Many authors of parenting
books on autism often comment that they wrote their book because of difficulty
in finding a practical, informative book on the topic of raising a child with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, over the past few years many autism
parenting books have been published and parents of a newly diagnosed child with
autism can find some very good offerings. The Special Needs Book Review has
listed their TOP TEN Books for parents raising a child with autism. Please
note that Special Needs Book Review is not paid for reviewing books. The
reviews and TOP TEN Books on autism are entirely their opinions. The ten books
are in random order. Readers can follow the link in each paragraph to the
complete review of each book. Many of the authors have participated in the
Special Needs Book Review Author Interview Series and you will find a link to
the interviews with the review of their book.
TOP TEN Parenting Books on
Autism
1. Different . . . Not
Less: Inspiring Stories of Achievement and Successful Employment from Adults
with Autism, Asperger’s, and ADHD -by Temple Grandin, PhD. ~ Dr
Temple Grandin found the perfect words, Different…Not Less, to describe herself
and the fourteen contributors of her new book who all have autism or
Asperger’s. In the foreword, Dr Tony Attwood writes, “This is an inspiring
book.” Each contributor has a chapter and their story is told in their own
words. Dr. Grandin chose individuals from a wide variety of skill sets, from
different countries, ranging in age from their 30’s to 60’s but the topics
addressed are similar: early years, school years, parental support, bullying,
college, family relationships, employment, diagnosis, mentors, etc. Review
2. 1001 Great Ideas for
Teaching & Raising Children with Autism or Asperger’s: Expanded 2nd
Edition -by Ellen Notbohm and Veronica Zysk ~ Looking for
advice, support and encouragement in your overwhelming journey raising a child
with autism or Asperger’s? This is the book you need. Teachers, friends, and
family of autistic children read this empowering book crammed with information,
solutions, and explanations to make the lives of these children better. Review
3. What I Wish I’d Known
About Raising a Child with Autism: A Mom and a Psychologist Offer Heartfelt
Guidance for the First Five Years ~ Bravo to authors Bobbi Sheahan
and Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D. in achieving what they set out to do. Write a book
to assure those who love and care for an individual on the autism spectrum that
life goes on; it doesn’t have to be all depressing, hard work.
If you are an educator, or know a family with an autistic child, this
book is also for you because you will understand the challenges these families
face. Reading their book will bring understanding and compassion to others…
hopefully those standing in line with you at the checkout counters. Review
4. Look at my Eyes: Autism
Spectrum Disorders: Autism and PDD-NOS -by Melanie and Seth Fowler~
I love this gem of a book from cover to cover! I recommend it to the
general public so they can know what it is like to raise a child with autism,
in this case a boy diagnosed with PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder-not
otherwise specified). I recommend this book to new parents who are questioning
if their toddler is on track with his developmental milestones. Most of all
Look at my Eyes in a must-read if you have a child newly diagnosed as being on
the autism spectrum. Review
5. Thinking Person’s Guide
to Autism: What you really need to know about autism from autistics, parents,
and professionals ~ Edited by Shannon Des Roches Rosa, Jennifer Byde
Myers, Liz Ditz, Emily Willingham and Carol Greenburg. This awesome book
has fifty-five essays written by contributors from the autism community in all
walks of life. The autism spectrum disorder community, especially parents
of newly diagnosed children, needs this book. It is filled with positive,
evidence-based autism information and advice. There are nine broad
themes/chapters and the essays are grouped together accordingly. To quickly
retrieve an essay on a particular topic, Thinking Person’s Guide to
Autism has a comprehensive index… something so many books lack. Review
6. Crazy Love: A Traumedy
about Life with Autism -by Sharie Walter ~ This book tickles
your funny bone from cover to cover. In her memoir, Sharie keeps you
entertained with her amusing stories of life with autism raising her 5 year old
daughter. Ms. Walter is surely a talented wordsmith that keeps you chuckling
with her brilliantly written snippets of life with autism. Laugh a lot and
learn a lot from Sharie Walter’s beautifully written book. Review
7. The Way I See It: A
Personal Look at Autism and Asperger’s -by Temple Grandin, Ph.D.
~What an amazing accomplishment on the part of her parents, the professionals,
caregivers and friends who helped her and on Temple herself to have overcome or
learned to cope with many of her challenges caused by autism. Readers will
rejoice and be filled with hope for their own loved ones with autism or
Asperger’s as they read Temple’s story on how she was motivated to forge ahead
and adapt. Review
8. The Child with Autism
at Home & in the Community: Over 600 Must-Have Tips -by
Kathy Labosh and LaNita Miller ~ 600 bullet points providing
practical tips and tried-out strategies for families and educators to use to
meet the needs of autistic children. You will find TIPS to make your home life
happier and easier on picky eating, shampoos, and locking doors to prevent
elopements, etc. Then you find the hundreds of suggestions on how to go out and
enjoy your community. Learn what to do to enjoy the community playground,
restaurant, mall, grocery store, movie theater, church, library, and
sporting events, etc. Review
9. Challenging the Myths
of Autism: Unlock New Possibilities and Hope -by Jonathan Alderson, Ed.M ~
In this book, Jonathan examines seven stereotypical characterizations or “myths
of autism”. He has a chapter on each of these perennially inaccurate
descriptions. Each chapter explains the origins of the seven myths and
discusses the evidence refuting them. The author invites the reader to put
aside their preconceived notions of autism which can mislead parents,
therapists, and the general public to underestimate the potential of children
with autism. Alderson’s book is crammed with heartwarming stories and
useful information. Review
10. Developing Leisure
Time Skills for Persons with Autism: Structured Playtime Activities with
Valuable Support Strategies for Adults -by Phyllis Coyne, Colleen Nyberg,
and Mary Lou Vandenburg ~ This book is a detailed guide with
comprehensive, structured strategies to help adults introduce meaningful,
leisure activities to children with ASD. The method used is to
narrow down the personal preferences and strengths of these individuals and use
this knowledge to assist them to be more independent and self-directing in
participating in more enjoyable and meaningful leisure activities. Review
Lee A. Wilkinson, PhD,
CCBT, NCSP is author of the award-winning book, A
Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism and Asperger
Syndrome in Schools, published by Jessica
Kingsley Publishers.
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