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The Boy Who Saved My Life
by Earle Martin
Reviewed by Susan J. Moreno
Those of you who may have read Mr. Martin’s previous book, Dear Charlie. A Guide To Living Your Life With Autism, already know what a sensitive grandparent Earle Martin is. He is the Grandpa (or in the case of Charlie Stubbs, “Pots.”) we all wish our kids could have. Some of us have had that type of parent who was that type of grandparent to our child. Others have not. The book is suffused with positive thoughts, tender experiences, and a real-life account of Earle’s life stages as he discovers his grandson’s autism and builds a relationship with him.
While reading this book, I laughed, I cried and I reflected on the beauty that suffuses family love and closeness. With his background as an Episcopal priest and then a social worker, Earle Martin is a wise man whose life experiences have been many and varied. His appreciation for Charlie’s many gifts and sharing of Charlie’s perspectives on life are just some of the treasures contained in this book. All proceeds from this book go to Brookwood Community, an educational, residential and entrepreneurial community for adults with functional disabilities: www.brookwoodcommunity.org.
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Episodes: My Life As I See It
by Blaze Ginsberg
Reviewed by Susan Moreno
As parents and advocates, we are always stressing that our loved ones on the spectrum are individuals, and that each of them is unique. Well, look no further for proof! Blaze Ginsberg has chosen an utterly unique writing format and style. He relates his life recollections in the form of episodes for a drama series. He even selects background music for each episode.
Somewhat reminiscent of Temple Grandin’s Thinking in Pictures, this book takes us into Blaze’s memory and experiences. Instead of explaining in Temple’s style, Blaze just shares the episodes in his drama (his life). I strongly suggest this book to readers from all backgrounds. It is a book that you can pick up and read for hours or in snippets of minutes at a time.
Blaze’s name is perfect for him. Even just at first contact with him through his literature, he blazes his way into your awareness and your heart.
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The Asperger’s Difference
by Jamey Wolff (Director)
Reviewed by Susan J. Moreno
This DVD features three very engaging teens who have Asperger Syndrome. They represent different ages, different skills levels in various areas, such as speech, and different opinions, speech and habits. In otherwords, they are simply three diverse individuals, one girl and two boys. Each is eloquent in their own way in letting us into their world, their talents, their challenges and their dreams for the future. This DVD is long enough to do a good job of explaining Asperger’s in the teen years, yet short enough to hold the interest of the audience.
The DVD comes with an excellent Discussion Guide. I would recommend this to people on the autism spectrum, their families, their teachers, and their peers. If the price seems to dear, you might try purchasing and sharing between schools and/or families. It is truly worth the expenditure.
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More Cognitively Advanced Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
by Susan J. Moreno
The second edition of this concise, plain-English guide fully explains all of the common areas of difficulty for more advanced children with autism, Asperger syndrome and PDD/NOS, and provides much-needed support, uncomplicated advice, and practical, positive solutions.
Susan J. Moreno provides an accessible summary of up-to-date information on the diagnostic criteria of ASD, including the common traits and characteristics to look out for. She explores common areas of difficulty for children with ASD, offering a wealth of practical advice and tried-and-tested strategies for meeting the needs of each individual child. Topics covered include the individual with autism at home, schooling, tips for teaching, sensory issues, and social skills and involvement in the community. The book closes with useful appendices of practical advice for parents, teachers, medical professionals, and others who care.
This handy and informative guide is ideal for teachers, parents, health professionals, individuals on the autism spectrum and anyone else who would like to find out more about autism spectrum disorders.
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Social Rules for Kids- The Top 100 Social Rules Kids Need to Succeed
by Susan Diamond, MA
Reviewed by Angela Krout, Parent/MAAP Library Resource Manager
This is a ‘must have’ book for every individual with an autism disorder. It gives the top 100 ‘rules’ for social situations from talking and listening to manners. These all important skills are great for middle and high school students and well as an adult trying to navigate their social world.
It is broken down in an easy to use format with one rule per page, what the speaker could say, how to respond and a ‘remember’ section at the bottom of the page.
This book could also be helpful in role playing different situations. I would recommend this book to all parents, caretakers and individuals on the spectrum.
