Product Description
A decade ago, autism was a rare disease--today, most Americans know a family with an autistic child. Autism is now epidemic, currently affecting half a million American children, or 1 in 150. This makes it the most common developmental disability--more common than Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation combined. Autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year, which means that the disease could reach several million Americans in the next decade.

Changing the Course of Autism has the potential to revolutionize the way this disease is perceived and managed by showing that autism can be treated as a medical disease, rather than a behavioral disorder. In this groundbreaking book, the authors explain that reducing neurological inflammation improves autistic behaviors dramatically, making a profound impact on the health and future of affected children and their families. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Opinion after reading (Changing the course of Autism)
This book represents the naked scientific truth about Autism.
First book tackles Autism from different corners and most importantly the medical corner. However, background or pre-reading in physiology, Anatomy would be helpful to better understand the details. Such intensive study would open doors for sub-grouping and sub-classifying, and maybe even sub-diognising the broad general spectrum. It also shines the light on the contreversy of biomedical treatment and the scientific roots of it. If the research continues in a way that would detail each sub-group in the spectrum and to be followed up with the proper specific treatment, statistics would be what the concerned parties wondering about and waiting for.

great book
Understanding your child's challenges and special gifts can help your child be the best they can be
A Moment of Peace: Relaxation for Parents AudiobookA Moment of Peace: Relaxation for Children

Finally, autism information that makes sense!
The information in this book makes sense, and matches my experience of raising a child on the spectrum.That child is now an adult, and we're doing the best we can with this information to see to it that her child stays off the spectrum.Like others posting here, I've purchased extra copies and have a hard time keeping even one in my library.I "loan" them out, and replace them.

a little clinical
I found this book to be informative but a little too clinical and scientific.I did read all of it, and I guess that I wanted some definitive answers about what worked in the treatement...more anecdotal evidence, I guess.But, if you want to know a lot about vitamins and what they do to heal the body, this is a great book.

This is an incredible book!
This book went way beyond my expectations.It is packed with evidence-based care for children with autism spectrum disorders, care that in some cases can lead to full recovery.It is shocking how much we actually do know about autism and it's causes and treatments, despite what we hear in the media.There is a lot of excellent research, published in top peer-reviewed medical journals, that is simply ignored by mainstream medicine.Many doctors are simply unaware that this research exists at all.Some doctors, such as the author, don't settle for the standard "no one knows what causes it and there's nothing we can do" party line- an opinion which is NOT based in evidence.the issues underlying Autism Spectrum Disorders are extremely complex though, so be warned.Each child is unique and there is no "road map" to recovery, but this book may help you understand what your child needsand where to keep looking for help.Looking for answers doesn't guarantee that you will find them, but NOT looking pretty much guarantees that you won't! ... Read more

Product Description

"Huge changes"| "A different child"| "A miracle" | "Vast improvements"

This is what parents are saying about an amazing diet that is showing extraordinary results in helping children eliminate many traits and symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, celiac disease, and other conditions. The Gluten-Free, Casein-Free (GFCF) Diet, as well as removing all artificial dyes and preservatives, is hugely effective for thousands of families.

Customer Reviews (27)

Not for the parent looking for real information
This book doesn't really contain information as much as it reads like a scolding mother who has become OCD about GFCF.I wouldn't recommend this book for someone who is looking for real information about the diet.The author is too concerned that gluten flour particles are going to land on her child, recommending sterilizing toys that are touched by non-gfcf hands and I found it, IMHO, to basically be a rant without many of her sentences to be supported by true information.I understand that naysayers of the diet have made people defensive but this books is one of the reasons why there are naysayers.Support your arguments with the information available... There are much better books that do this!

I Wish I had have read this sooner
This is a fantastic book.With 2 young children including a 6 yr old with Aspergers I find it difficult to really get into a books. I am happy to report that this is an easy read and provides a lot of practical information for parents.
I had started to change everyones diet prior to reading this book.I now have a better insight into the diet and also realise that small changes we have seen can be attributed to the diet.We will continue on this journey and look forward to implementing many of the fantastic ideas in this book.

A must for parents looking for natural, practical answers
My family just recently moved back from Costa Rica to Florida to live with family after realizing that our daughter Riley needed more resources for symptoms we were seeing(she was about 16 months when I think we first started noticing).
As an educator, I was familiar with autism and the behaviors present.I was a strict vegan when I was pregnant with Riley and maintained a nutrition based approach to both my personal health care and the health care of my family.
I began researching autism and links to nutrition and dietary issues and read this book.
I wish I had copies to hand out to the grandparents, other parents in my childs' playgroup, and health care providers within this field. I take my copy of the book with me when meeting with individuals who are involved in my childs recovery.I believe the info in the book to be one of the only sources of unbiased, nutrition based, and holistic centered sources out there. I highly reccommend this book to anyone frustrated with the current treatment program for their child and ready to start recovery.

Love the diet, not the book
We read both this book and The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook when embarking 3 months ago on our gluten-free, casein-free diet for our 3 year old daughter, diagnosed with autism.The effects of the diet were immediately apparently.While I was skeptical about its possible positive influence (b/c my dd didn't suffer from the frequent ear infections, bowel problems, or infections that others seem to have cured by the diet), the results were almost miraculous.Contrary to the withdrawal symptoms the author describes, my usually lethargic daughter actually became quite hyperactive for the first week or two.Then, it evened out and suddenly, she's having conversations (although she was always verbal, it was very scripted and was mostly manding, which was a vast improvement over the small vocabulary she had when diagnosed-->thanks to a year's worth of ABA therapy).She told her first joke.Within the same week or two, she quit using her pacifier at night and started sleeping soundly.Her occupational therapist told me 5 weeks in that my dd was a completely different girl.She was focused, on task (at least for that session for the first time) and cooperated throughout the hour long session.No, her autism wasn't cured yet, but the speech improvements, the longer attention spans, her improved social interest, shrunken pot belly, and improved physical coordination over just 3 months, has prompted me to explore biomedical treatments.

My criticisms of the book though is that I think it was incredibly overwhelming and scary for someone who was on the fence like me about embarking on the large burden of transforming their kitchen and cooking.She was almost extremist about her positions--suggesting that you buy entirely separate utensils and appliances.I simply can't afford to do that and implying that not finding success "because I didn't implement the diet fully or correctly or consistently" [paraphrased] hurts more than helps parents who are seeking answers.I would normally knock only one star off for this reason, but because I find so much value in the diet and its miraculous potential for ASD kids, I am further disappointed that the book makes it seem that the only people who pursue this diet are crackpots.I would highly recommend the The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook; it is much more accessible and even-handed.

Loooooooooved it
I first borrowed this book from the library. After reading through it the first time, I HAD to get it for my house. Its a great book...easy to read and understand, LOTS of information, and a great resource. I just got my copy in the mail yesterday and have my highlighter ready! ... Read more

Product Description
Autism is in the public spotlight now more than ever as new research and information appears almost daily. Although in many ways this is a positive development it also presents challenges to families and practitioners who want to keep up with the latest developments and are left to sift through new information by themselves to see what is credible and relevant for them.Each of us needs a personal research assistant who can determine which information we need to pay attention to and let us know how it might affect our daily work and the children we are living with or serve.

Since we each don’t have our own research assistants on staff, I am delighted to recommend this wonderful book by Fred Volkmar and Lisa Wiesner. Both of these talented professional leaders have combined their scientific skills and understanding of the field with great practical experience and ideas about how research can be translated into clinical practice. The result is a book that provides the best and most comprehensive information about recent scientific developments and a splendid practical guide for how they are being implemented and what we are learning in the process. The issues are presented in all of their complexity but translated into language that is clear, direct, and easy to follow. The format also lends itself to understanding the complex issues and their implications through excellent charts, question and answer sections, and chapters that vary from describing diagnostic issues to stating very specifically how to expand and evaluate the services one is receiving. The comprehensive references and lists of additional resources also add greatly to the overall package.

