Book 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 (76)

Excellent Book!
This book is wonderfully written! You will learn so much.I highly recommend this book to anyone who has or suspects their child has autism!

An excellent overview - reads like a suspense story
This book combines the rare qualities of being as compelling as a mystery story, well researched and thoroughly informative. Step by step, we follow the author's voyage of discovery, from despair to triumph, while we learn how to explore the same opportunities for our children.

This information was extremely valuable for my son, and a life-changing experience for the entire family.

Another book I didn't understand
This is just another book that I didn't understand. I read part of it and just gave up. Trying to unravel this book was crazy.I have a child with autism and have NEVER really done any research.I just don't think that way. I am more of a follower than a leader. I usually listen to what others are doing and try that.If I hear about something else I try that instead.I haven't found the right fit yet.But maybe someday I will.

Give it a try before you give up
I have purchased this book 4 times, giving it away to parents that has children with ADD and Autism. My 2 year old grand son was diagnosed with Autism 6 years ago. No speech, no eye contact, totally zoned out. I bought a copy after seeing the author being interviewed on TV, my daughter
decided to give this method a try. We made contact with parents with that had childern with the same problem on the internet.
This book explains how ADA and Autism has run rampt in the past 10 years. The story of a mother that wouldn't give up on her son with Autism. My grandson 8 years old is going to regular school (2nd grade)now, with a high grades. He did spend a year in special Ed, in a pre-kindergarden class and then started regular kindergarden the following year.
The down side to this method used in this book is you have to follow the No Casein, No Gluten, 100% with no slip-ups. This is a website for this diet, a list of company's and products for casein and gluten free foods.
www.gfcfdiet.com

The Truth Has Been Revealed!
The information this book provided has changed my entire outlook on ASD's. I am following Karyn's advice, and I am seeing amazing results in my children (one has PDD). This is a must have for all parents, not just those of us dealing with the special issues of our children. ... Read more

Book Description
This book is different! It is specially designed to give answers to the many questions of brothers and sisters of young people on the autistic spectrum. As well as explaining the characteristics of autism, it is full of helpful suggestions for making family life more comfortable for everyone concerned. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great info in kid language
This book is great at addressing the kinds of questions that come up for kids in a very kid-friendly way.

helpful
This book is a good way to explain some differences to the teenagers that may have a sybling or a relative that has Autism.It is easy to read and has good examples.

recommend for siblings of children with autism
I also read this book with my daughter. I found it really helpful for the both of us. Some of the suggestions she has taken to heart and has started to practice them with her brother who is high function autisic.

I would reccemond this to anybody who has other children that needs to uderstand about what autism is and can learn about different ways to do things

Good for kids and adults
I bought it for my granddaughter who has an autistic brother.I found it useful for myself, because it is not full of psychobabble.

Everybody is different: A book for young people who have brothers or sisters with Autism
This book is quite good and explains quite easily to older children, the concept and behaviours of Autism.I think it was a little over the understanding of my 8 year old, but my 12 year old could quite easily gain a better understanding.It would be helpful to read it with your children so you canvdiscuss any siblings concerns, and troubleshooting methods for if you happen to be unavailable. ... Read more

Product Description
A Is for Autism, F Is for Friend provides a unique glimpse of life from the perspective of a child who has severe autism. It is told through the voice of Chelsea, an 11-year-old girl, who has severe autism. Chelsea sees kids on the playground and at the park and wants to get to know them, but social interaction can be tricky for her.As Chelsea explains some of her behaviors and challenges, she compares them with issues that all kids face. By demystifying her autism, she underscores the many things she and her schoolmates have in common, prompting a typical child to think,Hey, I experience that, too! Giving Chelsea a voice provides a rare insight into what a child with autism faces daily. Chelsea discusses issues of eye contact and explains echolalia.Chelsea cheerfully shows us that if we look closely, we are sometimes more similar than different. She brings a fun and clear voice for children who cannot articulate the challenges that autism presents.A Is for Autism, F Is for Friend provides an enjoyable discussion-oriented format for teaching our youth about autism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A is for Autism F is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends w/a Child who has autism
Might be helpful for a class in which a child w/ autism is mainstreamed.Not a book typical kids would be inclined to chose on their own.

A is for Awesome Book!B is for Behind the Autism Curtain!
Chelsea, 11 has autism.She takes readers on a Magical Mystery Tour with her as she explains her sensory responses and how autism impacts on her every day life.

Autism, as readers will quickly learn from Chelsea is a neurobiological condition that affects sensory processing and language based on the severity of the condition.Readers will identify with Chelsea on some of the things she describes.People with autism and neurotypicals alike will find a literary friend in Chelsea.She is quite the tour guide!

This is the ideal book for classrooms and families.In fact, this is a book for everyone.Magical Mystery Tour is the ideal sound track for this book.

A is for Awesome!
A Is for Autism, F is for Friend is a great read for people of all ages. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Autism definitely check out this book! Easy to follow & fun too, this would be an excellent book for the classroom or to share with your kids at home. My favorite part of this book is that it gives so many great examples that really shine light on what it might be like to have Autism. I am currently working on my Masters in Counseling and am adding this book to my resources and sharing it with others in my program. I know I will use this book when working with families that have a member dealing with Autism. Thankyou for this wonderful book!!! I highly recommend it!

A Great Book for My Class Library!
Finally, a book that will break down the day to day struggles of a child with autism into comprehensible bites.Ms. Velasco presents information that is vital to all students (and teachers) to understand the actions of an autistic child.When an autistic child enters the classroom, it can be distracting to the other students."A is for Autism" helps explain why autistic students sometimes act differently than their classmates.This book went straight into my classroom library and has been checked out by students ever since.

