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Children with High-Functioning Autism: A Parent's Guide
Children With High-Functioning A Parent's Guide offers parents the information needed to help them cope with their child's autism and to navigate the path as they first perceive differences, seek assistance and treatment, and help their child develop into his or her full potential.
Including examples of the author's own experiences with her child with autism, this book helps families realize that there are others on similar pathsand help is available. With topics ranging from understanding the first signs of autism and the diagnosis, finding a support network and filling out necessary paperwork, to determining the various types of therapies available and planning for adulthood, this book provides parents valuable insight into this new world.
With an emphasis on high-functioning autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, and Asperger's syndrome, Children With High-Functioning A Parent's Guide helps parents learn to celebrate small areas of growth and keep the focus on the child.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2010
36 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 17, 2010
I loved this book! It was written by a mother whose daughter has high functioning Autism. I feel that I could have written every word myself. She focuses on HFA (including pdd-nos and aspergers) b/c sometimes there isn't as much support out there for children and families dealing with this diagnosis. She really hit on some things that ring true in my life, particularly having a diagnosis, but not feeling like you have the support. You don't want to go to support group meetings b/c you will be the parent with a HF child, and shouldn't be complaining. Or having people just look at your child as "bad" or as you as an unfit parent who just needs to learn how to discipline. It was great to know that those of us with HF kids DO have a lot of challenges, sometimes great ones, and that we are not alone.
The author gives a lot of tips on helping the HF child, and I was happy to see that we already do some of them! It's always nice knowing you aren't doing everything wrong!
I think this is a great read for those with kids who are on the high end of the spectrum and for those who work with them. If my child's teacher would read this book I think things would go a lot smoother for us...but that's a whole other can of worms.
The author gives a lot of tips on helping the HF child, and I was happy to see that we already do some of them! It's always nice knowing you aren't doing everything wrong!
I think this is a great read for those with kids who are on the high end of the spectrum and for those who work with them. If my child's teacher would read this book I think things would go a lot smoother for us...but that's a whole other can of worms.
May 24, 2024
I love her perspective both as a special education professor and a parent. I also love choosing to see autism's gifts instead of focusing on only the challenges.
September 1, 2014
I'll admit, after working as a one-to-one aide for a kiddo with autism, then as a teacher's assistant in another integrated classroom, and having THEN walked through the Early Intervention process and eventual diagnosis of my own child with "mild to moderate autism" (because apparently with tthe changes to the DSMM, we no longer use labels like "Asperger's," "PDD-NOS," "high-functioning," and "low-functioning"), nothing in this boom really felt new to me. There were several good reminders, though, and at least now I have a book that I can recommend to other parents who might be a little newer to all of this.
I really like that she offered up both the viewpoints of families who seek to "cure" autism from a biomed/disease-caused perspective, as well as the viewpoint of families who feel strongly that there is nothing to "cure," just something to accept. I have seen parents arguing vehemently from both sides of this issue, and it was refreshing to see her find a balance between the two - accepting her children ffor who they are, yes, but stilm working to develop their strengths and battle any underlying physiological issues in an effort to build their health.
It was also refreshing to see her take on vaccines. While she and I have made different decisions (or so it would seem, from what she says), she at least acknowledges that, yes, there ARE children who are at different places in physical development, for whom the current vaccine schedule and vaccine adjuvants may not be safe. It sounds llike she has chosen to fully vaccinate despite this, and that she believes other parents should, too, but it was nice to hear someone taking that position. who will also admit that she thinks we need to clean up vaccine ingredients, reconsider tthe schedule, and work to identify the children whose immune systems ARE at risk.
She spends more time dwelling on ABA than on SonRise, in her discussions of different therapies, which was disappointing, but she also readily admits some of ABA's failings and notes that SonRise was just not a therapy they knew about and/or had the opportunity to invest in at that point in time. I did ABA when I was a one-to-one aide, and while I don't see myself enlisting my son in an ABA program OR going off to a training I. another state for several days to truly "learn" the SonRise method, I round it very educational to read the book on the SonRise method, as it gave me some new perspectives and tools to use in our lives on a day-to-day basis. So even if you don't have the eextra money lying g around (and really, what autism parent does?) to partake in the training, I recommend picking up that book anyway.
