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Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum: 101 Inspirational Stories for Parents of Children with Autism and Asperger's
With its 101 stories from other parents and experts, this book will comfort, encourage, and uplift parents of children with autism and Asperger’s.If you are the parent of a child – from newborn to college age – with autism or Asperger’s, you will find support, advice, and insight in these 101 stories from other parents and experts. Stories cover everything from the serious side and the challenges, to the lighter side and the positives, of having a special child on the autism spectrum.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2013
29 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 27, 2013
I am the mom of four special needs children - varying special needs and many of these stories are just as applicable to those relationships. One of our kids is on the spectrum and his challenges are definitely unique. We often feel like no one understands the challenges we must deal with. We feel isolated and sometimes challenged to the brink of what we can handle. This book is "so totally awesome". It provides renewed hope and strength to continue. I definitely could not put this book down. As soon as I heard about it, I requested it. I could not wait! I absolutely recommend this book for anyone who has a child on the spectrum or who works with children on the spectrum. The staff at my son's school is awesome but I am going to get them each this book. It can only enhance their understanding of the children and the emotions involved in raising them. Although parenting does not come with a rule book - this an awesome tool for any parent of a child on the spectrum.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2016
Wow. Just wow. The stories in this book are so inspirational and give so much hope. You can't help but smile and feel understood all throughout this book. It reminds you constantly to have patience, know that the reward at the end is worth any hardship, and to not just enjoy, but bask in those great moments when all is right. Although you cannot relate to what every parent goes through, you can truly relate to the love that parent has that sustains them and keeps them going. I learned more than a few lessons from reading others' stories, like honing what your child is obsessed with (WATERRRRRRR) into an advantage, being your child's biggest advocate and trusting your mommy intuitions, and not being so quick to judge the people you assume are judging you. So glad I read this book. Thank you Lisa for recommending it!!!
June 25, 2013
Took the book into the bath, my treat after a day at work - hot bath, book, no one to disturb me for 10 minutes or so. But I became increasingly frustrated. Story after story of high-functioning or Asperger's children. Stories of wonderful mothers who gave up their jobs to do extension exercises with their child, or about the therapies and programmes that have led to their child being only a little bit autistic now. So I skim each story, refusing to read them after the words Asperger's or ABA. My lovely bath is not soundproof, and I can hear my autistic child as he repeats phrases from the Wiggles (he's 10) and drops plastic coins onto a beanbag repetitively.
But by page 76 we had the first story about someone with a child a bit more like mine. Logically I know that it would be really hard for parents of high functioning kids, who can talk and do so many things but may be bullied, or friendless, or lacking in social skills while they are intellectually bright. But when I'm wiping my ten year olds bum, or cutting his food, or avoiding eye contact with people in the supermarket who will be surreptitiously staring at him jumping up and down and demanding I pant like a dog, well, I feel sorriest for myself.
So from page 76 onwards, where I started to encounter stories of low functioning, barely or non verbal children who hadn't been cured by therapies, then I
Liked the book more. Every parent wants the best for their child, wants them to be safe and happy, and not judged, and that's the message that shines out from this book - once I gave it a chance
But by page 76 we had the first story about someone with a child a bit more like mine. Logically I know that it would be really hard for parents of high functioning kids, who can talk and do so many things but may be bullied, or friendless, or lacking in social skills while they are intellectually bright. But when I'm wiping my ten year olds bum, or cutting his food, or avoiding eye contact with people in the supermarket who will be surreptitiously staring at him jumping up and down and demanding I pant like a dog, well, I feel sorriest for myself.
So from page 76 onwards, where I started to encounter stories of low functioning, barely or non verbal children who hadn't been cured by therapies, then I
Liked the book more. Every parent wants the best for their child, wants them to be safe and happy, and not judged, and that's the message that shines out from this book - once I gave it a chance
March 7, 2023
I think everyone should read this book. It would make us all kinder and more supportive of families who have special kids.
