvements in their communication, general functioning and quality of life with the help of HANDLE- Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency. The Fabric of Autism shows us that compassion, understanding and intuition can co-exisit with neuroscience, as it provides a new view and appreciation of the complex neurological dysfunction labeled autism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

The Fabric of Autism
The theory of why autistic individuals behave the way they do, presented in this book, makes a lot of sense to me.I have a nine-year-old with autism and have recently started the HANDLE (Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency) program with him that was recommended in the book.He is making significant improvements!I love the fact that this book was written by a woman who actually struggled with autistic characteristics herself.This gave her insights into the autistic body and mind that most authors of books on autism have never experienced and don't understand.

Our child is mostly non verbal.We have started many therapy programs with him and seen him make some gains at first but then he gets stuck.According to HANDLE theory, this happens because most autism therapies start too high on the neurodevelopmental ladder.How can you learn to talk when all your mental energy is going into just figuring out where your body is in space, for example.

If the paragraph above describes your child, I would highly recommend this book.

I cannot recommend it highly enough for ASD and SI disorders
I am a Speech-Language Pathologist, who specialized in working with children with speech disorders,related to autistic spectrum and sensory integration disorders.This book is any amazing view for parents and individuals within the spectrum, of sensory disorders. Because Bluestone, herself, had sensory and spectrum deficits, she explains it form the inside out.an excellent resource. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

judith Bluestone
Awesome book.Well written and very informative.We also recommend the handle program as well, good stuff

more than just a book
I read the book quite some time ago and don't remember much of the details.All I know is that it convinced me to give the Handle approach a chance - to give my son a chance in life.We are in the fifth month of a Handle program directly under the author Judith Bluestone.
My son has changed so drastically within the last five months.I am very faithful to the exercises because I see the results which include being able to hear and see at the same time, being able to smell, being able to process sequences of sounds, being able to follow more than two commands, being able to use fingers on one hand without the other hand moving, becoming more social etc etc etc(My son is six years old).
The book comes with exercises to try so you can get an idea of what a full Handle program would be like.
I would like to add that my husband has a PhD in physics and works for NASA.He is very research orientated but when it comes to the Handle program, he just says "whatever you are doing, just keep going!"

I'm a total convert to the HANDLE method
I'm a parent with a teenage girl who has autism, so immeditately I was drawn to a woman who wrote about her own experiences with autism.Our family has been through almost everything imaginable, in trying to effectively treat it. I was absolutely at my wits end when a therapist went to a HANDLE training, and called me several times while she was there, to enthusiastically endorse this different approach to treating autism. Let me just say that my husband is highly educated and is a Harvard-trained physician, so he's not one to pay much attention to anecdotal or new-age claims. But he's every bit as convinced as I am, that this holistic method has greatly improved the brain functioning of our autistic daughter. It's helped her to such a degree that we don't even do any other interventions anymore! Reading this book was the eye-opener I needed, then actually meeting Judith in person, and working with her, and being guided by her, was the clincher. This method works, and I think it ought to be part of everyone's treatment program! I think my very favorite thing about HANDLE is that it's based on what is called "Gentle Enhancement." It's respectful of the changes that you're asking the body to do, and in doing so, it's easy, enjoyable, methodical, and best of all, it's improved my husband's and my brain functioning too! After years of frantic, forced interventions that frankly didn't work as well as we had hoped they would, we are now in such a beautiful place with our family. It's been over a year since we first began the exercises, and the change in our family is nothing short of amazing! We're so calm and unusually happy, because of the changes we only saw happen after trying the HANDLE method. I only wish we hadn't waited so long before we finally tried it! ... Read more