Excellent Autism Resource for Kids
This book provides a wonderful introduction to autismfor children and adolescents. The main character, eleven year old Chelsea, takes us inside her world of autism. She guides readers through the challenges she faces each day and facets that are both usual and special about her life, allowing us to better understand this mysterious disorder from her point of view. She helps kids to see that each child with autism has different talents and abilities, just as we all have different talents and abilities. We may be different but we are also very much the same. Friendships can begin and grow when we try to better understand those things that make us different.

While this book was written with kids in mind, it held my interest and I definitely learned a lot more about the disorder than I knew before. I would suggest this book for anyone who is interested in finding out more about autism or reaching out to someone who happens to be autistic. I definitely recommend this book for children and youth as well as classroom discussion. ... Read more

Book Description
Enzyme therapy is one of the fastest emerging successful alternatives for people on the autism spectrum as well as other neurological conditions. Reports of significant improvements in health, pain reduction, language, food tolerance, socializing and other benefits emerge daily. Drawing on long-standing scientific research and trials by a wide range of families, Karen DeFelice deals comprehensively with all the information on enzymes that parents or those new to enzymes need: how enzymes work, who may benefit, what to expect, practical tested advice on selecting and introducing the right kind of enzymes, and how this can be combined with other approaches and therapies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

great information, but do with your MD's guidance
A good resource and a great book, but this is alot of information. I would recommend getting this book if you are interested in learning more about enzymes and autism but not doing anything without your child's Dr.s advice. Enzymes are not a "cure all" to autism, as all children with autism are different. Many venues must be investigated and discussed withyour MD to find the program that is best for your child.

Nice but not helpful.
This book didn't meet our needs. There wasn't much new information that we hadn't gotten in other sources.

Enzymes for alot more than Autism
I bought this book because my son has mild Asperger's Syndrome. I had already discovered that vitamins B6 and B3 (niacin) work better for his anxiety than zoloft, so I expected to learn more along the same lines from this book. I had no idea that yeast overgrowth (dysbiosis) caused leaky gut syndrome which results in neurological disorders in the young (which continues throughout their lives) and all kinds of other autoimmune disorders in older people. I made the connection that my lifelong shyness, 4 years of constant yeast infections and 10 years of worsening joint inflammation were caused by dysbiosis when I read this book. I bought the enzymes for my son to take with meals, but he wouldn't take them, so I tried them myself and in two days my hips weren't sore. They had been throbbing constantly for the past year and I assumed that I would have to be on anti-anflammatory meds for life, which I was resisting. So, we are both treating for candida yeast overgrowth and building up our probiotics. I might try again to get him to take the enzymes, but the probiotics produce some results also. Without the enzymes, it will take many months to see the results that we could have if he took the enzymes now.
This book doesn't cover all aspects of yeast kill, but neither do most of the other books and websites that I've read. I've learned something new from each source. I highly recommend this book as an excellent start for correcting your dysbiosis including products to use, daily maintenance and a timeline. This author could revamp the book to cover B vitamin deficiencies (B vitamins secrete from our beneficial bacteria which is compromised by the dysbiosis) and mention all auto-immune disorders and re-title it: Enzymes for Autism and Other Neurological Disorders plus Over 5,000 Diseases, Syndromes and Symptoms.
I would also like to mention that congress is on the side of pharmaceutical corporations which have deep pockets and lots of lobbyists to ensure the sales of their products. If the public were well aware of the magnitude of yeast overgrowth and its results so that we could treat the cause and not have to medicate the symptoms of all of these diseases, they would lose billions of dollars in revenue! They know this and they are attempting to eliminate their competition. They have attempted, through the FDA, to make manufacturing requirements so strict for nutritional supplements that it would put alot of companies out of business. Most politicians aren't aware of their real reasons for this. We have to be watchdogs about this, especially with so many of our leaders on the side of government-controlled medicine, it seems logical that government-controlled nutritional supplements would follow if the FDA is pushing it.

A wonderful option every person with autism should try
This book, written by a mother of two children with sensory integration and other neurological issues and who has sensory issues herself, gives all the information a parent of a child with autism or other neurological condition needs to start using enzymes, which can be an alternative to the popular gluten-free/casein-free diet. DeFelice details what enzymes are, how they work in the digestive system, how to start using them, what to expect when starting, the myriad benefits of using them, and much more.

After reading the book, I started my 2-year-old son on enzymes. It has been just under 4 weeks, and we have gotten through the "regression/withdrawal" phase and are already seeing good things: more language attempts, sweeter disposition, good appetite. I am excited to see what the next several weeks bring.

Written in easy-to-understand language, this book offers a message of hope to parents!

A LIFE CHANGING BOOK
WELL WRITTEN BY SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE> GREAT INFORMATION AND DISCOVERY OF ENZYMES TO HELP THOSE WITH AUTISTIC DISORDERS>MY SON HAS BEEN ON ENZYMES RECOMMENDED FROM THE BOOK AND DOING BETTER THAN HE HAS BEEN IN THREE YEARS>WE ARE THRILLED AND I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANY PARENT OF AN AUTISTIC OR NEUROLOGICALLY CHALLENGED CHILD>WE THANK GOD DAILY FOR THIS BOOK> SINCERELY KAREN KERSHNER ... Read more

Book 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 (27)

Interesting and Informative Book
This book was recommended to me by my pediatrician. I have found it to be very informative and interesting. The individual case stories are a nice addition. I do not have a child with autism so the latter half of the book was not as interesting to me. I do have a young child with allergies and eczema though and my pediatrician recommended the delayed vaccination schedule based on this book since those illnesses are often seen in children with Autism. I would recommend this book.

Buy It
I am pregnant with my first child and concerned about the influence of vaccines on my baby.My husband's family has gluten intolerance, dairy intolerance, Autism, ADHD, and OCD in the genetics.I found this book to be empowering instead of paralyzing like so many others.I think that with Bock's vaccination schedule and advice, I will feel proactive in the prevention of these disorders in my child.