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The Parents Guide to Teaching Kids with Asperger Syndrome and Similar ASDs Real Life Skills for Independence
by Patricia Romanowski Bashe
“It is important that parents and professionals have up to date information on how to understand and help someone who has Asperger syndrome. This book will provide an explanation of the latest theories and practical strategies. This book should be in every home library of every family that has a son or daughter with a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome.”
–Dr. Tony Attwood, author of the The Complete Guide to Asperger Syndrome
Children with autism spectrum disorders learn differently. Too often, our kids’ choices are limited and their paths to success restricted, not by a lack of intellectual ability, but by deficits in acquiring, applying, and generalizing basic life skills. Success in school, at home, on the playground, and beyond depends on mastering countless basic living skills that most other kids just "pick up" almost by osmosis.
This book teaches parents how to teach these so-called easy skills to complex learners. This is the first book for parents and caregivers of kids with Asperger syndrome and similar learning profiles that features strategies based on applied behavior analysis—the most widely accepted, evidence-based, and effective teaching method for learners with ASDs— including how to:
• Identify critical skills appropriate for your child’s age—how to teach them and why.
• Learn new techniques that can replace, mimic, prompt, override, or impose missing order on your child’s learning style.
• Design a curriculum for your child that reduces reliance on prompts (including parents) and promotes new learning, new behaviors, and independence.
• Track your and your child’s success.
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The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome: Completely Revised and Updated Advice, Support, Insight, and Inspiration
by Patricia Romanowski Bashe and Barbara L. Kirby
Forewords by Simon Baron-Cohen, PhD and Tony Attwood, PhD
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Succeeding in College With Asperger Syndrome
by John Harpur, Maria Lawlor, Michael Fitzgerald
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Asperger Syndrome and Your Child: A Parent’s Guide
by Michael D. Powers, Janet Poland (Contributor)
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A Parent’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
by Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson, and James McPartland
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Asperger Syndrome in the Family : Redefining Normal
by Liane Holliday Willey
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Reweaving the Autistic Tapestry : Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Adhd
by Ami Klin, PhD, Fred R. Volkmar, MD, and Sara S. Sparrow, PhD Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
This book is a wonderful collection of articles which delve into all aspects of Asperger Syndrome. While I HIGHLY recommend the book, particularly for seasoned parents and adults who have already spent some time doing research, professionals and students, those who are new to the diagnosis might want to start out with the Tony Attwood and Brenda Myles books (see below) and, then return to read this excellent resource.
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Autism and Asperger Syndrome
by Uta Frith (Editor)
While this book doesn’t offer a lot of practical information it does have the translation of the original Hans Asperger paper. I consider this book a classic and must read for those who wish to better understand how the diagnosis came about. It was through reading this book that we discovered our son’s AS.
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Children With Autism and Asperger Syndrome : A Guide for Practitioners and Carers
by Patricia Howlin
While I have not read this book, it comes very highly recommended from families.
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Autism: Preparing for Adulthood
by Patricia Howlin
I found this book on Amazon and one of the reviewers indicated that it was excellent and offered quite a bit of information on AS. Resources for transition are few and far between. I would appreciate comments from anyone who has read this book.
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Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Understanding the Diagnosis and Getting Help
by Mitzi Waltz
Note: This book is an updated revision of the now out-of-print book, titled Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Finding a Diagnosis and Getting Help.
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Autism-Asperger’s and Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond
by Jerry Newport, Mary Newport
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Loners: The Life Path of Unusual Children
by Sula Wolff
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Children with Autism: A Parent’s Guide
by Michael Powers, MD
This book is for all autistic spectrum disorders (including Asperger Syndrome) and covers a "multitude of special concerns, including daily and family life, early intervention, educational programs, etc.
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Targeting Autism: What We Know, Don’t Know, and Can Do to Help young Children with Autism and Related Disorders
by Shirley Cohen
An OASIS visitor writes: "I really like this book, because Cohen doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. She looks at various methods, like Lovass, and explains them in a clear,even way.