November 11, 2014
This is the just what I needed for Mother's Day Weekend... stories to assure me I am not alone in this "Mama of a child with autism" World. Yes, every single child with ASD is different but also, yes, every single mom of a child with ASD is the same. We all worry for our special child non stop & we love them to the point that words cannot express. This book is a balm for the soul that the hope we have is a hope others have as well. And that our family is just another loving family with quirks who will make a difference in this world.
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June 20, 2013Not an unbiased review. Includes my own story, "We Love Vermont."
I really enjoyed this book and appreciated that it wasn't all about the toddler years or about all happy, positive things. The stories are not afraid to show the dark sides of parenting an autistic child, but at the same time the overall message is one of hope.
I really enjoyed this book and appreciated that it wasn't all about the toddler years or about all happy, positive things. The stories are not afraid to show the dark sides of parenting an autistic child, but at the same time the overall message is one of hope.
April 2, 2013
Wonderful real life stories of autism to share hope and encourage.
May 28, 2013
Another amazing book from Chicken Soup. As I've said on my other reviews for Chicken Soup, I'm a huge fan. This book brought tears to my eyes. I have two children. At times I think, "Wow this is tough." Boy did I have an eye opener for sure after reading these stories.
I was one of those people who would see a child with a special needs and I had sadness for both the child and the parent. I thought, "This parent has a long road ahead of them," but in most cases they don’t want the sympathy. To this parent with a special needs child this is normal life. They do what they can and what is best at the moment. Living day to day and in one part of the book there was a mother who stated, "Don’t all children have "Special" needs? Some need a night light, some need speech therapy, some need encouragement some need a pat on the back, some need wheel chairs, some need help with homework. How true and right on the button was she. That really touched me in a big way.
This book made me also see a bit clearer on lots of different situations. To be honest I don’t have just one favorite story, I loved them all. This was very inspirational for me.
http://www.justusgirlsblog.com/2013/0...
I was one of those people who would see a child with a special needs and I had sadness for both the child and the parent. I thought, "This parent has a long road ahead of them," but in most cases they don’t want the sympathy. To this parent with a special needs child this is normal life. They do what they can and what is best at the moment. Living day to day and in one part of the book there was a mother who stated, "Don’t all children have "Special" needs? Some need a night light, some need speech therapy, some need encouragement some need a pat on the back, some need wheel chairs, some need help with homework. How true and right on the button was she. That really touched me in a big way.
This book made me also see a bit clearer on lots of different situations. To be honest I don’t have just one favorite story, I loved them all. This was very inspirational for me.
http://www.justusgirlsblog.com/2013/0...
August 1, 2015
My son is Autistic. My best friend bought me this book for a birthday present and I love it so much. I love all of the stories in the book and found myself drawing strength from each and every one. Even If my situation didn't mirror every story the book was still completely relatable. I would recommend it for anyone raising a child on the spectrum or to anyone who'd like any insight into the world of these awesome kids.
February 17, 2018
This book is cool for me because I have Aspergers Syndrome and I can look back as I read these stories and think about how my parents and I can relate to so many of the experiences that the people in this book have had.
May 25, 2013
An amazing compilation of stories. Although the book was written for the parents of these exceptional children, I found it to be a resource for those of us who need to be educated in their needs.
September 3, 2013
Reading this book brought frequent tears and moments of quiet consideration. I cheered along with their successes, however small or large, as children and as parents of children on the spectrum.
June 19, 2014
A bit too upbeat for daily reality with folks that have kids on the spectrum. Some of the authors told me publisher would not print initial stories because they were too "depressing." Still useful.
July 1, 2013
I wish there were more stories from parents whose children are low functioning.
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November 6, 2013Interesting book. It was great to hear so many different Mom's perspectives!
December 27, 2019
Having two sons on the spectrum, it is nice to get different perspectives and how other parents deal and find joy with their wonderful children.
October 11, 2020
Out of all my researching, when I found out my son has Aspergers Syndrome, this absolutely precious read gave me more insight than any of the medical ones. I totally recommend it!