ANSWERS-- NEEDED ANSWERS
I've had severe, nearly debilitating allergies all my life.I have a son with Asperger's and another with allergies and respiratory problems, also exhibiting signs of ADD/ADHD.I come with whiplash from being tossed around the medical system.

This is absolutely the best, most helpful, sanest book I have ever read on Autism, Allergies, ADD/ADHD.I'm finally understanding the causes of the epidemic and the treatment options and why they work for certain kids.His information is well documented and comes from solid research.I recommend this book if you have a child with one of the four A's.I recommend this book if you plan to have children in the near future.

I'm currently petitioning Oprah to have Dr. Bock on her show.If you loved this book too, log onto her site and tell her how much you love it and how it's helped.We need to keep the answers to Autism front and center in the media.

Very Enlightening
Dr Bock offers a common sense explaination for the 4-A's. In reseaching he is not alone in his theory, he is just more advanced.

Great information...would recommend
This was a fantastic read with great info on these epidemics.I am an adult sufferer and found lots of ways to ease my symptoms. ... Read more

Book Description
It's not unusual for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to exhibit challenging behaviors including noncompliance, aggression, and repetitive actions that interfere with daily life.These behaviors, which appear meaningless, unproductive, or even dangerous, can be changed or stopped.

This guide describes functional behavior assessment (FBA), a highly regarded strategy that parents and professionals can use to identify the factors contributing to the problem behavior.As the book explains, children and adults with ASDs are susceptible to unwanted behaviors due to difficulties with communication skills, social skills, and narrow interests.For example, a nonverbal adult engages in head-banging to obtain beads reserved for times when he needs calming; a child with social skills deficits inappropriately seeks attention by hitting classmates; or an adolescent hyperfocused on one tv program irritates everyone by constantly talking about it.An FBA helps to determine what purpose the behavior serves for the individual and the specific circumstances that led to learning the behavior in the first place.Later on, the assessment is used to develop an intervention plan to help the individual unlearn the behavior.

Anyone can learn the basics of FBA.The book's step-by-step explanations, forms, and case studies make it easy for parents and professionals to:

• Decide which challenging behavior to address
• Select members of an FBA team
• Measure behavior
• Gather information from other observers
• Establish a baseline
• Observe a problem behavior
• Test the hypothesis about the function of the behavior
• Begin to plan for an intervention
• Troubleshoot

Customer Reviews (2)

An extensively informative and exceptionally detailed explanation of the conditions autism might cause
Functional Behavior Assessment For People With Autism: Making Sense Of Seemingly Senseless Behavior by Beth A. Glasberg (Consultant for Douglass Outreach at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey) is an informed and informative analysis of the behavior tendencies and habitual pursuits of children with autism. As many sufferers of autism engage in certain behavior which might be cause to others' discrimination of them. Thoroughly accessible for non-specialist general readers with an interest in autism, Functional Behavior Assessment For People With Autism is an extensively informative and exceptionally detailed explanation of the conditions autism might cause, as well as a productive examination of valid and helpful solutions for which it should be given high praise, and is recommended very strongly to teachers and parents of autistic children.

keep it simple
This book is very concise and plainly written. I began working in Special Ed. not so long ago, and found this book full of helpful information and I especially like the "keep it simple" side bars. The first time I had to write up a behavioral analysis,I used this book as a guide, and it made the process so much easier! Recently took a graduate level course in Autism and the practicing instructor felt the book was one that she would add to her reference library also. I used this book as a blueprint for beginning new behavior mod programs with my one-on-one student, and with this guide I was able to decide which behaviors were the best ones to begin on. I continue to use this book for reference, and highly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Children with autism struggle to make friends and navigate social situations.However, one child can make a significant difference in the life of a child with autism by offering compassion, understanding and friendship.

Since We re Friends is about two boys.One has autism, the other does not.The story of their relationship provides practical examples of how to make such a friendship work.It will help children see that their peers with autism can make a fun, genuine contribution to friendship.

From the publisher:
The prevalence of autism has skyrocketed in recent years.One in every 150 children is now living with this pervasive developmental disorder.The handful of autism children s books on the market represents the most severe cases of autism. However, most children with autism are much less severe.These misunderstood children struggle in social situations and have difficulty making friends.Since We re Friends will appeal to family members, friends, teachers, therapists, doctors, neighbors, and anyone who seeks to know and understand more about children with autism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Good teaching tool
As a special educator of students with autism, I found this book to very useful.I envision using this book as a regular addition in my class library.It teaches great lessons about acceptance, friendship, and differences.With additions like this book to a class library, students would be exposed to others like them and those that are different.There needs to be more books like this one that shed positive light on children with autism. Children are naturally accepting of others and this book helps display that acceptance!

Wonderful Resource
It's a wonderful book with amazing illustrations. It's inviting to read and would be great for kids who are in the early stages of reading or as an educational tool for anyone who works with or is friends with a child with autism. I highly recommend it!

Fabulous!
This is a wonderful picture book about how a friendship can work between two friends who are different from each other.It teaches children how they can be helpful, thoughtful, and caring to a child with autism.A great teaching tool to use with school age children who interact with autistic children.The illustrations are beautiful and inviting. The story is well written and definitely will keep the readers attention.

Great Tool for Educational Programs for Autism
I work in K-12 education and recommended this book to a coworker who works with autistic students.She was so excited to use this book with the Peer Buddies Program in grades K-2.

Thanks for providing a much needed resource!

Great idea, great execution
This is a wonderful book, beautifully written and illustrated. It tackles a difficult subject head on and is designed to educate kids about friends, neighbors, or loved ones with autism. A perfect read-aloud book. ... Read more

Book Description
...provides a wealth of practical information for parents professionals, & others concerned with helping such children ... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

The manual you need
If you want to do ABA with your autistic child, get this manual and the book Overcoming Autism - I have read a dozen books and these are the 2 I go back to time and again. I use this manual as a guide, picking a few lessons a week to build upon. Gives you the focus and direction to know what to do with your child.