So. I guess thay's my review. ;) Read this, but also read the SonRise book by Raun whats-his-name. Kaufman? Oh, and Raising a Sensory Smart Child. That's another good one. Can that be the Autism Trifecta of recommended reading? ;)
I really like that she offered up both the viewpoints of families who seek to "cure" autism from a biomed/disease-caused perspective, as well as the viewpoint of families who feel strongly that there is nothing to "cure," just something to accept. I have seen parents arguing vehemently from both sides of this issue, and it was refreshing to see her find a balance between the two - accepting her children ffor who they are, yes, but stilm working to develop their strengths and battle any underlying physiological issues in an effort to build their health.
It was also refreshing to see her take on vaccines. While she and I have made different decisions (or so it would seem, from what she says), she at least acknowledges that, yes, there ARE children who are at different places in physical development, for whom the current vaccine schedule and vaccine adjuvants may not be safe. It sounds llike she has chosen to fully vaccinate despite this, and that she believes other parents should, too, but it was nice to hear someone taking that position. who will also admit that she thinks we need to clean up vaccine ingredients, reconsider tthe schedule, and work to identify the children whose immune systems ARE at risk.
She spends more time dwelling on ABA than on SonRise, in her discussions of different therapies, which was disappointing, but she also readily admits some of ABA's failings and notes that SonRise was just not a therapy they knew about and/or had the opportunity to invest in at that point in time. I did ABA when I was a one-to-one aide, and while I don't see myself enlisting my son in an ABA program OR going off to a training I. another state for several days to truly "learn" the SonRise method, I round it very educational to read the book on the SonRise method, as it gave me some new perspectives and tools to use in our lives on a day-to-day basis. So even if you don't have the eextra money lying g around (and really, what autism parent does?) to partake in the training, I recommend picking up that book anyway.
So. I guess thay's my review. ;) Read this, but also read the SonRise book by Raun whats-his-name. Kaufman? Oh, and Raising a Sensory Smart Child. That's another good one. Can that be the Autism Trifecta of recommended reading? ;)
January 16, 2011
This book is a fantastic resource for families, loved ones, friends and teachers of children with HFA. Great info for families of newly diagnosed children and very helpful to the more HFA familiar. Has some good school strategies, life skills tips. I'm not a frivolous buyer of books, but I am buying this one.
June 17, 2019
Including examples of the author's own experiences with her child with autism, this book helps families realize that there are others on similar paths--and help is available. With topics ranging from understanding the first signs of autism and the diagnosis, finding a support network and filling out necessary paperwork, to determining the various types of therapies available and planning for adulthood, this book provides parents valuable insight into this new world.
With an emphasis on high-functioning autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, and Asperger's syndrome, Children With High-Functioning Autism: A Parent's Guide helps parents learn to celebrate small areas of growth and keep the focus on the child.
Heather's Notes
I gave this book a four not because it was a fun read, but because it took a hard topic, and made it understandable. It gave important information without making the reader feel like you had to be a medical professional to understand it. I felt like it gave me a lot of useful information, without being judgmental or telling which ones to use.
With an emphasis on high-functioning autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, and Asperger's syndrome, Children With High-Functioning Autism: A Parent's Guide helps parents learn to celebrate small areas of growth and keep the focus on the child.
Heather's Notes
I gave this book a four not because it was a fun read, but because it took a hard topic, and made it understandable. It gave important information without making the reader feel like you had to be a medical professional to understand it. I felt like it gave me a lot of useful information, without being judgmental or telling which ones to use.
November 25, 2025
very informative. Gives ways to help your doctor understand the issues you are dealing with and that your child isn't just unsocialized or spoilt. A much needed supportive book this week.
August 24, 2012
If you even vaguely suspect that your child may have an autism disorder, READ THIS BOOK! It is absolutely fantastic. It is so well written and engaging, but more than that, it's informative and helpful.