As a professional dedicated to understanding scientific advances and helping families and teachers to utilize them most effectively, I am very pleased to have an ally like this book available. I am very grateful to the authors for providing a very credible, practical, and relevant addition to our field to help the many advocates and family practitioners to better understand the exciting new developments and how they can be implemented in our day to day work. Those taking the time to read through this superb volume will find it time well spent that pays back dividends in many different ways.
—FOREWORD by Gary B. Mesibov, Ph.D., Professor and Director of TEACCH, Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Author has anti-science bias
I would not believe anything he writes because of his anti-science bias.For example, in his adolescent psychiatry book he presents alot of patent falsehoods on ME (CFS) that likely serve to retard the science and cause a great deal of iatrogenic morbidity.

A wonderful resource for all
I spent the weekend reading "A Practical Guide To Autism: What every Parent, Family Member, and Teacher Needs to Know" and have already recommended it to two families.What a wonderful resource! I am also considering it as a requirement for my students in the ASD Masters Degree Program because of the depth and breadth of topics it contains.I will be speaking at a seminar for School Counselors and School Psychologists in the near future and will bring the book along to share with this group as well.This book is an outstanding contribution to family and professional autism resources.
Dr Ruth Eren, EdD

Great resource for parents and professionals
Dr. Volkmar isn't as sexy as Jenny McCarthy, but he knows a heck of a lot more about autism.As a speech pathologist with 10 years working with autistic children and adolescents, and as a parent of a 4-year-old with autism, I recommend this book as an excellent resource for both parents and professionals.It is heavy on science and light on mumbo-jumbo, but it is not a difficult read.Definitely a must-have for anyone whose life is impacted by autism.

Superb Autism Book for Parents
Volkmar and Wiesner's book is the most comprehensive, authoritiative and easy to read book on autism for parents. Volkmar is a world' authority, and his co-author and wife is a practicing pediatrician.It includes chapters on safety, seizures, medications, sleep and health problem as well as characteristics of autism. Each chapter includes FAQs by parents.A superb book. ... Read more

Product Description
Autism is an epidemic: It has spiked 1,500 percent in the last twenty years. ADHD, asthma and allergies have also skyrocketed over the same time period. One of these conditions now strikes one in every three children in America. But there is hope. Leading medical innovator Kenneth Bock, M.D., has helped change the lives of more than a thousand children, and in this important book, with a comprehensive program that targets all four of the 4-A disorders, he offers help to children everywhere. This is the book that finally puts hope within reach.

Doctors have generally overlooked the connections among the 4-A disorders, despite their concurrent rise and the presence of many medical clues. For years the medical establishment has considered autism medically untreatable and utterly incurable, and has limited ADHD treatment mainly to symptom suppression. Dr. Bock and his colleagues, however, have discovered a solution – one that goes to the root of the problem. They have found that deadly modern toxins, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, genetic vulnerabilities and assaults on the immune and gastrointestinal systems trigger most of the symptoms of the 4-A disorders, resulting in frequent misdiagnosis and untold misery.

Dr. Bock’s remarkable Healing Program, drawing on medical research and based on years of clinical success, offers a safe, sensible solution that is individualized to each child to help remedy these root causes. The biomedical approach to autism, ADHD, and the other 4-A epidemics, as innovated by Dr. Bock and some of America’s finest integrative physicians, is one of the most promising and exciting medical movements of our time.

In this eminently readable account, written by Dr. Bock in collaboration with critically acclaimed author Cameron Stauth, you will meet children and parents whose dramatic stories will inspire you to change the life of your own child. This program may be the help that you have been praying for.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (80)

3 of my children recovered or improved SIGNIFICANTLY from following this book - You Must Get It.
I have 4 children. One with Aspergers, one with ADD and one with Allergies, the other one shows no signs of these things. I saw my friend's son go from not talking and sitting alone to running, talking and playing. She told me it was because of following the things she learned in this book and loaned it to me. After reading it I was amazed. How could I have been so blind? I started implementing what was in this book and within 2 weeks were were able to take my daughter with the high functioning Autism off of one of her meds for the first time in 4 years. Then my daughter with Allergies stopped needing meds and stopped needing to carry a box of tissues around. My son with ADD and some signs of Aspergers broke the diet with a cheeseburger one night and the next day the school called and asked what had happened to him. He was dazed, spinning, couldn't listen or follow the class and was totally out of it. Being a skeptic myself I was shocked that gluten could have this much of effect on him. after 3 or 4 days my son started to do well again. The vits. they suggest, the diet they suggest, we have only followed about 5% of it and I can say that my kids are 50% recovered. You must read this book. It is not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. I am about to upload a show about it on youtube to share the knowledge I have gained. [...] If you have a child or person in your family with any of these problems and you have tried everything and nothing works, try this. I have been researching and trying things for YEARS and this is the first thing that actually helped my children in a life changing way.

Must Read for ANYONE who works with kids!
I don't have children diagnosed with these conditions but I found the information in this book so informative! Anyone with kids should read this book. It really highlights what American children are going through and provides insight to so many factors of their little bodies. I have been encouraging all my friends, family, and teachers I know to read this book!

Science, research, please?
Author lost me immediately with anecdotal evidence of the alleged connection between vaccines and autism.... no scientific evidence presented (probably because none exists).

AWESOME Book!
This book is changing my son's life!Since reading this book, I have started him on a new diet and supplements and am currently looking for a DAN doctor.In the 6 weeks that we have made these changes, his behavior has improved tremendously.Yes, the diet is hard on us all, but for him, it is more than worth it.I have already recommended this book to so many others.It is in an easy format that I can even understand all the medical information along with clear suggestions and lots of advice and information.I'm so thrilled I found and bought this book!

Awesome Book!
This book has so much information, yet touches your heart with the stories of struggle, success, & heartbreak. I look forward to reading this book again. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
If someone you love is diagnosed with autism, LOUDER THAN WORDS is the first book you should read.

One morning, Jenny McCarthy was having a cup of coffee when she sensed something was wrong. She ran into her two-year-old son Evan’s room and found him seizing. In that moment, Jenny went from being the mother of an average toddler to being in the midst of a medical odyssey. Doctor after doctor misdiagnosed Evan until—after many harrowing, life-threatening episodes later—one amazing doctor discovered that Evan is autistic.

Though Evan finally had a diagnosis, Jenny didn’t know what to do next and she soon found herself alone without any resources except for her determination to help her son. Jenny eventually realized that she’d have to become a detective. She spoke with many doctors, parents, governmental agencies, private foundations, and essentially earned a Phd in “Google Research.” At last, she discovered an intense combination of behavioral therapy, diet, and supplements that became the key to saving Evan from autism.And, now in this book, she creates a roadmap for parents who are concerned about their own child.

Jenny does more than just reveal the winning formula that worked for Evan. Her story shares the frustrations and joys of raising an autistic child and shows how with love and determination a parent can shape their child’s life and happiness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (321)

Not about authentic autism
I was very disappointed to read this vague, abstract book. As a mother with a severely autistic son, I found it more than difficult to believe her story. In fact, I think it's a case study in deceptive publishing. I would have had more respect for her had she written a book about seizures in children, as that is what her son's primary diagnosis was, and where the etiology of his regression began. That is not true autism. Very misleading book.

louder than words very interesting book
Louder than Words is a very interesting book written by Jenny McCarthy about her family's experiences with her son's diagnosis with autism. She has some intriguing theories about the environmental causes of autism and the "window of opportunity" for viable treatment of the illness. I would like to see a follow-up book that reports on his progress in the years since the first book was written.

mom of a newly diagnosed autistic son
I bought this book the day after my 3 year old son was diagnosed with autism. I want to thank Ms. McCarthy for sharing her story and journey. You have given me hope for my son.

Disappointed...
My daughter has Asperger Syndrome and I have purchased quite a few books, poured over dozens of websites, talked with the professionals. I was excited about Jenny's book when my mom told me about it. Maybe finally I would find down to earth answers on where I was headed or what to expect, especially since I knew she had become a single mother along the way, something we shared in common.

Now, I must say, with complete thankfulness, that I did not face Ms. McCarthy's nightmares that stemmed from her son's seizures. Still, I cannot imagine speaking to doctors and nurses with the language she used. I am protective of my child, but the pros are there to assist you with finding resolution. I certainly do not believe every dr./nurse is perfect. In fact, one brought me to tears with his harshness and he was out of line. I would have loved, been thrilled to tell him off but to what end? It would not have changed the situation. What it did was help me to set a standard that was a line between acceptable/unacceptable for future visits & to know when my anger was justified & when it was simply the bi-product of what we were dealing with and too easily misdirected. The language in this book was very uncomfortable. I finished the book but it was also donated to a second hand store shortly thereafter. One of the few books on AS that I tossed aside. My second concern was that she does paint an unrealistic picture for those without her finacial security. If she is exhausted, then imagine what a mother w/o household help, personal assistant, nanny, driver, etc. must feel. I do have insurance but the bills can be overwhelming.I have limited time off that I can use for appts. You almost feel guilty that you cannot provide the level of care and resources she has available.As the average Jane Doe, I don't have the clout to get into the specialists or make the things happen she can.It is discouraging because I am limited in my options.I don't begrudge her the help her money can provide, because if I had the ability, I would do as she has.I was just hoping for more advice for the average parent coping with these things.

I was excited by the purchase and anxious to begin reading. Then, I was let down within the first few chapters. A little too much on her marital life (she could have made the same points on how her marriage suffered with a little less detail), the profanity, and the attitude. I should not have been surprised because to be honest, this is how Ms. McCarthy seems to live her life, at least it is the public persona she presents, so it is probably honest to who she is. To be taken seriously, though, maybe she could have tried a different angle.

The one area I can give her is that I do think there is discussion that needs be heard on what causes the Autism spectrum & other disorders. Maybe these things did simply go undected in the past, but maybe it is because of all the medical "advances". There is a pill or injection for everything it seems, more & more required to just leave your house. It's something that cannot be diregarded.

Considering Oprah just signed her to a contract, I suppose we will hear quite a bit more from her.I hope it is with more eloquence and less vulgarity.As a celebrity, she is able to have a voice & can get in doors that could make a difference.If you want to have influence & be a force for change, then do so but maybe with a little more grace, tolerance and less harsh language/attitude.

BTW...I am glad for her son's progress and hope the same for the rest of us!

It's all about attitude
Rossa Forbes is a contributor to Goddess Shift: Women Leading for a Change

Louder Than Words is a mother's story about helping her son overcome autism. The "autistic" baby and "schizophrenic" baby may have common traits (pale, gentle, detached, undemanding) Autism presents itself early (toddler years) and schizophrenia generally presentsbetween the ages of 15 and 25 for men and 25 to 35 for women. I believe that these two conditions are related although they present in different ways. Schizophrenia touches more people's lives than autism because it is much more prevalent in the population (typically 1% of the adult population versus less than 1%).

Jenny McCarthy reaches the conclusion that doctors are relatively clueless in the basic understanding of the problem and that is why we (the collective mother) have to do our own research. I couldn't agree more. We learn to trust our instincts and always look for cause, something doctors do not do when they hand out autism and schizophrenia diagnoses. We are told that "nobody knows what causes this" but are told we have to accept something for which no medical test has been invented. We observe that attitude makes a huge difference and that some mothers are willing to go the extra, unpopular mile to find a solution for their child and others are not.

Diet and supplements are a the main focus of the author's research (emphasis on yeast build-up and candida produced by a weakened immune system).Because her son recovered at the level of vitamin support and medications, Ms McCarthy does not explore, because she might not be aware of, or not subscribe to, the concept of higher levels of healing (psychic, spiritual, energetic). Some people (both autistic and schizophrenic) will be greatly improved or even cured through the diet and supplement approach, but many will not be. This seemingly chronic group continues to baffle medical science. There is often a lot more to the picture.

Louder Than Words does not look at what I call the "dark side of the soul", to confront aspects of ourselves/our environment/our inheritance that may have contributed to the child's condition. In her book, Jenny McCarthy takes a poll of the mothers in her son's autism program. They are all unhappy in their marriages. She asks them who would divorce their husband if they could. Every hand in the room shot up. An understandable but superficial way of explaining this is that the child's illness is putting a strain on the parent's relationship. Energy medicine and other viewpoints would say that the child's illness is in essence holding a mirror up to a problem in the family energy field. It does not cause the problem, it reflects the problem.

Jenny McCarthy believes that her son was born with a weakened immune system, but she stops asking why at this stage. From my own research I realized that my son was born with symptoms that may have predisposed him to schizophrenia and I asked "why"? This led me to a whole new area of very intriguing research. I developed my own belief that the root of the problem in my son's case lay in a trauma to the energy field. A misaligned energy field can be corrected in many different ways.

Energy medicine looks at the electric energy connection between the mind/body and seeks to balance the energy fields. Like Jenny McCarthy, I had to start my education from scratch. There are a lot of therapies that are targeted to not only schizophrenia, but many other mental health conditions such as autism, bi-polar, depression, epilepsy, anxiety, etc. The therapies that my son and I underwent include orthomolecular (vitamin supplements and nutrition), assemblage point shift (shamanic in origin), Family Constellation Therapy (the family has its own energy field), craniosacral therapy and bioharmonic sound resonance.

I recommend this book because it demonstrates the attitude that is necessary to develop. Whether you are a fan of Jenny McCarthy or not, her attitude is what got her the kind of results that often elude other people. She recognizes that she could wait around forever for help that conventional medicine was failing to deliver. When it comes to your own child, why the wait?

... Read more

Product Description
Friendly, accessible guidance for parents of autistic children

Autism affects more than 1 million children and adults in the United States, and parents are often baffled and distressed by the behavior of autistic children. This book provides help–and hope–by explaining the differences between various types of autism and delivering the lowdown on the latest physical, speech, and nutritional therapies. Featuring inspiring autism success stories as well as a directory of autism treatment facilities and other resources, it offers practical advice on how to educate autistic children as well as insights on how to cope with autistic fixations and behavior problems.

Linda Rastelli (Chatham, NJ) is a veteran journalist who has written on various health topics. Jeff Bradstreet, MD, FAAFP (Palm Bay, FL), is Director of Research for the International Autism Research Center and has a son with autism. Temple Grandin, PhD (Fort Collins, CO), suffers from autism and is the author of Thinking in Pictures and Emergence: Labeled Autistic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

not what I thought it would be
I work with Autistic children and I am always looking to gain more knowledge.
Parts of the book were ok, but it did not turn out to be what I was looking for.
Possibly a better book for a parent or family member of an Autistic child.
I will pass it on at school.

Excellent!
This resource is especially useful for those just beginning to seek out information on Autism. It has lots of information and an easy to use index to allow you to find exactly what you're looking for. I would suggest that all professionals working with students/children with Autism grab a copy.

autism for dummies..a review
Good basic book for newbies to autism. Even after 32 years of teaching kids with autism, I can say it's a good book for any special education library.

Great basic Autism read
This book was a blessing to me when I found out my son was diagnosed with Autism.It helped out so much with basic information and were to actually get help. The book also answered questions I did not even think about asking.
I recommend this book to anyone who has an Autistic child/friend/love one to better help in undertanding what Autism is and how you can help.

They should give you this book when you get your diagnosis
They should give you this book when you get your diagnosis. Seriously! It was the first book I bought on Autism. It's a great place to dive in to Autism. It covers everything from Meds, IEPs, Schooling, Adult programs, everything you NEED to know on the subject. I would recommend it to anyone! ... Read more

Product Description
A resource manual that provides theory and the best practices in behavior management with individuals with autism.It is an easy reference for using behavioral interventions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Great Book for Educators
I am an educator in the field of special education.This book is filled with practical strategies for working with children who are autistic and have behavioral issues.It is easy to understand and has many examples.This is the first book I grab when looking for help with one of my students.

The BEST Autism Book I've ever read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2 chapters in and I'm thoroughly impressed.First of all, the book is much larger than I expected; the size reminds me of a textbook.Second, the book is written in laments terms, which is rare for an Autism-related book.It's easy to follow and understand; I can already tell it's going to be an invaluable source for years to come.. It gives so many different strategies and suggestions that it's virtually guarenteed to give you something that will work for your child/student!Last, I think this is a MUST HAVE for all parents of Autistic children because it is not only talks about behavior but about how your child thinks.

Essential for children with autism
My four year old son with autism has a very difficult time regulating his emotions, following directions and transitioning.This book was essential when he was showing aggression and not being able to calm down when he did not want to take direction.I highly recommend this book and Just Take a Bite to anyone battling this issue.

Wonderful book!!!!!!!!
We have had such bad behavior problems with our daughter and now I feel like I have been handed a manual on how to handle my daughter's behavior!!!!! I have a direction to go in with actually helping her!!!
This is a great book!!!!!!!!!!!!

very helpful
running groups for parents and carers, lots of ideas to discuss.yet again efficient service from amazon ... Read more

Product Description
Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism are detected earlier and more accurately today than ever before. Children and teens with these disorders often stand out for their precocious intelligence and language abilities--yet profound social difficulties can limit every aspect of their lives. This hopeful, compassionate guide shows parents how to work with their child's unique impairments and capabilities to help him or her learn to engage more fully with the world and live as self-sufficiently as possible. From leading experts in the field, the book is packed with practical ideas for helping children relate more comfortably to peers,learn the rules of appropriate behavior, and participate more fully in school and family life. It also explains what scientists currently know about autistic spectrum disorders and how they are diagnosed and treated. Real-life success stories, problem-solving ideas, and matter-of-fact advice on everything from educational placements to career planning make this an indispensable reference that families will turn to again and again.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Unrivaled
I own shelves of books on Asperger Syndrome and this one is by far the best. I've owned it for years and return to it often when difficult situations arise. It's thorough, comprehensive and helpful beyond measure. It should be noted that its primary focus is newly diagnosed younger to tween children, however the authors have numerous other books available that are comparably good.

AS & HFA
I have not quite finished this book however, already it is an excellent resource.I have read probably 20 books on ASD and this is one of the better ones if your loved one is Asperger or high functioning autistic.The books goes into great detail of all of the evidence surrounding Austism from vaccinations, to the genetic link.Most importantly it offers a very impartial view.It presents all of the facts but doesn't try and sway you in any particular direction.There are some great examples of people living with these disorders and how they have turned their weaknesses into strengths and lead fulfilling lives.At this stage of my involvement with this disorder, this was exactly what I wanted to learn about on the next step of my journey.Reassurance that life will more than likely be ok for my child, the book helps you to think about things a little differently and look for the positives in what might seem like debilitating issues at the time.A very worthwhile book on anyone's shelf because it is written by knowledgeable professionals who have struck a great balance between not "dumbing the info down too much" whilst also remembering that most of us don't have PhDs.I really love the angle that this book has taken.

This is a GREAT book for parents of ASD/HFA children
My son was recently dx with PDD-NOS but they did not rule out ASD because of a few factors....i believe after all my reading on the subject he is actually,HFA. But whatever, this book will show you there is little difference in the treatment between the two and that the prognosis is awesome!!!! This book is easy to read and put in language that is easy to understand. I cannot say enough about how this book put into perspective the things that i was dealing with in my life and the suggestions on what to do at home and in school to make things better. Definately a book to read if you have just begun this journey.

A Parent's guide to Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism
Excellent book. Gives insight for all different levels of the syndrome. Lots of good real life examples and stories. Good reference book to have on hand.

Great Introduction Book for Parents and Family Members
We got this book from the library when our son was first diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. Although other books Iborrowed had more theory or specific interventions, mostly related to school, this was a great book to help me understand and answer questions about this new diagnosis. Needless to say, we ended up buying it. I also had my parents, in-laws and day care giver read it.They all found it accessible and useful. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Great resource for recommended nutrients
My daughter has a chromo disorder, apraxia and epilepsy with some features similar to ASD.We have been looking at nutritional approaches to improve symptoms including low glycemic index, omega-3's etc and vitamin/mineral supplements.Our physicians have stated there is not solid research evidence through sound clinical trials to support nutritional therapy and parental anecdotes are not enough, not all bodies are equal in amts/types needed.The book explains this situation pretty accurately.Docs/dieticians so far are okay with us giving supplements at RDA preventive levels as this will not hurt, but beyond that there is not much support.This book helps in that it puts together in one place all the vitamin, mineral, omega, etc information out there on RDA amounts and upper tolerable amounts for parents to use as a guide pending clinical trials (which the author points out as being difficult and costly to achieve, and may be years out yet).I haven't evaluated the recipes much as more in need of the supplement information, but glad to have them as a start.

Eating Issues and Autism: best steps offered
My review is partly in response to another's eval that states that this author purports foods that are not nutritious and that the author must not have reviewed the literature etc.
I believe this book makes a great approach at addressing the nutrition issues most often found in those with Autism, ADHD, Asperger.
As a practitioner, eating issues are prevalent. This author cannot suggest salads,a litany of fruits, legumes if the child won't even go near those food types! Most often the parents states that this is the case. The parent comes in desperate because they have spent weeks, months preparing broccoli 10 different ways, or have pureed every legume in the book to try to get their child to eat healthy, and nothing works, because they have not started with the steps she outlines. The vegetables, fruits, legumes are the ideal end in mind. But it is reasonable to start at a place where the child is at and make changes towards the goal. Hence, the "recipes" for alternative chick nuggets, jello, etc. Start with the food that looks like what they would even allow to come near their mouth, basically. The resources provided in the back, the support literature is very appropriate. Getting a child to follow all of these steps and take every vit and min desired on a daily consistent basis, is NOT easy and can be difficult. It is not unacceptable to say so. Any child that can do this on a daily basis, therefore would not appear to have an eating problem! Simultaneously, the title does not say nutrition encyclopedia. Instead the author gives resources for one to look up the nutritional content of food and if I know a dietitian when I see one, likely would give you nutrition and food group intake and analysis/suggestions for free if you asked. Excellent, helpful, recommend it!

A Nutrition book without any nutrition!
I love the title and cover of this book.I opened it with great anticipation and optimism.An apple, carrot, strawberry and broccoli...it doesn't get any healthier than that!I was SO disappointed to find no reference to any of these foods in the book or index.The closest it comes is applesauce muffins and carrot cake.The recipe section on "Vegetables" does not include any fresh or green vegetables, only frozen vegetables.Where are the broccoli, chard, green beans, avocado, kale, zucchini and winter squash? The dessert section has fruit jello and pudding.No fresh fruits.

There is, in fact, no true NUTRITION in the book!The recipes are for "junk foods," not REAL food. Chicken nuggets (2 ways even!), fish sticks and spaghetti and meatballs?What about broiled fish, lamb chops, turkey burgers, lentil patties, buffalo burgers, hummos,burritos?Microwaving food!I cannot believe that the authors would support microwaved food when it is so dangerous.What an opportunity they missed to help people eat more healthy food!

I found the book's negativity very disturbing. The authors convince the reader that following their instructions will be difficult.Examples abound: page 9- One of the biggest mistakes parents make...page 15 - preparing home-cooked meals can be difficult...page 73- there's little research on effective therapy to treat feeding problems in children with autism (not true)... page 75 - it's going to take time to assemble a team...page 105 - there's little research supporting a GF/CF diet in autism (not true)...page 121 - Unfortunately, there's no clear cut dosage. Haven't the authors seen the parent checklist from the Autism Research Institute?Two-thirds say their kids got better on the diet, and almost no one got worse!

Calling an ELISA allergy test "controversial" in autism is simply wrong. It is one of the most valuable tools we have for helping our kids.

Where did the authors learn the material they put in the book?Not a single footnote attributes material to its proper source!One of the first things I learned is to show some gratitude to my teachers.Other than the few folks they thanked in their acknowledgements, they mentioned no one!

I cannot recommend this book to the autism community. Please look at Special-Needs Kids Eat Right: Strategies to Help Kids on the Autism Spectrum Focus, Learn, and Thrive by Judy Converse and The Kid-Friendly ADHD & Autism Cookbook, Updated and Revised: The Ultimate Guide to the Gluten-Free, Casein-Free Diet.

If you want to learn more about the science behind diets and nutrition for autism go to Envisioning a Bright Future: Interventions That Work for Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.It has references and other therapies that work even better once the child is well-nourished!

Eating for Autism
Before this book, I felt like I was finding my way in the dark through the nutitional maze.I found this book very helpful by giving me specific steps to follow. I liked having the correct dosage for supplements.As a parent of a child with Down syndrome and Autism, it was important to me to first have good health and then second to know when to seek help from a professional on the more specific interventions.

Good Practical Help
Before striking out on my own in this review, I'd like to correct the misconception by D. Prince that there was "...NOTHING about problems with protein intolerance" in this book. First of all, gluten IS (or rather ARE) proteins... two of them, in fact; glutenin and gliadin. Both of these special proteins make up what we call "gluten."

The elasticity we see in bread dough is due to these proteins. There are two amino acid sequences in glutenin; HMW (high molecular weight) 10 and HMW 12. Their differences are in their repeating arrays of hexamer and nonamer amino acids. Their structure is responsible in large part for the increase in elasticity when the dough is kneaded.

While the author of EATING FOR AUTISM may not have gone into great detail about this process, I think one gets a clue about the book by its title, EATING for Autism. The book is about EATING, and it's written for the layman, not the scientist, albeit some people with these diseases and/or with gluten intolerance and other food intolerances and allergies have become experts in the field.

As far as the comment on speculation, "...a lot of un-referanced and speculation babble about autism," I think even scientists and medical experts have not nailed everything down about autism yet. There is a lot of speculation in this field for that very reason. Someone with protein intolerance or other food intolerances or allergies must rely on "speculation" coupled with their own experiences until such a time in the future when all can be known about this subject.

Having read the book, I must agree that it suffers a bit from the lack of detail about protein intolerances and food allergies. However, having tried many of the recipes myself, I must also agree with D. Prince that the recipes are excellent... and THAT'S the thrust of this book; EATING for autism, Asperger's and ADHD. Most people I've come across with these diseases have a common complaint... "I miss bread and many of the foods I can't eat on my intolerance diet. It's so hard to find anything I can eat."

It seems to me that a good cookbook addressing this problem is a godsend to most people with this problem. As a cookbook alone, EATING FOR AUTISM should help to solve some big problems for people with food intolerance issues.

I'm of the opinion that this book will help a lot of people since it is for the layman. I can't give it five stars because I believe that people who are highly informed on this subject will need to read further in order to satisfy their need for more informative and/or scientific material. All in all, however, I do think this is a very good book.

For those who want more information on the protein gluten and its subunits, glutenin and gliadin, see the REFERENCES list at: www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v7/n12/abs/nbt1289-1281.html
... Read more

Product Description
It is currently estimated that 1 in 150 kids are affected by autism-and that number is increasing at an alarming rate.

In a time when parents are overwhelmed with confusing, and often conflicting, information, The Autism Answer Book provides them clear and confident counsel by providing straightforward answers to their most pressing questions.

The Autism Answer Book covers such topics as:

--Getting a diagnosis
--Social sensitivities
--Physical well-being
--Mental health
--School success

Written in an easy-to-read Q&A format, The Autism Answer Book helps parents understand and accept their child and develop a plan for success.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Autism
This book has helped me and wife learn more about autism. Thank you! Keep up the good work!

Autism spelled out
This book is a good introduction or complement to information about Autism.Lots of good info

AUTISM ANSWER BOOK
I THINK WHOMEVER HAS A CHILD WITH AUTISM OR ASPERGERS, IT WAS A GREAT BOOK, AND ANSWERED A GREAT DEAL OF QUESTIONS.MY ONLY PROBLEM WAS, I DON'T HAVE A CHILD, I HAVE A TEENAGER.BELEIVE ME, ONCE HORMONES KICK IN, YOU HAVE A GREAT MANY "NEW" QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ANSWERED. ALL THE BOOKS THAT I HAVE PURCHASED, (I HAVE A SMALL LIBRARY), SEEMS TO DEAL WITH CHILDREN, NOT SO MUCH YOUNG ADULTS. BUT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN, IT WAS EXCELENT READING.
KK

I wish this book was written sooner!!
How I wish this book was written sooner!! My son was diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder at age 2, he is now 4. This is the first and only, in my opinion, book that looks at Autism from a more positive and less "cynical clinical" perspective. These are REAL questions from REAL parents that may not make sense to some who read this book that do not have children on the spectrum, but for us this book is a God send. Thank you Mr. Stillman for taking the time to give your wisdom to this book. I have recommended this book to all of the parents that are just starting out on the Autsim Journey with their child. This book truly is a breath of fresh air into a society where most books on this subject leave parents feeling hopeless and depressed. This book leaves one with understanding. Once again Thank You Mr. Stillman!! God Bless You!!
Julia A. Howerin
Virginia Beach, Virginia

Rethinking Autism
My son was recently diagnosed as a child with autism. This book simply and thoroughly answered all the questions my husband and I had. We knew very little about autism before the diagnoses and what we knew wasn't completely accurate. It has helped us rethink what we knew and look at autism as just a part of who our beautiful and bright son is and not something horrible we have to face alone or in shame. The perspectives he shares from adults with autism were really empowering to hear. We are going to be buying copies for friends and family members to help them understand our son better. I would recommend this book for anyone new to this world and looking for answers! ... Read more

Product Description
The thought of losing control can cause major problems for children who live with anxiety. Now, parents, teachers and children have a helpful tool that gives young children an opportunity to exploretheir own feelings with parents or teachers as they react to events in their daily lives. Engagingand easy to read, this illustrated children s book is filled with opportunities for children to participate in developing their own self-calming strategies. Children who use the simple strategiesin this charming book, illustrated by the author, will find themselves relaxed and ready to focus on work or play! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Review from Books That Heal Kids
I've been using this as a social story to teach kids how to cope with stress and put their anxiety in it's place. This is a tool I use in collaboration with parents and teachers. It makes no sense for me to teach this by myself if we're not all using it as a united front. I've used it in small groups and individually. There is a five point stress scale and it is awesome and helpful to children. Kids who are on the spectrum or have anxiety disorders could really benefit from reading this every day. I've seen a lot of success with this social story. Share it with the parents first and see if they would be on board to use it as a tool. Very grateful for this one. Helps me be a better school counselor.

helping children relax
I like using this book but I do add additional visuals related to the numbers .... like the image of a thermometer.

Pretty Helpful
Good for preschoolers, early elementary age kids, and those with Aspergers or Autism spectrum.Otherwise this book would be too simplistic.I liked how this helps kids to scale their own feelings and care for them before an explosion occurs.It is even helpful that there is a stress scale to increase self awareness and a ways to calm down to increase self regulation.

Useful tool
I have used this book a couple of times already. I was able to make copies of the illustrations so that the consumer can write and draw along with the book without coloring in the book. This allows them to keep a copy of their own work and practice the technique with family. It helps teach about stress levels and identifying triggers.

Excellent Book for Kids
My 10 year old son suffers from anxiety and this book has been an excellent help to him.He carries this book with him every where he goes and uses it as necessary to remind himself what to do when his anxiety is overwhelming!I would recommend this book to everyone who suffers from anxiety, even adults! ... Read more

Product Description
When their nineteen-month-old son, Miles, was diagnosed with autism, Karyn Seroussi, a writer, and her husband, a scientist, fought back with the only weapons at their disposal:love and research.Consulting medical papers, surfacing the Web, and networking with other parents, they traced the onset of their child's problems to an immune system breakdown that coincided with his vaccinations.As a result, his digestive system was unable to break down certain proteins, which in turn led to abnormal brain development.So Karyn and her husband got to work -- Karyn implementing their program at home while her husband tested his theories at the scientific lab where he worked.

Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder is an inspiring and suspenseful chronicle of how one couple empowered themselves to challenge the medical establishment that promised no hope -- and found a cure for their child.

