A Parent's Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive

by Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson, James C. McPartland

Over 100,000 parents have found the facts they need about high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including Asperger syndrome, in this indispensable guide. Leading experts show how you can work with your child's unique impairments--and harness his or her capabilities. Vivid stories and real-world examples illustrate ways to help kids with ASD relate more comfortably to peers, learn the rules of appropriate behavior, and succeed in school. You'll learn how ASD is diagnosed and what treatments and educational supports really work. Updated with the latest research and resources, the second edition clearly explains the implications of the DSM-5 diagnostic changes.

Genres: Parenting, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Psychology, Audiobook

308 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2014

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a few months after my son's diagnosis to decide to seek out ASD resources. I asked a select group of parents for their *one website* and *one book* and *one IEP tip* because I knew that the volume of information about autism would overwhelm me. This is the book they recommended. Even after buying copies for both of us, it took me many more weeks to be ready to dive in.

There's mourning in this process and a sad reluctance to really know in my heart that ASD fits him. The parallels to our journey with his food allergies are so striking--puzzling difficulties, medical pursuits, the instinct to keep asking more questions, diagnosis, the thud of this reality, scrambling for information, teaching ourselves, teaching everyone who loves him, advocating for him in public and in social settings, keeping him safe at home and everywhere... this is all so so so tiring and there are no easy answers. Also, it is his/our reality every minute of every day. The parallels here are traumatic for me, but it feels good to share this with someone who might also need this book for their own process with ASD.

An ASD Dx doesn't mean he isn't still beautiful and unique and quirky and charming and so very smart. Having ASD means his challenges are very challenging for him (and for us) and he deserves to be understood so that his strengths can shine. Many of his ways of thinking are not like mine (or most people in our lives) and he has been misunderstood for most of his 8.5 years. And while it saddens me to no end to admit this, I have been a better mom to him this week because this book has helped me see things so much more clearly.

I marked up my copy so much--dog-eared pages, scribbled in margins, highlighted entire passages--because it is so accessible and straight-forward and comprehensive. I have gained huge shifts in understanding and culled little ideas that are already making subtle but important differences. We're on our way to getting him supports and services to help decrease the (-) and increase the (+). This book has made me better equipped for a very complex journey and it's one I know I will come back to time and again. Highly recommended.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm. As the parent of a child who was diagnosed four years ago, this really wasn't much use. It might have been when he was first diagnosed (and when I most likely read this book the first time). But there are a number of problems:
a) This book is very much written for a US audience. Being in Australia, the advice about IEPs and college and workplace support weren't relevant.
b) It's way too general. It outlines in the most vague terms the general types of therapy an ASD child might benefit from, but there is no real evaluation of them or what types of problems (or children) they work best with. Ok I suppose for a first-timer, useless for someone who has been dealing with ASD for a little while.
c) The authors continuously seemed to assume a level of disability far beyond my child's experience. They kept saying that few people with ASD gain independent living and employment - huh? I think there may be some clinical bias here - do they tend to see only the most problematic cases? Many people with ASD go on to lead independent lives and hold down fulfilling jobs. The doom and gloom isn't needed - many kids WILL make it to independence, and if they won't - well, the parent already may have a sense of this anyway, no need to rub it in.
d) This book just didn't talk to my experience of ASD. It glossed over the lack of 'common-sense' that so many ASD children experience and offered little advice on how to tackle this. It offered advice on classroom interventions that I found impractical and likely to mark my son out as different. Probably the best advice was to disclose the diagnosis to the right/appropriate people - we have found that not only making teachers aware, but also friends in the classroom, engenders understanding and consideration instead of ridicule and intolerance. However, the trick is to pick and choose - sharing with classroom friends worked well, but sharing with the whole class would have been much more risky.

This is a really basic book that is likely to be of use only to those who have just received a diagnosis - and probably of most value to those in the US.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific first book for smart parents with smart kids. If your child has recently been diagnosed and you're looking for what to read, this is a great start. Of all the books and resources out there, this book helped me feel a little less alone and a little less overwhelmed. The author doesn't push any agenda except to help you sort through all the acronyms and jargon and make you feel like you can get a handle on this. Before you start doing your web searches, start here.

[Kate Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed and easy to read. Very complete. It covers everything from doctors and diagnosis, what it's all about and the range of autism on the spectrum, to how to manage autism, support your child and help them with socialization and working with others.

[Amber McLean · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

As a parent of a recently diagnosed child with high functioning ASD, this book proved to be very beneficial. It had a broad spectrum of topics that I was needing information on and explained them in a way that this mom could understand. I especially appreciated the chapters devoted to channeling my child’s strengths as well as how to understand her more within the home environment. I felt the tips offered were practical and doable.

