Books for parents & caregivers

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The Autism Sourcebook: Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping, and Healing by Karen Siff Exkorn

When Karen Siff Exkorn's son, Jake, was diagnosed with autism, she struggled to pull together comprehensive information about the disorder. Fortunately, she was able to educate herself quickly, and her extensive at-home treatment of her son led to his amazing full recovery. But the journey wasn't easy, and now, in The Autism Sourcebook, Siff Exkorn offers parents the wisdom she wishes she'd had at the beginning.

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood

"I usually say to the child, "Congratulations, you have Asperger's syndrome", and explain that this means he or she is not mad, bad or defective, but has a different way of thinking." - from "The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome". "The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome" is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). It brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through to adults. Drawing on case studies and personal accounts from Attwood's extensive clinical experience, and from his correspondence with individuals with AS, this book is both authoritative and extremely accessible. The chapters examine: causes and indications of the syndrome; the diagnosis and its effect on the individual; theory of mind; the perception of emotions in self and others; social interaction, including friendships; long-term relationships; teasing, bullying and mental health issues; the effect of AS on language and cognitive abilities, sensory sensitivity, movement and co-ordination skills; and, career development. There is also an invaluable frequently asked questions chapter and a section listing useful resources for anyone wishing to find further information on a particular aspect of AS, as well as literature and educational tools. Essential reading for families and individuals affected by AS as well as teachers, professionals and employers coming in contact with people with AS, this book should be on the bookshelf of anyone who needs to know or is interested in this complex condition.

 

Hopes and Dreams: An IEP Guide for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Kirby Lentz

This is the book parents have been waiting for! With an emphasis on preparation and collaboration, this practical resource shows parents step-by-step how to become truly active members of the IEP team, thereby achieving their child's and family's hopes and dreams. The reader-friendly text and accompanying worksheets help you develop the best possible education program for the individual child. While geared toward parents, Hopes and Dreams is also recommended for educators to help them see parents perspective. Companion CD included containing all the worksheets allows you to customize the information, truly making it work for you.

 

Right from the Start: Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism, second edition (Topics in Autism) by Sandra L. Harris (Ph.D.) and Mary Jane Weiss (Ph.D. BCBA)

Parents of young children (ages 18 months to 5 years) with a diagnosis of autism, face the critical decision of which educational treatment program to choose for their child. To help guide them through this complex decision-making process, parents can turn to the revised and updated edition of RIGHT FROM THE START, which covers programs that use Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention, a highly effective treatment based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). New information includes the latest research on the benefits of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention, the types of instruction used (naturalistic instruction and other teaching methods that complement ABA), home-based professionals and their credentials, school-based programs, and more.

 

Everybody Is Different: A Book for Young People Who Have Brothers or Sisters With Autism by Fiona Bleach

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.

 

Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism by Mary Wrobel

Through a unique combination of Social Stories and easy-to-understand activities, this unique book offers a curriculum that guides the child and caregiver on issues of health, hygiene, and the challenges of puberty. It is a must-read for those who guide students with disabilities.

 

1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Veronica Zysk and Ellen Notbohm

Parents and professionals can now bypass countless hours spent seeking answers to the mystifying day-to-day challenges of autism. In a snappy, can-do format, this insightful book offers page after page of try-it-now solutions that have worked for thousands of children grappling with social, sensory, behavioral, and self-care issues, plus many more.

 

Pervasive Developmental Disorder an Altered Perspective by Barbara Quinn and Anthony Malone

Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or PDD, is the umbrella term used to cover the whole family of autistic spectrum disorders including autism and Asperger Syndrome. Within this group there is a subgroup called NOS not otherwise specified which covers the conditions which do not quite meet the diagnostic criteria for autism or Asperger Syndrome. Because PDD covers such a wide spectrum, it presents very differently from child to child. Written principally for parents, this is a book which explains what it means for your child to be diagnosed with PDD, NOS, autism or Asperger Syndrome, and where you go from there.

 

Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Diagnosis, Development, Neurobiology, and Behavior (volume 1) by Fred R. Volkmar, Rhea Paul, Ami Klin, and Donald J. Cohen

Handbook of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Assessment, Interventions, and Policy (Volume 2)

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.