Classic ABA book a little out of date
Hi I am a BCBA and Autism Intervention author. I think this is a great book on ABA and has been for many years.The reasons behind why the scientfically validated principles of behavior should lead your home program are well explained in detail and the book offers a useful curriculum for those who do not have access to a Board Certified Behavior Analysts to help you.The issue with this book is that it was written with the the best recommendations of the early to mid 90's much has changed and continues to change in ABA.Particularly the inclusion of Skinner's analysis of Verbal Behavior, the importance of Motivating Operations and Natural environment teaching.Some books to consider in addition to this one that will update your program into the 2000's are The Verbal Behavior Approach by Mary Barbara for an introduction to ABA/VB The Verbal Behavior Approach: How to Teach Children With Autism and Related Disordersand for a more complete Teaching Manual on ABA/VB, my book, Educate Toward Recovery by Robert Schramm, MA, BCBA.Educate Toward Recovery: Turning the Tables on Autism

May be the best I have read yet
I have a son who is autistic and he is wonderful with several problems. I think we all need to bear in mind that all children are different and that no two people respond the same.She says so over and over again. She tells you what worked for her.As stated she uses many different techniques in as much as speech therapy, behavorial as well as others.It is a great jumping point told with out all the hard to understand b/s that encompasses so many of these text.However bear in mind that the book is a collaboration with others who has guided her thru her years of dealing with this and like all diseases autism does not define the child but the child itself.I have a lot of respect for her because she has been there and done that. She even had the guts to say this may or may not work but what have you got to lose.Raising any child is a hit and miss game so lets load the bases and try for a grand slam.

great book for step-by-step teaching advice
This is a great book for helping you figure out what to do with a child with autism. It really breaks lessons down and explains how to teach them. This is a great resource for families and professionals.

A GREAT GUIDE TO DO ABA FROM HOME
This book is a very helpful resource for a parent to use to do ABA with their child.It gives clear objectives in every category and tells you how to assess your child's starting point.No need to spend all your $$$ on the professionals when you can teach yourself the same method they use with this book. ... Read more

Product Description
In The Fabric of Autism: Weaving the Threads into a Cogent Theory, Judith Bluestone combines her personal autistic experience with acedemic research and over 40 years of clinical practice to craft a unique and compelling view of the phenomenon called autism. Bluestone's book is both a significant clinical work and a moving memoir that illuminates the humanity beneath the brewildering facade of autism. Infused with rare and hard won insights into the etiology of autistic behaviors, this book weaves the various threads of autism into a sensible theory while simultaneously offering practical tools for strengthening the interactive systems of the body-brain-mind-spirit.The Fabric of Autism takes it's readers on a riveting journey into the world of individuals whoselives are influenced by ASD, most of whom have achieved significant improvements in their communication, general functioning and quality of life with the help of HANDLE- Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency. The Fabric of Autism shows us that compassion, understanding and intuition can co-exisit with neuroscience, as it provides a new view and appreciation of the complex neurological dysfunction labeled autism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

more than just a book
I read the book quite some time ago and don't remember much of the details.All I know is that it convinced me to give the Handle approach a chance - to give my son a chance in life.We are in the fifth month of a Handle program directly under the author Judith Bluestone.
My son has changed so drastically within the last five months.I am very faithful to the exercises because I see the results which include being able to hear and see at the same time, being able to smell, being able to process sequences of sounds, being able to follow more than two commands, being able to use fingers on one hand without the other hand moving, becoming more social etc etc etc(My son is six years old).
The book comes with exercises to try so you can get an idea of what a full Handle program would be like.
I would like to add that my husband has a PhD in physics and works for NASA.He is very research orientated but when it comes to the Handle program, he just says "whatever you are doing, just keep going!"

I'm a total convert to the HANDLE method
I'm a parent with a teenage girl who has autism, so immeditately I was drawn to a woman who wrote about her own experiences with autism.Our family has been through almost everything imaginable, in trying to effectively treat it. I was absolutely at my wits end when a therapist went to a HANDLE training, and called me several times while she was there, to enthusiastically endorse this different approach to treating autism. Let me just say that my husband is highly educated and is a Harvard-trained physician, so he's not one to pay much attention to anecdotal or new-age claims. But he's every bit as convinced as I am, that this holistic method has greatly improved the brain functioning of our autistic daughter. It's helped her to such a degree that we don't even do any other interventions anymore! Reading this book was the eye-opener I needed, then actually meeting Judith in person, and working with her, and being guided by her, was the clincher. This method works, and I think it ought to be part of everyone's treatment program! I think my very favorite thing about HANDLE is that it's based on what is called "Gentle Enhancement." It's respectful of the changes that you're asking the body to do, and in doing so, it's easy, enjoyable, methodical, and best of all, it's improved my husband's and my brain functioning too! After years of frantic, forced interventions that frankly didn't work as well as we had hoped they would, we are now in such a beautiful place with our family. It's been over a year since we first began the exercises, and the change in our family is nothing short of amazing! We're so calm and unusually happy, because of the changes we only saw happen after trying the HANDLE method. I only wish we hadn't waited so long before we finally tried it!

Pseudoscience at its best!
In my opinion, Judith Bluestones "HANDLE" is pseudoscience at its best. Her approach lacks systematic documentation of clinical outcomes in regards to children with autism. The heart-warming anecdotes and testimonials found in "The Fabric of Autism" may seem convincing but try not to be fooled by this "fad" treatment. "HANDLE" demonstrates the classic signs of pseudoscience including high success rates at a rapid pace for a wide range of disorders.Learners with developmental disabilities have the right to treatments with proven documentation on effectiveness. Most of the issues discussed in "The Fabric of Autism", are based on sensory integration therapy, another controversial treatment that lacks objective evidence.There is obviously missing rationales for how this approach works. How are the neural pathways strengthened, how are short-circuits un-shorted, and how does any of this makes a difference? Another aspect that is unclear is in regards to Judith Bluestones expertise in the area of autism. Claims of recovering herself from autism hardly seem plausible.