May 13, 2013
When it comes to ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, the key word that strikes me is spectrum. Such a huge range of stories and experiences! The Chicken Soup series is designed to be inspirational and uplifting, so it is no surprise that while many of the stories include pain, frustration, grief, and challenges, they tend to end in a positive way.
I’m a “neuro-typical” mother, with an adult son who is also neuro-typical. However, there are ASD kids and parents of ASD kids, all around me, including four of my blog and Twitter friends who have stories in this anthology. My son has an adult half-brother on the spectrum, and my son talks with love, even excitement, about someday becoming his brother’s literal “keeper,” since it is unlikely his brother will ever be able to live on his own.
While many of the heartwarming stories were things most parents could relate to, clearly, raising a child on the spectrum brings with it many special challenges as well as rewards. I applaud the parents, siblings, teachers, and others who have a beloved family member on the spectrum, who focus on the silver linings instead of the dark clouds.
Still, I cannot help but be troubled by a) the growing percentage of the population with these disorders, and b) the support system that isn’t, really - great in some places, almost totally missing in others. While with therapy and assistance many children on the spectrum grow up to be independent, self-sufficient adults who are a HUGE asset to their communities, others will never be able to live independently - and then what? Since parents generally die before their children, and grow infirm sometime before that, what are we planning to DO with these people? They don’t all have siblings or other relatives willing and able to bring them into their homes. This is something we as a society need to think about, talk about, and plan for, sooner, rather than later.
I think for parents, siblings, teachers, and others with an ASD family member, this book will be a treasured “We Are Not Alone” collection of stories that will be read and reread. As someone touched by ASD in a less direct way, I still enjoyed the anthology, and hope many others will pick it up for a deeper understanding of these men, women, and children on the spectrum who are part of our world.
I’m a “neuro-typical” mother, with an adult son who is also neuro-typical. However, there are ASD kids and parents of ASD kids, all around me, including four of my blog and Twitter friends who have stories in this anthology. My son has an adult half-brother on the spectrum, and my son talks with love, even excitement, about someday becoming his brother’s literal “keeper,” since it is unlikely his brother will ever be able to live on his own.
While many of the heartwarming stories were things most parents could relate to, clearly, raising a child on the spectrum brings with it many special challenges as well as rewards. I applaud the parents, siblings, teachers, and others who have a beloved family member on the spectrum, who focus on the silver linings instead of the dark clouds.
Still, I cannot help but be troubled by a) the growing percentage of the population with these disorders, and b) the support system that isn’t, really - great in some places, almost totally missing in others. While with therapy and assistance many children on the spectrum grow up to be independent, self-sufficient adults who are a HUGE asset to their communities, others will never be able to live independently - and then what? Since parents generally die before their children, and grow infirm sometime before that, what are we planning to DO with these people? They don’t all have siblings or other relatives willing and able to bring them into their homes. This is something we as a society need to think about, talk about, and plan for, sooner, rather than later.
I think for parents, siblings, teachers, and others with an ASD family member, this book will be a treasured “We Are Not Alone” collection of stories that will be read and reread. As someone touched by ASD in a less direct way, I still enjoyed the anthology, and hope many others will pick it up for a deeper understanding of these men, women, and children on the spectrum who are part of our world.
February 11, 2015
This book isn't just for parents of children with autism. I think it lends itself to anyone who wants to have a better understanding of the wide spectrum of autism. Several stories touched on the attitude of strangers toward their autistic child's behaviors when out in public...autism aside, no parent wants pity, scorn or unwanted advise from onlookers yet some people react this way when they see a child with behaviors they don't understand. It's helpful for us all to remember not to judge others--we just never know someone's situation. This book was inspirational to me and I don't have a child with this spectrum! There are some amazing parents and kids in this book and it's worth a read!
August 17, 2016
Great book for anyone with an assortment of short stories.
March 7, 2018
Loved this book. Even though i knew we weren't alone in this Autism world. This really made me empower the Autism world even more so than i do. I dont think there wasn't one story we couldn't relate too. Interesting there were various times i would almost feel like i had wrote some of these, because my child has done this or that or has said this or that. Great book Must read!
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March 17, 2019I love this book
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews