Top Pick for Books Exploring Autism
Navigating the journey of raising a child with autism can be challenging, but there are numerous resources available to help parents better understand and support their children. Here are some top picks that offer insights, strategies, and practical advice for parents.
Understanding Autism and Implementing Therapy
Two highly recommended books for parents looking to understand and implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy are "Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism" by Catherine Maurice and "Teach Me Language" by Dr. Sabrina Freeman.
"Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism" offers comprehensive guidance on designing teaching programs, setting up therapy environments, and behavior management strategies. It is practical for both parents and professionals aiming to support young children with autism [1].
"Teach Me Language," focused on language development within ABA therapy, provides evidence-based practices and practical techniques for improving receptive and expressive language skills in autistic children. It is accessible and useful for parents looking to support their child's communication development [1].
Perspectives from Autistic Authors
While not strictly parenting guides, books by autistic authors or anthologies about autistic experiences can offer parents deeper understanding and empathy by showcasing neurodiversity and lived realities from an autistic perspective. This can help parents appreciate their child's unique experience and broaden the conceptualization of autism beyond clinical frameworks [3][4].
One such book is "The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism," which offers a unique perspective into the mind of an autistic child, allowing readers to take a small step into their world.
Strategies for Parents
Several books offer strategies for parents to better understand and support their children with autism. "Do Lemons Have Feathers?: More to Autism than Meets the Eye" by David J. Burns is one such book, using the author's own life story to provide a unique perspective on how to see and cope with autism. The book is filled with humorous anecdotes and offers practical coping strategies, making it a great choice for parents seeking encouragement and guidance.
"The Autism Mom's Survival Guide (for Dads, too!): Creating a Balanced and Happy Life While Raising a Child with Autism" is another book aimed at helping parents create a balanced and happy life while raising a child with autism. It discusses topics such as handling despair, finding fun, caring for a marriage, and seeking new treatments.
Support and Inspiration
Books like "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum" offer support, advice, and insight for parents of children with autism, covering both the challenges and positives of raising a child on the spectrum.
"Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism" by Dr. Barry M. Prizant proposes a new paradigm for understanding and approaching autism, focusing on understanding the individual's experience and what underlies their behavior, rather than aiming to fix symptoms.
In conclusion, these books are highly recommended for parents of children with autism, offering a variety of perspectives and approaches to understanding and supporting children with autism. Whether you're seeking practical advice, emotional support, or a deeper understanding of autism, there's a book on this list that can help you on your journey.
[1] Maurice, C. (2015). Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism. Wiley. [2] Freeman, S. (2019). Teach Me Language. Wiley. [3] Grandin, T. (2013). The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum. Hachette Books. [4] Mogul, J., Kangas, A., & Rubin, L. (2016). Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of the Girls with Autism. Beacon Press.
- "Behavioral Intervention for Young Children with Autism" by Catherine Maurice, a recommended book, gives comprehensive guidance on designing teaching programs, setting up therapy environments, and behavior management strategies that are practical for parents and professionals supporting young children with autism.
- "Teach Me Language," authored by Dr. Sabrina Freeman, is another top pick that focuses on language development within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, providing evidence-based practices and practical techniques for parents to improve their child's receptive and expressive language skills.
- Books by autistic authors, such as "The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism," offer parents a deeper understanding and empathy by showcasing neurodiversity and lived realities from an autistic perspective.
- David J. Burns' "Do Lemons Have Feathers?: More to Autism than Meets the Eye" is a book filled with humorous anecdotes and practical coping strategies that provide encouragement and guidance for parents to better understand and support their children with autism.