Here are the explanations and treatments they so carefully researched and discovered, a wealth of crucial tools and hands-on information that can help other parents reverse the effects of autism and PDD, including step-by-step instructions for the removal of dairy and gluten from the diet, special recipes, and an explanation of the roles of the key players in autism research. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (82)

autism, food allergies
great for the beginner learning about what autism is and isn't. not a conclusive book but great for ones first read on the subject. it will ease you into thinking about this differently than the media presents. plus, hey , food make a big differnece. you are what you eat.

Greatful
Anyone who is just begining this journey PLEASE buy this book. If your child is diagnosed or your just going through the process, she makes sense of what your feeling.It is amazing to read Karen's book. I can't even put into words how good this book is. I couldn't put it down.

Mamma Autism Researcher
I love this book. It is a must have for every parent with an autistic child. She covers a lot of information and doesn't make it boring! She covers diet, yeast, DAN!, and a lot more. It is well written and has the details we parents need to know for our kids. Great book, with lots of support for the GFCF diet, including recipes. Her son also had a lot of other food sensitivities, and she discusses how to deal with such a limited diet. Excellent!

An inspiring story of autism recovery
This book is one of the classics about the gluten-free casein-free diet and how powerful it can be.This diet alone stopped my son's regression and turned him around onto the path of healing.It has taken a lot more than just the diet (as it does with most kids) but now he is nearly recovered.Books like this one, written by parents about their own experience with their child, are so important.They tell stories that often don't make it into the media.It is parents who are motivated to move mountains and heal their kids, and parents facing this daunting task now can learn a lot from those who have gone before us.For those interested, this book also talks about the early days of biomed- the first DAN! conference, the discovery of the DPP-IV enzyme, even Bernie Rimland appears!

Grandmothr searching for information
We have recently discovered that my 2 year old grandson may be on the spectrum of autism with pdd. This book gave me much information that we have found helpful. As a result of reading it, my son and his wife put the child on a glutenfree and casein free diet. I am gluten intolerant, so it seems that this should be helpful. We are still testing, but I was glad to have this author's account of the her son's issues and the lengths to which she and her husband were willing to go to find solutions. The book is being passed on to other members of the family to educate themselves. ... Read more

Product Description
For courses in Autism Spectrum Disorders or as a perfect supplement to a course in special education where ASD is addressed and given special attention to, or in psychology or communication disorders courses addressing the education of students with disabilities.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Theory to Practice provides the need for a comprehensive text on the subject of ASD, thoroughly discussing the cause, characteristics, and approaches by theoretical perspective used by educators. Drawing from her classroom experience, Laura Hall explains the communication and social and relationship issues faced by individuals with autism spectrum disorders and presents educators with best practices and programs for increasing academic achievement. In her newest book, the author guides educators in identifying, placing, and instructing students through real-life classroom and family cases. She includes strategies to determine the cause of ASD, a step-by-step guide for assessment, and evidence-based approaches to educate students through examination of the major theoretical perspectives–applied behavior analysis, developmental and social-relational, and the TEACCH approach. Furthermore, the text addresses: the use of evidence-based practices in the education of individuals with ASD mandated by the laws, IDEA 2004 and NCLB; approaches that take into account families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; applied behavior analysis; and working collaboratively with families and building communities of practice. This new and unique text will not only describe the most common practices implemented for learners with ASD, but will identify those that are evidence-based, and provide the best suggestions for future research in the field.

Customer Reviews (2)

An Outstanding Resource
Dr. Hall has provided an excellent resource for professionals and parents. This book covers classification and assessment issues, as well as approaches to treatment. As a behavior analyst, Dr. Hall has devoted two chapters on applied behavior analysis. The book promotes the importance of evidence-based practices. Practical information is given, along with research and theoretical background. With so many weak books on autism being published at this critical time, I was delighted to discover such a well written and thoughtful resource as this. I really believe this is a "must have!"

FANTASTIC resource
This is an incredibly helpful resource for new and experienced educators. Theories are explained clearly, and the examples are useful. I highly reccommend this book to anyone working with individuals with autism in any capacity. ... Read more

Product Description
Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is a gifted animal scientist who has designed one-third of all the livestock-handling facilities in the United States. She also lectures widely on autism--because Temple Grandin is autistic, a woman who thinks, feels, and experiences the world in ways that are incomprehensible to the rest of us.

In this unprecedented book, Grandin delivers a report from the country of autism. Writing from the dual perspectivies of a scientist and an autistic person, she tells us how that country is experienced by its inhabitants and how she managed to breach its boundaries to function in the outside world. What emerges in Thinking in Pictures is the document of an extraordinary human being, one who, in gracefully and lucidly bridging the gulf between her condition and our own, sheds light on the riddle of our common identity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (54)

Special Skills, Special People
Thinking in Pictures, by Temple Grandin (page cites)
Emergence:Labeled Autistic, by Temple Grandin
The Way I See It, by Temple Grandin

These are excellent books for anyone dealing with autistic people.Temple Grandin, Ph.D. describes her own autism in Thinking in Pictures, with her brain's profound difference from other people's.Oliver Sacks, the brilliant neurologist, says "Temple does not romanticize autism, nor does she downplay how much her autism has cut her off " from others (xviii).For her words are a second language; basically her perceptions, her understanding of the world is in pictures.Emergence is devoted to her early childhood while Thinking concentrates more on her adult life.She used her faculties successfully and now one-third of cattle and hogs in the United States are processed in systems she has designed.To design this equipment, Temple uses her special visual thinking abilities to examine blue-print simulations three-dimensionally.She can run images over and over in her head, from different angles, to study them and improve their design.

After talking with hundreds of families and individuals with autism or Asperger's, Temple has come to see three basic categories of specialized brains:visual thinkers, music and math (or pattern) thinkers, and verbal logic thinkers, and recommends that there be more educational emphasis on building the strengths of each individual rather than trying to repair deficits.Each group brings its own strengths.After briefly describing her own early childhood behavior, Temple notes that within each brain pattern category there are different levels of ability, from high performing to savant, from Asperger's to Kanner-type autism.

Temple stresses that autism has both a cognitive and sensory component depending on the wiring of that child's brain.Thus these will differ in each child.Consequently the expression of autism is different in each child and it is impossible to predict from the severity of the symptoms at age two or three a long-term prognosis (48).She believes the highly variable volatility of autism is due to the interaction of multiple genes (54), and training and education should be tailored to the individual child. Emergence stresses this point and the last chapter, Autistics and the Real World, lists a series of factors that a parent or caretaker should consider for each child diagnosed as autistic.In The Way I See It, Dr. Grandin emphasizes that parents and teachers should not focus on the diagnostic label, but encourage the child to reach his or her highest potential.She believes that many brilliant contributors to society from Jefferson to Einstein were on the Asperger's continuum. It is interesting that in her earliest book, Emergence, Grandin talks of `reformed' or `recovered' autistics, a label that she definitely drops in her later works.Rather she emphasizes their positive interactions over the image of damaged or failed people. In The Way I See It, Grandin moves further away from the `damaged' concept to showing how autistics bring special skills and abilities.She reinforces how to be a successful autistic person by learning life skills and finding a job or hobby that matches the autistic's skills.

GREAT BOOK
THIS BOOK HELPED ME BETTER UNDERSTAND MY 20 YEAR OLD BOY WHO HAS AUTISM- THANK YOU TEMPLE GRANDIN

Very informative.
I plan to donate this book to our school library in hopes that parents and teachers alike read it, and I wish it were required reading in middle school. This is an easy read, well done. The content is fine for all ages, and it carries pieces to which we can all relate, if not for the exact same reasons..Thank you Temple.

A grandmother's review

As the grandmother of a 7-year-old boy with Autism, I highly recommend this book. Even though I've seen the movie, the book gives a detailed insight into this mysterious neurological disorder. Temple is high-functioning victim of Asperbergers, and although it was written years ago, she updates each chapter. She gives a fascinating look into the minds and bodies of those afflicted with this mysterious spectrum disorder. She gives a voice to those who might not be able to speak.

Joan
This is an amazing account of autism from the view point of a person who lives this life. ... Read more

Product Description
Different Like Me introduces children aged 8 to 12 years to famous, inspirational figures from the world of science, art, math, literature, philosophy and comedy.
Eight-year-old Quinn, a young boy with Asperger's Syndrome, tells young readers about the achievements and characteristics of his autism heroes, from Albert Einstein, Dian Fossey and Wassily Kandinsky to Lewis Carroll, Benjamin Banneker and Julia Bowman Robinson, among others. All excel in different fields, but are united by the fact that they often found it difficult to fit in-just like Quinn.
Fully illustrated in color and written in child-friendly language, this book will be a wonderful resource for children, particularly children with autism, their parents, teachers, carers and siblings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Wonderful Tool
Not only did our boy love this book, but it was uplifting for his parents as well!

why this book lost two stars
I'd have given this book five stars, if not for the title's seriously fractured English. Calling its subjects "autism heroes" reeks of the same depersonalized nonsense we would produce if we called President Obama a "blackness man" or labeled Julie Andrews a "musicality woman."

Real Encouragement for Parents With Autistic and Asperger Kids and Autistic and Asperger People!
This book sure gives a lot of hope to any kinds of autistic people; it shows us all the people mentioned in this book turned out to be successful although they weren't always good at fitting in. Simply put, they were differently-abled, not mentally retarded at all. I guess that's mainly because they had different sort of talents nobody else had ever thought of. I know there are still biased people against mental illness and impairments. However, I'd like them to deal with this book to think twice about mental or developmental challenges.

And let me get it straight: You'll eventually get burned if you put down this book! That's why I would like not only people with autism or AS but NT people to buckle down to this inspiring book! Don't label this 'just for kids only'!

one of my favorite books
It was hard to explain to my 8-year old daughter with Aspergers how wonderfully her mind works.How people with minds like hers have changed history and done many wonderful things that would be hard for neurotypical people to do.This book gave concrete examples I could show her.We read this book frequently.Everyone with Aspergers should read it...

Amazing.
This book is AMAZING. Many of these people were around long before the autism diagnoses could be given to them (Lewis Carroll, Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton... etc...), but the book fully supports the idea that they did have it. This book isn't just for elementary-school aged children, either. Adults can even read it. Its absolutely wonderful. ... Read more

Product Description
Teaching Conversation to Children with Autism describes scripts that parents and teachers can use to help children learn to initiate conversation, thereby improving communication.Drs. McClannahan and Krantz—-authors of Activity Schedules for Children with Autism—-have successfully used scripts and script-fading techniques based on their clinical observations and research, and founded on applied behavior analysis principles.

The authors begin by thoroughly explaining the script and script-fading processes and include many examples to support the instructions.A script is an audiotaped or writtenword, phrase, or sentence that often reflects the child’s preferences and interests.For very young children and nonreaders, scripts are paired with pictures of desired objects or activities.

The process starts when a child engages in conversation with an interaction partner by reading a script or playing it on an audio card reader to start the conversation (e.g., "I like yogurt").The partner supports the conversation with a response (e.g., "Yogurt is good," or "You had yogurt for lunch").After the child masters a few scripts, the script-fading process begins. The last word of the script is removed, then the next to last, and so on, until the script is absent.After scripts have been introduced and faded, many children learn to spontaneously initiate and pursue social interaction.

Teaching Conversation to Children with Autism also covers:

• Prompts and rewards
• Observing, evaluating, and measuring results
• Activity schedules, card readers, and voice recorders
• Conversation activities
• Scripts for readers and nonreaders

Customer Reviews (2)

good information, just not what I expected
This book offered a lot of information about teaching beginning conversation skills to individuals with autism. The authors cited a few research articles that they wrote themselves related to scripts and script fading. This book was not exactly what I was hoping for, however. The methods described appeared to be better suited for use with individuals that have very little verbalization. I was looking for methods that taught higher functioning, verbal individuals the skills to have a conversation. I would recommend this book for those who are working with individuals that are lower functioning and that have very little conversation skills.

A must for professionals and parents
This well-written book provides clear theory and method for teaching ASD children conversation using scripts and script fading.Includes many ideas for activities as well as recording-keeping forms. ... Read more

Product Description
There have been huge advances in our ability to diagnose autism and in the development of effective interventions that can change children’s lives. In this extraordinary book, Lynn Kern Koegel, a leading clinician, researcher, and cofounder of the renowned Autism Research Center at the University of California at Santa Barbara, combines her cutting-edge expertise with the everyday perspectives of Claire LaZebnik, a writer whose experience with a son with autism provides a rare window into the disorder. Together, they draw on the highly effective "pivotal response" approach developed at the center to provide concrete ways of improving the symptoms of autism and the emotional struggles that surround it, while reminding readers never to lose sight of the humor that lurks in the disability’s quirkiness or the importance of enjoying your child. From the shock of diagnosis to the step-by-step work with verbal communication, social interaction, self-stimulation, meltdowns, fears, and more, the answers are here-in a book that is as warm and nurturing as it is authoritative. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Surprisingly funny
Very entertaining, with lots of great ideas.However, this book is more suited to HFA children.

Love it! I'm buying another copy!
This is a really helpful resource for parents and professionals. It's easy to read, provides practical strategies, and lots of examples. Plus, it's based on well-researched, effective, strategies (Pivotal Response Treatment or PRT); many of the parent-oriented autism books are not based on good science...this one is. I'm a school SLP and am buying another copy as a gift for a special ed teacher I work with...I wanted to share this information with her, but don't want to give up my copy!

Excellent Resource
Got when son first diagnosed at age 3, Great easy read for parents who are stunned and in the dark! Very well written and informative.

book review
I haven't relly had a chance to read a lot of this book,but what I have read so far is very informative and helpful.

The Light Gets Brighter
When this explanatory book was written seventeen years ago, SSS was the culprit for childred who had problems learning to read, as so much is blamed on autism now. As with dyslexic and color blindness, this disorder retards people. It is hereditory and passed down through the generations. SSS should have been subtitled SOS as parents wanted to blame their children's inability to read on the school system. This problem with colors and brightness could have been early autisim before the needed shots my children were subjected to as babies were suspect.

Ten years earlier, at Cal St. U. at Long Beach, a school psychologist experimented with the use of text printed on pages of different colors. As color was used to calm prisoners and those confined for mental problems (pink), adults not able to read learned easier using color-gel overlays to soften the light or brightness of the printed page. I noticed a few years ago that red hurts my eyes; on the positive side, green makes the print easier to skim. For SSS, there can be no skimming as they are slow readers unable to learn advanced rapid reading. Color examples include pink, blue, yellow, green, gray, and orange. It takes a good deal of study and experimentation to "determine which color works best (for the individual) in the filters. Eric is verbal and colors would not inhibit or aid his progress. Nothing can after it takes awhile to be documented as having the disability which won't go away.

John Wilkes Booth is thought to have had this disability. He also had a bad drinking problem. That would or could make colors hazy and bright colors blinding. Helen Irven came up with this idea, was on two "Sixty Minutes" programs and now has out a new edition. She is one of those whose first and last thesis never changes although the world around us does change. Thus, something new should have been found to add to the book by now. After all, it has been many years since her work was developed .My grandson Eric has autism but is a beautiful child and loving.It is possible that his three-yeaar-old brother Alec has it also. ... Read more

Product Description

Told with the intensity of a medical thriller, the extraordinary story of how Clay Whiffen and his family conquered autism.

Customer Reviews (23)

Transparent and Challenging book.
As a professional working with children with special needs, it was encouraging to read about this family's struggle with autism... that ended victoriously!My highest applause to Leeann and her family for fighting the good fight against the odds.A great, transparent, challenging book to intervene early and uncompromisingly if you know in your heart that "something's just not right."