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Teaching Children with Autism: Strategies for Initiating Positive Interactions and Improving learning Opportunities
by Robert L. Koegel adn Lynn Kern Koegel
An OASIS visitor writes "I really like this book"
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Inclusive Programming For Middle School Students with Autism
by Sheila Wagner, M.Ed.
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Higher Functioning Adolescents and Young Adults With Autism : A Teacher’s Guide
by Ann Fullerton (Editor), Joyce Stratton, Phyllis Coyne, Carol Gray
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For Parents and Professionals: Autism
by Kathie Harrington, CCC-SLP
Kathie Harrington is a speech-language pathologist and the parent of an adult son with Autism. Her book is full of very specific lessons and activities for teaching language and social skills on many developmental levels.
Can be ordered from LinguiSystems, Inc. at 1-800-776-4332. Cost is $37.95
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Asperger Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism? (Current Issues inAutism)
by Eric Schopler (Editor), Gary B. Mesibov (Editor), Linda J. Kunce (Editor)
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High-Functioning Individuals With Autism (Current Issues in Autism)
by Eric Schopler (Editor), Gary B. Mesibov (Editor)
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The World of the Autistic Child : Understanding and Treating Autistic Spectrum Disorders
by Bryna Siegel
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Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
by Fred R. volkmar (Editor)
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Autism: An Introduction to Psychological Theory
by Francesca Happe
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Inclusive Programming For Elementary Students with Autism
by Sheila Wagner, M.Ed.
An OASIS Visitor Writes: This book is an excellent resource for all those schools working to incorporate AS, NLD and HFA kids into their classrooms. It includes strategies tested in a number of schools and school districts, and offers practical suggestions with clear instructions on how to implement them.
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Making Sense of Autism Spectrum Disorders
by James Coplan, M.D.
Release date March 23, 2010
A comprehensive book that helps take parents take the step from diagnosis to effective strategies to help their child. Topics covered include
• How do I optimize my child’s long-term potential?
• Which interventions will best serve my child?
• How do the various therapies work, and what is the evidence to support them?
• What is the best way to teach my child?
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Autism Through a Sister’s Eyes
by Emily Hecht and Eve Band
A terrific book for explaining the challenges and behaviors of autism to siblings.
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How to Be a Para pro
by Diane Twatchman-Cullen
This book is one of the best resources for parents and paraprofessionals. It’s really two books in one. The first section is an overview of autism spectrum disorders for those new to this issue. The second offers concrete strategies for managing specific situations in the classroom and beyond with emphasis on determining the optimal level of support and fading dependence over time.
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Engaging Autism
by Stanley Greenspan and Serena Wieder
The handbook for explaining Floortime.
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Parents of Children with Disabilities:A Survival Guide for Fathers & Mothers
by Press Barnhill and Gena P. Barnhill
Press Barnhill has contributed to Parents of Children with Disabilities as an author. Press and Gena Barnhill are the parents of a 32-year old son diagnosed with Asperger syndrome and bipolar disorder. The Barnhills have founded and facilitated a 350-member parent support group for families raising children with autism, Asperger syndrome, and related disabilities from 2000 to 2006. Much of the insight for the book comes from the experiences of these families. Gena has a PhD in special education in the areas of autism and behavior disorders from the University of Kansas. She is now a special education professor at Lynchburg College.
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Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun
by Lisa Jo Rudy
Many families with a child with autism or Asperger Syndrome feel that involvement in the community is not for them. This book sets out to change that, with a rich and varied menu of suggestions for how such families can take full part in community life and support the strengths and interests of their child at the same time. Informal learning experiences can be the key to self-discovery, communication, self-confidence, and even independence for many children on the autism spectrum. Only outside the four walls of school will your child truly discover their own passions, abilities, and social peers. "Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun" is a guide to what’s out there, how to find it, and how to make it work for your family. The book includes hints and tips for involving your family in the right community activities, from sport to science; information on museums, arts organizations and science institutions as venues for an enjoyable and enriching day out for the family; and, resources and ideas for helping your child build on their strengths, interests, and preferred learning styles to explore life in the community. Handouts about autism are included, as well as handouts suggesting ways in which organizations and institutions can successfully include young people with autism in their activities. This book will open the door to community inclusion, creative exploration, and social learning.
