Parenting without Panic: A Pocket Support Group for Parents of Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum

by Brenda Dater

Ever wish that parenting a child or teen on the autism spectrum came with instant access to a support group? Brenda Dater has provided parents with exactly that. In this book she draws on her extensive experience as a support group leader and parent of a child on the spectrum to offer trusted advice and tried-and-tested solutions to parents' top concerns, all in an accessible and easy-to-read format. Filled with the voices of other parents in the same situation, the book covers everything from the first steps to take after diagnosis, to advocacy and disclosure, behavior, building independence and resilience, making friends, holidays and vacations, homework, supporting siblings, how to garner support from extended family and friends, and how parents can look after their own wellbeing. This book extends the vital lifeline of a support group to parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum everywhere.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Parenting

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate Brenda Dater's approach to life with a child with special needs...don't need to fix them, just love and live with them.

[Leigh Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nuts and bolts for minor jolts.

And major ones, too, but Dater's overall attitude is, "Sometimes there will be bumps in the road. Here's how to handle them." An expert in the field who also parents children with Asperger's, Dater knows firsthand how it feels to want to love and support your kid, but not know exactly how. Topics include vacations and holidays, sibling relationships, well-meaning friends and relatives who say things that drive you bonkers, making friends (parents AND children), and good self-care (parents). Each chapter gives examples of the specific conflict, either from Dater's personal experience or from anecdotes shared by other parents who have been there. Dater then outlines specific strategies, including things you can say and questions you can ask, to redirect challenging situations and channel them into more productive waters.

I really liked the sections on how to explain the child's diagnosis, both to him/her and to other family members and friends. Dater also emphasizes talking about what things your child will need to succeed in a given situation, and how other people can help provide them. The tone throughout is positive and practical without being chirpy, and this book will be of most use to people who are new to the diagnosis and don't know where to start handling all the new situations that have entered their lives. Recommended for medium to large consumer health collections in all types of libraries.

[Carol Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reassuring, practical, not difficult to digest. A good resource for parents of kids on the spectrum trying to balance life.