What You Can Do Right Now to Help Your Child with Autism

by Jonathan Levy

"All children with autism have ways of dropping into their own world, leaving us behind for a minute, an hour, a day." This is the essence of 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 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. Levy's work with children with autism (and their parents). Topics 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.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Parenting

177 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Melissa Friedman Hillhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did like this book. Found it to be pretty informative. I think if you have an Autistic person/child in your life, read it. I didn't agree with their idea if not using pictures. I personally saw success with it. And it was a good platform to achieve some of the goals in this book. Not to mention a lot of Autistic people see in pictures.

And I didn't agree with there not wanting to teach "please and thank you" I personally don't think it has anything to do with molding a non-normal child to be normal. I think Autistic people are capable of learning some manners. But I still like this book a lot. And I think this is a great book for people being introduced into the world of Autism.

[Brigid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great resource, though I'm undecided if I prefer to have found it now or wish I'd found it earlier. The part about dealing with Stims was particularly helpful, but I had to keep reminding myself that every child is different (because a lot of it either didn't apply to my son or we've already passed that stage). I didn't really agree with him about schooling, but I completely see where he's coming from and had to remind myself that I'm really lucky with a lot of what we have in place for my son; that chapter did make me greatly appreciate the support staff we have in my son's life and the quality of education and support he's getting at his school even more than I already do.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best things about this book is that the author didn't write a tome; instead, realizing parents of children with autism are already overwhelmed and, frankly, short on time, he opted to write a quick, scannable book with real world examples.

Much of the philosophy in the book is grounded in the Son Rise (ACTA) philosophy of autism treatment and, as such, may put off some who don't agree with the philosophy. However, I found many of the tips useful whether or not one agrees in total with the Son Rise methods.

I can say that any parent of a younger child with autism will find valuable and easy-to-understand recommendations in this book.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. My son doesn't have autism; he has sensory integration issues, but many of Levy's points were quite relevant, and reinforced some of our more successful attempts to help our son. I appreciated that his suggestions were attainable--you don't have to jump through hoops to carry them out. They truly are things you can work on right now. Levy also throws in a lot of humor and encouragement, and has a realistic and reasonable expectation of what harried parents can attempt.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most difficult aspects of having your child diagnosed with autism is the feeling of not knowing how you can start helping him. It all seems pretty overwhelming. This book only took one evening to read, but gave me ideas for a number of small practices I could impliment into my daily life with my child that may help him. I appreciated that this book made me feel a little less helpless.

[Carla Duplechin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a teacher and I really enjoyed this book! Great for anyone who works with or has an autistic child!

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. I've really used the ideas in this book. Made me a better parent to my child on the spectrum.