Just okay
I purchased this book based on glowing reviews but did not find it particularly helpful.First of all, Clay was apparently on the mild end of the spectrum, as from being completely non-verbal at age 2 he progressed to speaking in sentences by age 3.Second, I was disappointed to read that his initial symptoms were tied to his immunizations.He lost his previously acquired skills and developed autistic symptoms gradually, so I did not see the connection.I am confused why Clay was chelated if his heavy metal toxicology report did not show elevated levels of mercury, lead or arsenic.The author devotes half a chapter to tell us how she drove Clay's blood sample to the lab for measles antibodies and basic myelin protein antibodies testing, yet, never tells us their results.She seems to believe everything she hears, from immunizations causing her son's autism to her ability to choose her baby's sex.It bothered me to read how Ms. Whiffen flipped out when another mother of autistic boy suggested that Clay might have autism and needed to be evaluated.Ms. Whiffen immediately let her know she was not qualified to make such diagnosis.Later, however, she wrote letter to their former pediatrician, educating him on autism and immunizations.It bothered me that when significantly improved Clay talked loudly in the church disrupting the service and a man turned to look at the noisemaker, she in her book calls him rude, jerk and that she wanted to use bad words.Yet, throughout the book she portrays herself as the savior, not only of her son, but also other autistic children and their families.She makes sure the reader understands what an excellent mother she is, how proactive and dedicated she is, spending most of her time researching treatments on the Internet and watching Clay's ABA sessions.ABA part is pretty good, however, having just read "Let me hear your voice" by Catherine Maurice, who also recovered her kids from autism, I did not learn anything new here."Let me hear your voice" is much more thorough and better written book on ABA and I highly recommend it for every parent of autistic child.

A must read for anyone who knows someone facing autism
This is the best book I have read since my own son was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder at 2 and a half years old 10 months ago. I am doing all of the biomedical interventions that Leeann talks about, vitamins, supplements, CFGF diet and detox using DMSA (AKA Chemet.) I also give methyl-B12 shots and my son has been getting ABA/VBA through the public school system since he turned 3. My only regret is not starting ABA sooner, as it was not offered through our Early Intervention services. As you can see from her account, early intervention- both ABA/VBA therapy and biomedical- is key. You need to address the medical problems first and "clear the fog" to enable an ASD child to learn.

A quick word of advise- Always look forward, don't regret decisions from the past and always hold out hope for a better future for your child. Never give up!!

If you have a child recently diagnosed or know someone with an ASD you must read this book. As a parent, you will easily relate to her set-backs and successes and the small steps that sometimes feel like inertia. You will feel a renewed sense of motivation and encouragement and most importantly, you will know that you are not alone in this journey. We all go through the same grieving process, the same feelings of ineptness and loneliness, but always know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel no matter where you are in the journey.

Insightful and helpful
Leeann's son recovered from autism. She could have kept their story a secret and preserved her son and her family's privacy. Instead, she generously shares what they went through, from early signs to diagnosis through the recovery process and making the decision to use the experiences from their journey to help others with this awful disease. This is a great book that is easy to read and tells a story about a very dedicated family and an amazing and adorable little boy. I highly recommend it for anyone to read, whether you are affected directly by autism or just curious about it.

This Family gave it all!
I work with children severely impacted by autism.This family truly gave it all to help their son, Clay, overcome the constraints of ASD.I felt a "pat on the back" while reading how much she appreciated the team that worked daily with Clay and comfort in knowing it made such a difference in his life.Leeann Whiffen is a true "Warrior Mom". ... Read more

Product Description
The characteristics of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present unique challenges, not only to people themselves affected, but also to counselling professionals. This manual provides counselling techniques that work not only for professionals, but also for individuals either coping with being on the spectrum themselves, or living with someone who has an ASD. Regardless of intellectual and linguistic ability, people on the autism spectrum often have significant impairments in emotional expression, regulation, and recognition, and they are known to have higher rates of depression and anxiety than the general population. This comprehensive book shows how to develop the tools necessary to help people on the spectrum cope with their emotions, anxieties, and confusion about the often overwhelming world that surrounds them. Illustrated with useful case studies, it covers a range situations where counselling may be helpful for individuals with ASD, both children and adults, families where a member is on the spectrum, and couples where a partner has ASD.It also addresses specific issues, including depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, social skills, and stress, with effective strategies for dealing with each issue. As well as being indispensable for counsellors, this book provides valuable information and advice for anyone working with people and families affected by ASDs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Insight into Autistic Thinking
I am a speech-language pathologist who works with autistic adolescents.I also have an autistic two-year-old.This book was recommended by Michelle Garcia Winner at a workshop I attended, and I am so glad I purchased it.It is well-written, well-researched, and full of insights.I keep reading passages aloud to my colleague, who is actually enjoying hearing them.

I highly recommend this book for parents, teachers, and other professionals who work with children or adults anywhere along the autism spectrum.

An essential contribution to the field
This book is an essential contribution to the mental health professions.Katherine Paxton and Irene Estay blend theory, practice, and research on how people on the autism spectrum can be counseled effectively.It is both similar AND different from "neurotypical" people.For mental health, education, and families, this is a real how to manual that will help you build a toolbox of techniques that can be applied to the individuals you came in contact with. So if you're trying to help people on the spectrum cope with their emotions, anxieties, and confusion about the world around them, then start here.

--Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D., author of Special Children, Challenged Parents and co-editor Voices from the Spectrum.

Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People With Autism, And Professionals Share Their Wisdom

Living Along the Autism Spectrum: What Does It Mean to have Autism or Asperger Syndrome? ... Read more

Product Description
The Verbal Behavior (VB) approach is a form of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), that is based on B.F. Skinner's analysis of verbal behavior and works particularly well with children with minimal or no speech abilities. In this book Mary Lynch Barbera draws on her own experiences as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and also as a parent of a child with autism to explain VB and how to use it.

This step-by-step guide provides an abundance of information about how to help children develop better language and speaking skills, and also explains how to teach non-vocal children to use sign language. An entire chapter focuses on ways to reduce problem behavior, and there is also useful information on teaching toileting and other important self-help skills, that would benefit any child.

This book will enable parents and professionals unfamiliar with the principles of ABA and VB to get started immediately using the Verbal Behavior approach to teach children with autism and related disorders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

GREAT BOOK!! Giving real HOW-TOs and pointing traditional therapists weak area and errors.
GREAT BOOK!! Giving real HOW-TOs and pointing traditional therapists weak area and errors. The book explains and referenced a great deal of real examples (how tos). I love it and planning to have a home VB program. THIS IS A DEFINITE book for PARENTS to understand how kids are placed on higher demand, resulting in negative behavior.

the Verbal Behavior Approach
Excelente libro .. Compré hace un año y yo seguía leyendo, realmente es muy clara, oportuna y contingente. Gracias, María L. Barbera, abrazos desde ARGENTINA [[ASIN: B001TK50QE El enfoque de la conducta verbal: ¿Cómo enseñar a los niños con autismo y desórdenes relacionados [comportamiento verbal ENFOQUE-OS]]]

A great referense and simple read for parents and professionals
This is a wonderful book for parents and professionals in the field of autism and other developmental disabilities. Mary does a wonderful job making complex terminology and instructional programs easy to understand. I share this book with professionals and parents frequently and have received rave reviews. When explaining instructional and behavioral techniques to parents, I often hear, "Just like in that book." Thank you for providing parents and professionals with the power to understand their child's behavior and how they can teach them essential communicative skills.

Great resource for parents and therapists and students in special education/autism
As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 17 years in the field of Autism, I order these by bulk via Amazon, to hand out to the parents of our new clients compliments of our company. When we take on new children with ASD, it takes alot of parent training, and every parent whom I have given this to, as made it a point to let me know that they have read it at least 2 times, and some have told me they have marked it up, with highlighters, and tabbed the pages for easy reference in the journey of their learning about ABA and Verbal Behavior. It is an easy to read, well worth the money manual! Thanks Mary for a great resource! Amy Wiech, M.Ed., BCBA- Autism Behavior Consulting Group, Inc and Autism Training Solutions, LLC.

Great find to learn the VB approach
I am a consultant who specializes in the DTT methods of Lovaas and McEachin. However, I do like to study all methods for those times when you need another method to reach the child. I found this book regarding Verbal Behavior after attending a Carbone conference because I needed a more down to earth way to understand all the methods and terminology. (It's easy to confuse them when combining multiple therapies.)
This book was an easy read, easy to comprehend, and easy to implement. The part of I like the most is the fact that once I explain it to families, I can recommend the book for them to read, as it is easily understood by non-professionals.
I would highly recommend to anyone with a child on the Spectrum. ... Read more