autism book

[Lessarey]

i'm looking for a good book on autism. we were recently told that my son is autistic, and we are trying to get our hands on as much information as possible. thank in advance :)

[SphinYote]

From the perspective of people who are autistic:
Look up Temple Grandin and Donna Williams

For short vignettes of parents/caretakers, psychlogists, etc, and of a few people on the spectrum:
Look up the book "Voices From the Spectrum"

A trip to your library SHOULD provide you with several books from the theraputic perspective. Though it may vary from library to library. (I can't think of titles offhand, but that's because for me the ones written from the view of people who were actually on the spectrum tends to be more useful, as I might be as well. Theraputic perspective says what the problems are from the perspective of a nonautistic. Books written by people on the spectrum often provide better insight into what triggers the behavior to start with and how they have coped in useful (or sometimes not so useful) ways.

Just remember there's no one size fits all.

For a messageboard (mainly geared toward Aspergers syndrome but also Autistic Spectrum disorders in general), go to wrongplanet.net.

Yote

[Lunacie]

The books by Temple Grandin and Donna Williams were too dark and unhappy for me. They showed what can be acheived despite poor parenting, but didn't give much advice on how to be an effective parent for a child who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

I really enjoyed reading "Rules" by Cynthia Lord, even though I actually got it for my older granddaughter to help understand what it's like to live with an Autistic sibling.

I also appreciated "George and Sam: two boys, one family, and autism" by Charlotte Moore. Both George and Sam have been diagnosed with Autism, their younger brother is neuro-typical. Although some of the struggles this mom went through and some of the strategies she recommends were different because they live in the UK, it really helped me to let go of my normal expectations for my grandchild and look at what the reality is now and is going to be in the future. She isn't as severely disabled as these two boys, but there are definately enough similarities to make it a valuable read for me.

[SphinYote]

The books by Temple Grandin and Donna Williams were too dark and unhappy for me. They showed what can be acheived despite poor parenting, but didn't give much advice on how to be an effective parent for a child who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Good point. Being past the childhood stage and no children of my own, those tended to be interesting for me in terms of the perspective. For my own purposes lately I've been deliberately looking for ones from the perspective of adults with aspergers or autism.

I might look into the ones you mentioned though when I have a chance.

[Lessarey]

thank you Lunacie

[Lunacie]

I seem to remember other books being recommended in the parenting forum on WrongPlanet.com, but they probably weren't available at our itty-bitty library. Unfortunately the Autism forum at addforums.com isn't as active.

[Lessarey]

i found a couple at barnes and nobles online that i'm gonna go look at this weekend (we have a itty bitty library too lol) and the one suggested here :)

[Lunacie]

It can be rather daunting when you realize that you're dealing with a lifelong diagnosis, but it's encouraging to read about people like Temple Grandin that manage to find their niche and actually make a positive difference in this world.

I have found some terrific support in coming to terms with this diagnosis for my granddaughter right here on MW, and now that GEBS has given us this great forum I know that more are going to show up looking for support and encouragement - and they'll be giving as good as they get.

So welcome aboard Lessarey, this train is heading down the track to that light at the end of the tunnel.