My "favorite" story in "The Fabric of Autism" is about an autistic and non-verbal girl named Christine. Judith claims that the girl began to speak after a few months of "working" on her feet. Bluestones rational for this miraculous event is that the girl "allowed herself to open to her sensory vulnerabilities in order to be opened to express her sensibilities." Now where is the science in that?

Common Thread
This is an excellent book that helps to emphasize that people on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) continuum have many common threads with their neurotypical (NT) counterparts.I want more books like this.I find that message positive, affirming and very helpful indeed.

Bluestone does a brilliant job of combining a personal account with clinical research.When you get right down to it, all people have some common traits/aspects/behaviors with their a/A counterparts.The common thread is quite strong; it comes through in the beautiful, bright primary colors that make up the a/A enigma puzzle.Bluestone's research does a lot to unravel the enigma by providing logical explanations for sensory issues and behavioral responses to same.

I think this book deserves a place of honor among all professionals, parents and lay people.We all need this book!

For parents, caregivers, and teachers of autistic children
The Fabric Of Autism: Weaving Threads Into A Cogent Theory combines informative clinical work with a moving personal memoir to illustrate and illuminate the humanity that is typically masked by autistic behavior. Advocate, teacher, therapist, lecturer, and author Judith Bluestone (who created the Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency) personally triumphed over the challenges of autism. From an informative introduction to neuroscientific research, to explanations of developmental processes, to a survey of clinical outcomes to identify the probable causes of autism, The Fabric Of Autism is a perfect introduction for parents, caregivers, and teachers of autistic children. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (12)

not comprehensive
This book is ok if you are just beginning to understand aspergers, but it doesn't have the practical advice implied, and it's not as comprehensive as Atwood's books.

My favorite for HFA parents!
I have read several books on ASD and this one was by far the most helpful. Most books are aimed at younger and more severely affected children, so it was so helpful to read detailed information concerning older childre, adolescents, and adults. As both a parent of a PDD-NOS child and an adult with some autistic-spectrum traits myself, I can attest that the information on learning styles and social difficulties is dead-on.

As an aside, I was surprised that the book mentioned nothing about one major problem common to HFA children and adults: a severe difficulty with recognizing faces.

Packed with information, a must read for new diagnosis
Our son's psychologist recommended this book following his Asperger's diagnosis and it has been tremendously useful already.We were able to gain understanding of our son with every chapter and implement new strategies immediately with positive results.This book has so much information in such a tiny space that you can read and re-read this many times and still glean more information.It helps you to understand what Asperger's is, why your child does what s/he does, and most importantly how to work with your child, teachers, and others to make life enjoyable and more functional again.I highly recommend this book to any parent of a newly diagnosed child.When you finish this book, you should read Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin - another fascinating and useful perspective on the ASD world of your child.

Positive Outlook
This book was refreshing in that it focuses on how to use the strengths that ASD children possess in order to work through some of the difficulties they may face.This approach gave me a different way of viewing my son - a little guy with many tools that will help him overcome the challenges that will come his way.

Must read!
This book provides really good insights into children with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. Recommended to me by a school social worker, and I understand why. ... Read more

Book Description
Don't Let Autism Have the Last Word in Your Child's Life.

Perhaps one of the most devastating things you can learn as a parent is that your child has been diagnosed with autism. A multifaceted disorder, autism has long baffled parents and professionals alike. At one time, doctors gave parents virtually no hope for combating the disorder. But in recent years, new treatments and therapies have demonstrated that improvement is possible. With intensive, early intervention, some children have recovered from autism and have been integrated into school, indistinguishable from their peers.

Discover ten things you can do to begin battling your child's autism right now.

See why Applied Behavior Analysis has become parents' treatment of choice, and examine its impressive results.

Get information on cutting-edge biomedical treatments such as secretin and immunotherapy.

Learn how dietary intervention can positively impact your child's behavior.  

Find out what additional therapies can offer - including sensory and auditory integration.

Explore loving ways to keep your family together when your world is torn apart.


Children with autism do have the possibility to improve greatly, and some even overcome the effects of autism, if appropriate therapies are begun early enough. Discover the steps you can take today to begin the fight for your child's future in Facing Autism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (47)

Excellent First-hand Account of a Family's Struggle!
Autism is a mysterious disease. Lynn Hamilton is a mother, devoted to her family and to her Christian faith. She and her husband, Roger, learn their firstborn son, Ryan has autism after several tests and meetings with specialist. Lynn writes about how she blamed herself for being a bad mother but there is the explanation that you're not at fault, there is something wrong with your son, Ryan. The news of autism is both good and bad because Lynn and Roger are not bad parents. They are now determined to conquer autism in their son. While the book is useful with information about autism networks around the country, the book is also supportive, kind, and compassionate. Lynn writes about their ordeal and it serves a purpose to help other families who may not have the resources to get their autistic kids help properly. Today, autism is more than Dustin Hoffman's Oscar-winning role in Rain Man, or Chad Allen's role as the autistic son in St. Elsewhere. Autism is far more complicated and difficult to explain but a mystery as to why it exists. Maybe it always has, we are finally discovering it's existence as to why some people have to follow strict patterns, rituals, or show lack of emotion. People with autism can have fulfilling lives as anybody else. I was surprised by Lynn's constant faith in God through this book. Also, the author is very resourceful on supplying information for parents as well as contacting certain government and public agencies; providing clear definitions regarding terms; and offering possible solutions like changing diets. She writes about hos she changed her son's diet which helped improve his behavior.

great read...
Lots of great info on all of the questions you may ask about Autism. I was encouraged to read "Facing Autism" by another mother, and I would do the same for someone else.