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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.
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Autism & Alleluias
by Kathleen Deyer Bolduc
Review By Susan Moreno:
It is refreshing to read a faith-based book about disabilities with such a positive, yet realistic message. Mrs. Bolduc takes us into her world and her worship and life experiences with her son, Joel. Most chapters begin with a quote from the Bible and end with a prayer. You laugh, you cry and you take new perspectives as you hear her accounts of Joel as a shepherd in the Christmas pageant, being sure that the angels and shepherds alike notice the new baby in the manger. You celebrate Joel’s innocent and pure faith as he yells out, “For ME, For Me!” as he suddenly realizes that Christian communion is a gift from God for all who believe, including Joel.
I use quotes from this book now when I give presentations. It contains a message of hope and gives us a great example of making every day positive in some way.
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Teaching Social Communication to Children with Autism
by Brooke Ingersoll and Anna Dvortcsak
This manual helps parents master proven techniques for teaching social-communication skills to young children with autism. The authors clearly describe the skills-building techniques and show how to integrate them into everyday family routines and activities. Designed for use as part of a therapist-guided program, the manual includes reproducible forms. Professionals who want to implement this approach should purchase Teaching Social Communication to Children with Autism: A Practitioner’s Guide to Parent Training and A Manual for Parents.
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41 Things to Know About Autism
by Chantal Sicile-Kira
After her son was diagnosed with autism, Chantal Sicile-Kira set out to learn what she could about the disorder, [now]found in 1 in [38] children. Her research and experience led to 41 Things to Know About Autism, in which she shares insights and information about living with what’s often described as an invisible disability since it has no universal physical characteristics and can’t be seen on the face. In question-and answer form, Sicile-Kira’s book discusses common worries, tackles controversial treatments, celebrates successes and ends on a hopeful note for the future. Her son, for whom doctors had predicted institutionalization, heads off to college this year. –reviewed by San Diego Magazine
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Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum
by Chantal Sicile-Kira
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum is 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
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Autism Life Skills
by Chantal Sicile-Kira
Autism Life Skills presents a positive and empowering "bill of rights" for every person with autism, regardless of impairment level. With advice and reflections from autistic adults across the spectrum, as well as Sicile-Kira’s own experience as an advocate and parent of an autistic teen, the book covers these ten essential life skills:
Making Sense of the World * Communication * Safety * Self-Esteem * Pursuing Interests * Self-Regulation * Independence * Social Relationships * Self- Advocacy *Earning a Living
Whether your child or student has Asperger’s or is on the more severely impaired end of the autism spectrum, this action-oriented guide will provide hope and help — so that every child has a chance to reach his or her full potential.
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
by Chantal Sicile-Kira
Based upon Chantal Sicile-Kira’s personal and professional experiences with autistic disorders, this comprehensive and accessible source covers all aspects of autism conditions, including Asperger’s Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder, including:
– The causes of autism spectrum disorders
– How to properly diagnose ASPs
– Treatments based on physiology, sensory, and biomedical interventions
– Coping strategies for families
– Educational programs
– Living and working conditions for adults with ASP
– Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC)
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Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-Teen and Teenage Years
by Shana Nichols
This book covers all the concerns commonly faced by girls with ASDs and their parents, from periods and puberty to worries over friendships and "fitting in". Taking a good look at these adolescent issues, and many more, within the context of specific areas of difficulty for girls with ASDs, the authors provide families with the knowledge and advice they need to help their daughters – and the whole family – through the teenage years. This book addresses core issues such as cognition, communication, behavior, sensory sensitivities, and social difficulties; it gives candid and realistic advice on a wide range of important teenage topics.
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You’re Going to Love This Kid
by Paula Kluth, Ph.D.
Schools that are looking for ways to make classrooms more inclusive have a new resource for preparing teachers with “You’re Going to Love This Kid!” A Professional Development Package for Teaching Students with Autism in the Inclusive Classroom. The DVD, created by one of today’s most dynamic, respected, and in-demand experts on autism and inclusion, Paula Kluth, Ph.D., features more than a dozen of her colleagues addressing how to welcome and teach students with autism.
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