I was asked to review the book A Parent’s Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder published by The Guildford Press. My copy was the second edition published this year, 2015.
As a parent of a child who is on the spectrum with a diagnosis of high-functioning autism, I approached A Parent’s Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder with an open mind as I have read many books on autism and was hoping this one would be a readable lay person's guide rather than a medical textbook.
I wasn't disappointed. A Parent’s Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder is informative without being condescending and respects the key tenet that every child is individual and what is important is to work with your child's strengths rather than concentrate on any perceived negative patterns of behaviour. The range of spectrum disorders is vast, and symptoms vary widely from case to case, so it is important for parents to be aware of the latest research and newly developed interventions.
The authors – Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson and James C McPartland – detail the likely assessment your child may undergo and also give some advice on why each test is done. I liked the way it tracks your child's journey from childhood to adulthood and details some life events that may arise and strategies for coping, for example relationships, exams and so on.
A Parent’s Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder describes ways to work with high-functioning children's unique impairments and capabilities so they can grow into happy, self-sufficient adults. Parents learn practical strategies for helping their son or daughter relate more comfortably to peers, learn the rules of appropriate behaviour, and succeed in school – and beyond
I would recommend this book for any parent with a child on the autistic spectrum and also for your child to read if they are a young adult. It will reassure them they are as individual as anyone else and should be treated with love, understanding and respect.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
Published by Guildford Press, A Parent's Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive is available from Amazon.