 

Parent Survival Manual: A Guide to Crisis Resolution in Autism and Related Developmental Disorders by Eric Schopler

This practical guide offers effective solutions to various behavior problems such as aggression, communication, perseveration, play and leisure, eating and sleeping, and toileting and hygiene.

 

Asperger Syndrome and Your Child: A Parent's Guide by Michael D. Powers and Janet Poland

Asperger's Syndrome and Your Child, an informative, empathetic, and comprehensive guide to this elusive condition, answers the most common questions and offers an encouraging outlook for your child's future. Dr. Michael Powers weaves together a compassionate account of everything related to AS, offering such practical advice from getting the right diagnosis to helping your child develop social skills. Infused with voices of real children who offer insights about their own conditions, the book gives perspective on how children live with the disorder. Asperger Syndrome and Your Child is an indispensable book for parents as well as teachers and other professionals who have someone with Asperger Syndrome in their lives.

 

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm

Every parent, teacher, social worker, therapist, and physician should have this succinct and informative book in his/her back pocket. Framed with both humor and compassion, the book defines the top ten characteristics that illuminate the minds and hearts of children with autism. Ellen’s personal experiences as a parent, an autism columnist, and a contributor to numerous parenting magazines coalesce to create a guide for all who come in contact with a child on the autism spectrum.

 

Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism or Other Developmental Issues, 2nd Edition by Maria Wheeler

Individuals with autism are reportedly one of the most difficult populations to toilet train. This second edition offers effective strategies that take the child's physical and emotional sensitivities into account instead of trying to force traditional methods. Easy-to-read bulleted lists offer more than 200 do's and don'ts, along with over 50 real-life examples, to help make the process more of a lesson and less of a battle for all involved. The young trainee will learn to overcome fear of the bathroom, properly use toilet paper, flush once, wash hands, and more. The toilet trainer will learn how to overcome challenges caused by communication needs, sensory sensitivities, motor challenges, anxiety levels, etc.

 

Could It Be Autism?: A Parent's Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps by Nancy Wiseman

Could It Be Autism? provides vital information so you can recognize the red flags of developmental delays and begin treatment based on those first signs.
The book explains the steps parents can take to confirm or rule out a developmental delay or disorder. It details various diagnoses and show how sometimes multiple diagnoses may apply. But even more valuable is the information on how to design and implement the best intervention plan based on a child’s unique developmental profile. Different treatments and therapies are outlined so parents can explore and understand what may work best for their child, based on his or her particular strengths and weaknesses.

 

The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder, Revised Edition by Carol Stock Kranowitz and Lucy Jane Miller

The Out-of-Sync Child broke new ground by identifying Sensory Processing Disorder, a common but frequently misdiagnosed problem in which the central nervous system misinterprets messages from the senses. This newly revised edition features additional information from recent research on vision and hearing deficits, motor skill problems, nutrition and picky eaters, ADHA, autism, and other related disorders.

 

Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Practical Resource of Play Ideas for Parents and Carers by Julia Moor

Parents of young children newly diagnosed as on the autism spectrum are often at a loss for ideas about how best to help their child. Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum is not just a collection of play ideas; it shows how to break down activities into manageable stages, and looks at ways to gain a child's attention and motivation and to build on small achievements.

 

Making Sense of Children's Thinking and Behavior: A Step by Step Tool for Understanding Children Diagnosed With NLD, Asperger's, HFA, PDD-NOS, and Other Neurological Differences by Leslie Holzhauser-Peters and Leslie True

Making Sense of Children's Thinking and Behavior offers parents and professionals a tool for understanding children with neurological differences. These children have an atypical view of the world, unique to their particular disability, which can make their behavior confusing and, at times, challenging. Often, the child's actions are misunderstood and, consequently, they are unfairly punished.