My son has Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, or PDD-NOS. He was diagnosed in October 2011 and we have struggled with him since he was born in 2008. I have never read a parenting book that describes him or that has ideas that I could use to help him, discipline, or engage him. This is the book. The more I read, the more I found myself going "yes! that is my child! Someone else understands!" I could not believe it. This book will change your life. If you are struggling with your ASD child, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I loved this book and plan on re-reading it immediately, but I want to share my current favorite part. Kids with ASD are often given to repeating phrases and questions - either repeating the question back to you, or answer the question with a phrase from a movie/book/person they've heard talking. This has a real name. It's called "echolalia." My son was 3.5 before he answered questions rather than repeating them back to us word for word. I had no idea that other kids did this. I almost cried when I read about it. Maybe my child is not normal compared to other children, but compared to other children with ASD, he's par for the course.
Thank you, Claire Hughes-Lynch. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
My son has Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, or PDD-NOS. He was diagnosed in October 2011 and we have struggled with him since he was born in 2008. I have never read a parenting book that describes him or that has ideas that I could use to help him, discipline, or engage him. This is the book. The more I read, the more I found myself going "yes! that is my child! Someone else understands!" I could not believe it. This book will change your life. If you are struggling with your ASD child, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I loved this book and plan on re-reading it immediately, but I want to share my current favorite part. Kids with ASD are often given to repeating phrases and questions - either repeating the question back to you, or answer the question with a phrase from a movie/book/person they've heard talking. This has a real name. It's called "echolalia." My son was 3.5 before he answered questions rather than repeating them back to us word for word. I had no idea that other kids did this. I almost cried when I read about it. Maybe my child is not normal compared to other children, but compared to other children with ASD, he's par for the course.
Thank you, Claire Hughes-Lynch. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
January 12, 2013
This book was fantastic, the author is a highly qualified special/gifted education teacher who is honest enough to confess that she did not know how to deal with not just a daughter with high functioning autism but a son with many of the same traits and other difficulties of his own.
The book is interesting, insightful and easy to read. It provides a lot of information in anything but a dry fashion, the fact that this woman could bring humour into such difficult situations was amazing to me.
The book is interesting, insightful and easy to read. It provides a lot of information in anything but a dry fashion, the fact that this woman could bring humour into such difficult situations was amazing to me.
April 24, 2014
MUST READ!!! I could write a book just about all the "aha" moments and dejavu I had. Kids with HFA are so neglected by the school systems and insurance etc. I am just angry but mostly sad. My son is amazing. He can be amazingly perfect when he plays baseball or when I sit outside bathroom just to hear him sing! But hr can be amazingly difficult, stubborn little thing too. This book has already given me real advice I can use NOW.
April 17, 2014
The book started out with some decent information but I felt like there was a TON of author bias, especially considering how much she threw her own opinion in on just about everything she discussed. Further, whoever edited this book was an idiot not very knowledgeable. All in all I would recommend it as ancillary material if someone wants to learn more about ASD and more specifically, high-functioning autism.
January 12, 2015
This book would be good to give to someone who is working with your child who has little knowledge of autism, or little understanding of the nuances of the high functioning end of the spectrum. If you are a parent who has done a lot of your own research, this book does not offer a lot of information that will be new or insightful for you.
September 15, 2019
Great insight for family!
This book completely answered so many questions I had about high functioning autism. The personal stories, recommendations and explanations from this wonderful parent and teacher gave me the insight I was looking for.
This book completely answered so many questions I had about high functioning autism. The personal stories, recommendations and explanations from this wonderful parent and teacher gave me the insight I was looking for.
June 10, 2011
I read this book and, at times, felt like she had been watching in on my life!
Read
September 24, 2013wonderfully insightful
July 18, 2013
Very helpful, and insightful since she is both a professional and a parent.
Read
November 24, 2018This is one of the best books that I've read so far for our situation. A lot of the autism books have depressed me by discussing worst case scenarios but this book laid out various options and therapies realistically.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews