I’ve come across a terrific book for parents of children on the autism spectrum, or kids with Aspergers. I wish my parents had it when I was growing up! But as you’ve undoubtedly read in my book Unforgiving, Memoir of An Asperger Teen, in those days no such guide existed.
Today’s parents have a huge advantage in raising children on the spectrum. There are many resources available now, and one of them is this book whcih combines the expertise of three PhD’s, Ozonoff, Dawson and McPartland, A Parent’s Guide to High Functioning Autism Disorder–How to Meet the Challenge & Help Your Child Thrive is informative to say the very least.
Published in 2013, the book discusses research and developments including significant changes from the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM-4) and the current diagnostic manual–DSM 5. The authors specifically address how these differences may relate to your child’s diagnosis.
The book is divided into two sections: Understanding High Functioning Autism Syndrome Disorder (A.S.D.)which includes history and diagnostic and research approaches, and Living With High Functioning A.S.D.
Both sections contain significant information on the syndrome itself as well as its various implications on the life of a child and their family.
While the book is obviously directed at the lay person, I would not say it is light reading. Wisely, the authors use anecdotes from recent case histories to illustrate the application of much of the information. These anecdotes along with some more personal notes make the book very readable.
The reference section alone, 15 pages of book titles, CDs and Websites is worth the price of the book.
All in all, its a great resource and I heartily recommend it for reference purposes. Look for it in the bookstore, or in your local library.
Yours truly,
Margaret Jean.
Margaret Jean 