Best Book On Autism I've Ever Found
This is the best book on autism I have ever found. I have autism, so whenever I need to explain anything to someone, I just grab this book. It's a great book to read, whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or psychologist. Parents can especially relate to the book because it's about a couple trying to raise their autistic son from infancy to preteen years.

HOPE FOR AUTISM
THIS IS THE 1ST BOOK I READ AFTER MY GRANDSON WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM. NOW THAT I HAVE FINISHED READING IT, I HAVE A POSITIVE, HOPEFUL SENSE OF DIRECTION TO TAKE WITH THE TREATMENT AND INTERVENTIONS WE NEED TO RECOVER OUR GRANDSON FROM AUTISM. I HIGHLY RECCOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ALL PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF A NEWLY DIAGNOSED CHILD WITH AUTISM.

My first recommendation
When my 5 y.o. was diagnosed PDD-NOS. I was at a complete loss at what that all meant. I picked up this book and it covered pretty much everything I was questioning as well as raising more questions to bring up with all the docs and other people you end up working with for your child. If it wasn't for this book, I would not have been as informed (actually I would have been a complete dolt on the subject) when we started the run around of finding the services neccesary for my son.

Lynn's recommendation of starting a binder of your child's medical history as well as keeping separate sections for each consultant, BSC, TSS, school, etc... Was genius! When I prepared that before our state examination and then had it ready for the intake, the psychologist was surprised and impressed that I had EVERYTHING right there to answer his questions. I was relieved myself as my son was not very cooperative for me to focus on answering questions without that binder.

Overall, this book has become my bible of autism. It may not explain everything in gross detail (it would be way too long, and frankly boring) but it did cover everything that I am able to speak fluently about autism and what it entails all around. My husband who is not a reader is now fluent because the book is an easy read and informative.

Thank you Lynn! It was especially encouraging to see in print the battle for parents to aquire the services that a child with ASD needs and knowing I wasn't the only one with the run around. ... Read more

Book Description
From the award-winning author of Autism Spectrum Disorders, comes Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, a complete guide to the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of preteens and teenagers with autistic disorders, ranging from the relatively mild Asperger's Syndrome to more severe ability impairment. Using clear examples, practical advice, and supportive insights, this book covers:

- Health risks such as seizures and depression
- Treatments, therapies, and teaching strategies
- Teaching skills to cope with puberty, self-care, and social skills
- Teenage emotions, sexuality, appropriate relationships, and dating
- Middle school, high school, and developing an Individual Educational Program
- Preparing for life after high school ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Fills in a lot of gaps
My son is too old for "early intervention" and is definitely on the high functioning end of the continuum, which has made it difficult at time to find resources. So many books (and programs) are geared toward early intervention - which is fantastic - but we're past that point. A good percentage of the rest are geared towards kids not as lucky as mine who face much greater challenges and limitations.

This book deals with issues across the spectrum and functional level continuum specifically in relation with the issues and challenges adolescence poses for both kids and the adults in their lives. It is readable - the language is comfortable, the tone is positive and motivational, the ideas and suggestions are, for the most part, accessible to most people. Maybe a little too much emphasis of self-sacrifice, but that is offset by the chapters on balancing the needs of the family, couple and neurotypical siblings with the affected child.

Recommended highly for parents charting the rapids of adolescence in the lop-sided ASD rowboat.

Craving Information on Adolescents on the Spectrum?
Wow, finally some brave soul has ventured into the never, never land of discussion on this thorny topic - adolescents on the autism spectrum. I am a parent of a child with ASD and a Speech Language Pathologist working with adolescents on the spectrum.Ms. Sicile-Kira has a good start delving into the topic. Like most information I find on ASD these days, it is pitched towards individuals who are very high functioning. That leaves many of us in the dark about the dilemmas our less functional children may face. She touches on some weighty subjects like sex, drugs, and college (forgot the rock and roll!). She does a nice job explaining options for kids who have that many options ahead of them. We are still awaiting information for kids who pass through puberty and do not gain many of the skills Ms. Sicile-Kira discusses. I believe it will be a helpful start for many families and professionals, however, I still think it is time to take my pen in hand and talk about some of the more nitty gritty aspects of parenting more affected kids.

A Treasure trove for Parents of Autistic youngsters
Chantal Sicile-Kira wrote the definitive guide to the Needs of Autistic teenagers. Parents, this treasure trove of thought and action provoking material is a must have to help your youngster grow into an adult you can be proud of.

Detailed and helpful for parents
As a school system employee, I have worked with many students in the past years that fall on the Autism Spectrum.Recent research indicates that 1 in 166 people fall somewhere on the autism spectrum.Such children can be extremely challenging for parents, but parents with the right information can be empowered to help their child improve.This book is an excellent and detailed resource for many of the issues parents face in raising a child on the Autism spectrum.The book begins with a great description of Autism, and is especially useful for parents who are reading their first book on autism.The book moves into more inspirational mode, and discusses the importance of acceptance and a positive attitude in the face of adversity.The book continues with information and strategies on how to cope at the family level (e.g. non-disabled peers relationship with an autistic peer and the challenges for married couples).It also discusses strategies to talk to teens about puberty, the birds and the bees, and proper hygiene. A strength of the book is the detail it goes into.For example, the author discusses strategies in dealing with teens who have sensory issues and don't want to comb their hair, etc...The book also supplies valuable information about transition to high-school and beyond, and future employment.It also educates parents about special education law.I would recommend this book as a great resource for parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Helpful stuff
"Chantal Sicile-Kira has written a book for parents that does not steer them down an agenda-filled path. She has instead selflessly provided readers with their fullest possible options towards the care of their autistic adolescents. Furthermore, she backs her writing up with testimony from many of the world's most notable people diagnosed along the spectrum. A thorough effort. Parents would be well-served to purchase this book." ... Read more

Product Description
Children with autism spectrum disorders are increasingly being educated in inclusive general education classrooms.For optimal results, teachers need to know as much as possible about autism and the teaching methods and modifications that work best for these students.This is a huge undertaking for time-crunched general education teachers, many of whom may never have had a student with autism before.Now teachers can turn to Autism in Your Classroom for the information and guidance they need.

Written by two neuropsychologists with extensive clinical and classroom experience, this new book is a concise, easy-to-read guide developed for primary school teachers (grades K- 6).

Part I provides a complete overview of the types, causes, characteristics, and treatments of autism spectrum disorders.It also explains various secondary characteristics of autism that create challenges for students, such as sensory abnormalities, behavioral issues, and limited social skills and peer interaction.

Part II focuses on the student in the classroom:It covers a variety of strategies to manage learning & behavior, such as:
Modifying classwork & homework;

Helping with language difficulties:

Using visual strategies;

Keeping students focused & organized;

Teaching reading & math;

Using positive reinforcement & rewards;

Handling challenging behavior;

Explaining autism to other students;

Teaching social skills in the classroom;

Balancing the needs of typical and special students.

Part III features two useful case studies.Both stem from the authors' hands-on work and consultation with teachers, students, and parents.The book concludes with an appendix of frequently asked questions about children with autism asked by educators. ... Read more

Book Description
Everyone who seeks a more compassionate and wise life will benefit from this wonderful, insightful, and beautiful book.It is a very short step from understanding autism and the God connection to understanding you and the God Connection.

---Gary Zukav, author of The Seat of the Soul and The Dancing Wu Li Master

"Autism and the God Connection is a compelling, powerful and thought-provoking book. Mr. Stillman describes the discoveries that unfold from conversations that he has with people that have a difficult time with conventional communication. He is able to see, feel and hear people from different perspectives." --Nicki Fischer, executive director, publisher and editor, The Autism Perspective Magazine


Autism impacts one out of every 166 children--ten times higher than just ten years ago. Despite the international scrambling of scientists to provide an explanation, there remains no single known cause for the rise in autism.


Autism and the God Connection views autism through a spiritual prism, unlocking its hidden meaning. Through countless interviews William Stillman documents extraordinary examples of spiritual giftedness.


Autism and the God Connection boldly challenges our traditionally held beliefs about people with disabilities. Readers looking for hope, inspiration and a deeper understanding of their loved ones will appreciate the affirming anecdotes of ordinary families.




... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Not What I Expected
I hope I didn't give up on this book too early but the author seems so self absorbed and his concept of God so vague as to have no real substance.I do believe the less fortunate are gifts from God and provide us a road map and the opportunity to gain eternal happiness.This book didn't provide that insight (at least not quick enough) and got weighed down with the author's own issues that came across to me as whining.

Any reason to pick it up and try again?

Spiritual Capacity
My husband and I were preparing for an 8 hour car trip to attend a Disability Summit in Southern California,put on by an organization called, "Joni and Friends" so that we would know how to get a program started within our church to serve those with disabilities.As I wondered through the public library,I just so happened to come across William Stillman's book, "Autism and the God Connection."
Even though I may not agree with all of the spiritual concepts that are presented in this book, it is a must read for all who come in contact with those who may have Autism, statistics now being one in every 150 people born in the U.S., that would mean we all should read it.Too often, we hear such words as, "afflicted" or "suffering from" and we automatically think of autism as a curse rather than recognize the spiritual gifts that people with autism may actually possess.Interesting concept.And yet would God ever create a human being who could not possess the capacity for a spiritual relationship with Him?That would be contrary to the very nature of our loving God.If people with autism have been given a spirit, then wouldn't it seem reasonable that they too would possess spiritual gifts?
I started out thinking that we are in the process of beginning a program which will minister to the needs of others when in actuality, perhaps we are beginning a program in which others will be ministering to us!
It's about time that we start recognizing that those with disabilities possess the same spiritual capacity as the rest of us, perhaps, in all honesty, due to the fact that many people who have disabilities are not polluted by the materialism of this world, their spiritual capacity is actually much greater.
"As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!"
And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!"
On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable, we treat with special honor."

Read the book and ask that your mind and heart will be enlarged and your spirit opened to the possibility that we are the ones who need to learn to be more spiritually sensitive.

I should have read the Publisher's Weekly summary
I have to say that Publisher's Weekly put it mildly when they called the author's credibility strained by his reliance on anecdotal stories and explanations of telepathy.Let me make this clear, this book is not a reliable resource on autism or any serious aspect of it.It is a collection of superstitious claims used to glorify autism and connect it to a fabricated world.While it may have some use to boost self-esteem of the newly diagnosed, I honestly can't imagine any other reason for a rational person to buy this book.

A God Send
The insight you can receive from reading this book will bring a quiet calm to your life.An absolute MUST READ if you have a child or work with autism and a highly recommend for those who want to understand this increasing "epidemic", like those whose children have classmates with autism.

A spiritual mishmash that touches your heart
When I read on page 11 about the child with Asperger's Syndrome asking God to forgive Osama bin Laden on the night of September 11, 2001, William Stillman had me.The subtitle is informative, as the book is a collection of anecdotes on the spiritual gifts of people with autism.

The purpose of sharing these anecdotes is to encourage the people in the life of a person with autism to presume intellect, to presume spirit, in the same way they presume intellect for someone with cerebral palsy or epilepsy.Some of the recently developed technologies for helping people with autism to communicate (touch keyboards, Facilitated Communication, etc.) make the idea of presuming intellect much more plausible than it used to be.

This is not a science book, as there is no scientific explanation offered for the surge in autism spectrum diagnoses, and no scientific explanation offered for any connection between autism and spiritual gifts.The works of psychics such as Sylvia Browne and John Edwards are used to explain these phenomena, as well as the books of writers on the cusp of science and spirituality like Raymond Moody and Dean Hamer.If you're not into these kinds of writings, you may not like this book.

But in the middle of all my harumphing, Stillman had me again on page 167, with the story of Elena, a girl with low-functioning autism, who opens the hearts of people with her actions.

Michael, a young man with autism, puts the exclamation point at the end of the book when he writes, "Suffering is God's way of freeing the soul."

I grasp that this book has been a great comfort to individuals with autism, and to the families and caregivers of people with autism.

The reason I don't give this book five stars is because Stillman references a number of different spiritual traditions (New Age, Christian, Hindu), and doesn't see any differences or inconsistencies between them.

... Read more

Book Description

All children with autism have ways of dropping into their own world, leaving us behind for a minute, and hour, a day.

This is the essence of autism: a disorder that is, at its heart, about interaction.Many of the symptoms associated with autism come from either a lack of paying attention to other people or a lack of interest in joining in with the rest of the world.

Because this is the case, it is important that when you work with your child, you are addressing the core issue of autism:your child, for one reason or another, is not spending enough time in our interactive world.

What You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Child with Autism gives you the best techniques you can do – right now – to work with your child and draw him or her back into our interactive world.

The ten techniques in the book are not just explained in detail, they are also illustrated by true stories of Mr. Levys work with children with autism (and their parents).

Topics include:

Dont React:How you respond to your childs behaviors can make all the difference.Learn why most people are ineffective in discouraging their childs problem behaviors and how you can do it differently.

Make Eye Contact a Priority: Understand why eye contact is vital to your childs development and easy steps you can take to help your child to look more.

Join with the Stims:A different and powerful approach to your childs self stimulating and repetitious behaviors.

Respond Differently to Crying: Most of us give children great reasons to cry and act unhappy.Learn to teach your child a more effective way to communicate with you and the rest of the world.

Give Your Child as much Control as Possible:Most children with autism are told No much of the time by their parents, teachers, and family members.Make interacting with people more attractive to your child by allowing him to do more of what he wants and moving against him less.

Focus on Your Attitude:A hidden factor in your childs development is how you feel as you work with her.Learn why this is the case and how to feel better, more of the time.

Work One-On-One in a Non-Distracting Room:Why school isnt the best place for your child to develop and grow.Understand the three main factors in a successful educational environment.

Be Dynamic with Your Child: Enthusiasm matters to your childs growth.Learn the three tools you can use to demonstrate energy, excitement, and enthusiasm.

Get More Language: There are three categories of language ability, which does your child fit into?Master techniques that will enable your child to improve her speech, whatever her current level.

Make Sure Food Isnt Part of the Problem:An explanation of dairy and wheat intolerances, and why sugar isnt helping your child.Also, how to introduce new foods so he actually eats them.


When parents feel their world spinning out of control, What You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Child with Autism puts the power back in their hands to work with--and help--their child.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Fantastic!!!! The one books I've been looking for!!!
This book is fantastic!! I wish I had found it a long time ago! This book gives you tips on what you can do now with your child! And it's all very easy to understand and easy things you can do! Such as:

1. Don't react
2. Make eye contact a priority
3. Join with the stims
4. Respond differently to the crying
5. Give your child as much control as possible
6. Focus on your attitude
7. Work one on one in a non distracting room
8. Be dynamic with your child.
9 Get more Lanquage
10. Make sure food isn't part of the problem.

It explains each one in easy detail. I finally feel like I can do something to help!

Autism -knowledgeable and experienced?
Mr. Levy's book is a disservice to the countless families looking for information to assist them in helping their autistic children. The suggestions made in this book are rudimentary at best, simplistic, and stem from a lack of understanding of basic child development and disordered speech, language, and cognitive development. Indeed a child who is diagnosed as Autistic or PDD ought to begin receiving intervention with licensed and competant interventionists, those with backgrounds in child development, those who have trained extensively. In fact such programs are sponsored by individual states in the USA-it is called Early Intervention, and therapists will come into a child's home until the age of three several times a week to work with a family at no cost to the parents. In stark contrast to Mr. Levy- a self proclaimed "professional", who will come to a family's home and spend three days with a child and charge their parents thousands of dollars (according to Levy's website). In fact it was an Early Intervention parent who first inroduced me to Mr. Levy's book, saying that a friend had mentioned it to her. I was sorry to report to her that I found the book to be of little to no value. Perhaps this is because Mr. Levy has no degree in a related field, he cites no data to support any of his views nor to support the efficacy of his work. Yet, he is quick to assert that schools are bad-although he implies that he has never worked nor even visited a school or Early Intervention center....His book is replete with non-substantiated criticisms of parents as well as of professional's tactics, as well as descriptions of his own often silly and simplistic ideas for setting up an autism program. He would be better off leaving such work to those who are truly licensed and trained in such areas.

fantastic book
This is a great book.We have already used several ideas in the book and found them to be exciting.

a great start
After reading this book I am ordering twenty: for all the people who work with my daughter, all our family and everyone I know who has an autistic child! It explains so much better than I ever could just how to reach her!

It is a one night read, very commonsense and straightforward. Others may find it "out there". I can vouch that it's tried and tested and beyond "not doing harm" I think it may just be pretty darned helpful!! You get the feeling that there's more Jonathon Levy is not saying. Clearly it's YEARS of experience condensed drastically. I think the idea is, try it and wait and see (do this with an open mind! As if anything will work if you're waiting for it to crash and burn!)then if you like what you see get back online and look up the books that started the Son-Rise program (Son-Rise, A Miracle To Believe In etc by Barry Neil Kaufman).

What I will suggest is this: READ IT! It's not expensive and it may turn you upside down on how you deal with your autistic loved one. Upside down isn't a bad thing: IF YOU ALWAYS DO WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE YOU'LL ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS GOT. But if there's more... like an enriched relationship, a deepened appreciation... are you willing to give it a shot, try something new, and move out of your comfort zone to get it?

Advice to empower parents and caregivers...Fantastic!!!
Levy lays out 10 straight forward techniques to help those with Autism Spectrum Dis