 

Realizing the College Dream With Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent's Guide to Student Success by Ann Palmer

This accessible book focuses on how to get there and stay there: deciding to go, how to get in and how to get the most out of it. Ann Palmer advises parents and professionals how to prepare the student for the transition from school and home life to a new environment and educational challenge, and how to support them through potential problems such as academic pressure, living away from home, social integration and appropriate levels of participation in college. She offers helpful strategies that will encourage and inspire parents and students and show that college can be a suitable option for students with an autism spectrum disorder, as well as the basis for a successful independent life later.

 

Dr. Thompson's Straight Talk On Autism by Travis Thompson

This autism book for parents provides a unique voice and presents information in a smart and accessible manner for parents. Line drawings (from photos), case studies, and numerous examples help make this book easy to read for anyone-and it will pair well with Making Sense of Autism.

 

Act Early Against Autism: Give Your Child a Fighting Chance from the Start by Jayne Lytel and Fred R. Volkmar

Jayne Lytel was a successful syndicated columnist when her son Leo was diagnosed with autism. Using her reporting skills to better understand her son's health issues, she helped Leo gain essential abilities. After four years of therapy, he no longer meets the diagnostic criteria for autism, attends a mainstream school, and is a thriving, healthy child. Act Early Against Autism is a practical and empowering guide for parents on how early intervention can change their child's future.

 

Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs ofTeenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Chantal Sicile-Kira and Temple Grandin

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.

 

Autism: Asserting Your Child's Rights to a Special Education by David A. Sherman

Autism: Asserting Your Child's Rights to a Special Education provides you with a comprehensive but easy to read guide to the law and strategies to attain a free appropriate special education for your child. Asserting your child's legal rights and strategies are explained in clear and easy to understand language.

 

The Autism Encyclopedia by John T. Neisworth and Pamela S., Ph.D. Wolfe

500+ entries for parents and professionalsThe only A-Z reference available on autism spectrum disorders and pervasive developmental disorders, this comprehensive encyclopedia includes more than 500 terms, alphabetically listed and clearly described. Today's most respected autism experts have contributed essential terminology from various disciplines-including pediatrics, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, education, psychology, and psychiatry-to bring you reliable information on classification systems, signs and symptoms, causes, incidence and prevalence, diagnosis, screening and assessment, interventions, behavior, education, assistive technology, daily living, medical issues, and legislation.Synonyms and relevant cross-references are included for the terms, and the two appendixes describe assessment tools and instruments and list autism-related study centers and organizations. Every professional whose work involves autism spectrum disorders needs a copy of this essential reference-to keep on hand for instant information and to share with parents of children who have these complex disorders.

 

Asperger Syndrome And Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions For Tantrums, Rage And Meltdowns by Brenda Smith Myles; Jack Southwick

This long-awaited expanded edition of this bestselling book offers parents and professionals alike true-and-tried solutions to minimize and circumvent the often frightening circumstances that surround the rage cycle – for the child with Asperger Syndrome as well as others in the environment. In addition to almost doubling the section on interventions, this highly practical and user-friendly must-have resource also focuses on the behaviors and reactions of the adults around the child going through the stages of the rage cycle and emphasizes the importance of utilizing the teachable moments before and after a rage episode.

 

Parenting a Child With Asperger Syndrome: 200 Tips and Strategies by Brenda Boyd

For parents of children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) ordinary care and parenting just doesn't always do it - AS kids need a different approach. Brenda is mother to eleven-year-old Kenneth Hall, author of Asperger Syndrome, the Universe and Everything, and since his diagnosis at the age of eight she has gathered together the parenting ideas and tips that have had a positive effect on Kenneth's life. Among other aspects, Brenda discusses parents' reaction to their child's AS, from pre-diagnosis to acceptance of the condition, and gives advice on how parents can better understand 'Planet Asperger'. With an extensive section of practical tips for issues such as anger management and communication, this book will help parents to respond positively to the challenge of AS and find the 'treasure' in their child's way of being.

 

School Success for Kids With Asperger's Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Parents and Teachers by Stephan Silverman and Rich Weinfeld

School Success for Kids with Asperger's Syndrome covers topics such as recognizing and diagnosing Asperger's syndrome, addressing the needs of students with Asperger's, implementing successful practices in the classroom, working with the school system, and providing interventions in the home to help develop needed skills.

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