If you have a child or know someone who has ASD, this is an excellent book to begin with in understanding the uniqueness of people on the high functioning spectrum and how to love and support them.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got a lot more out of "Uniquely Human" and "Neuro Tribes".

This book feels a little out of date, especially recommending "autism speaks", which is not a resource I'd send parents to.

[Erin Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful guide and resource when you don’t know much about this topic.

[Elaine Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with very good information and fits nicely into the body of knowledge we’ve come to acquire in the past 8 years of raising our son. Very validating and supportive.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keeping in mind this book edition I read was published about 9 years old it came recommended by a twice exceptional evaluation clinic when my high schooler was found to "meet the criteria" of High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. (I asked permission from my daughter to say this beforehand.) This book really pointed out the nuances and the amount of misunderstandings and assumptions the mainstream has in regards to how autism manifests. It is incredibly diverse, which is shown by various examples in the book. I especially liked that throughout the book it was emphasized that with ASD comes some incredible strengths and gifts that should be emphasized.

It really does explain a lot of the things that have created obstacles and frustrations for my daughter. For example, executive function is often an issue along with differing mental processing speeds. One can be really bright but because the brain processes things slower it takes longer to get to an answer. Keeping up with social banter is also difficult along with recognizing *how* to converse with others. It does a good job explaining why kids with ASD get along better with adults rather than their peers as well. The book also includes several pages of suggested books, which include memoirs, and organizations.

I can see why this book was still on their recommendation list; however, I think I would like to find a more current one. I know many people in the autistic community feel like that they are not accepted for her they are simply by mainstream society expectation that they try to conform to the "norm" instead of embracing their differences. Again, I am glad this book wasn't overly focused on the latter but how to get ASD kids/youth to embrace their individual gifts and strengths that makes them unique.

[Donna Alqassar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! It's been a while since I read something like this that TRULY hit the mark! This is an excellent guide that provides great insight on what families and children face dealing with high functioning ASD. Sometimes, as a parent it can really feel like a very lonely journey dealing with and understanding ASD "issues", but this book provides lots of info while presenting both the strengths and weaknesses of ASD children. As well read as I am on this subject, I learned a lot of new things and also felt some validation on the things I already have experienced or knew. I highly recommend this to both parents and teachers!

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good general information. I wish the author had spent a bit more time on the importance of acknowledging the sensory challenges of many people with high functioning ASD and how to help them by changing the environment and co-regulating with them. Unfortunately, it is only when they can experience the feeling of safety in their bodies and in their environment will they be able to engage in social problem solving and higher order thinking strategies and skills outlined in the book.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is purely for background information. I think the book did a good job of being an introductory summary. I appreciated the clear language surrounding diagnostic criteria, IEP/504 suggestions, and therapy summaries. Obviously, it is a bit of a starting point.

Probably, the admonitions to remember to look at the positive side of the coin are also useful.

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I didn't really gain much from reading this vs. doing a quick google search on Asperger's or high functioning ASD. I found the information overly general and too focused on the disability aspect of ASD.

[Heather Kennedy]

read out of curiosity considering a younger sibling. at times it felt very patronizing- like thinking "it might be easier to parent a child with high functioning autism because they are less likely to dye their hair green, get body piercings or do drugs."

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decided not to finish this one. Had some useful info but gave me bad vibes, stressed me out instead of feeling hopeful / supported / optimistic. Just felt more in a deficit framework versus affirming

[Kat Cav · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, but a slog to read. Not enough insight. Written at the lowest reading level possible.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hands down one of the best parenting books I've ever read (about autism or not). It is so clearly written - the science helps explain what's going on but not in a way that's too clinical or over your head. It offers clear explanations of why these kids face these challenges and the types of challenges that come up at different phases of life. It explains the difference between the DSM-4 and DSM-5 and how that impacts diagnosis. Normally with a parenting book, I go straight to the section related to my child's age and skim the rest. I read nearly every page of this book with interest.

Most importantly, this book gave me an understanding of autism - not just high functioning but in general - that can be applied well beyond parenting a child. I now recognize coworkers, friends and possibly even family members who may be on the spectrum (or show similar thinking patterns). It's already changed the way I communicate with these people and it's been effective. If only more people knew about autism (and how it looks in high-functioning people) maybe we could change the stigmatism surrounding it.

[Brianna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to this on audiobook. A lot of the info I already know from being a teacher or even some of it is common sense. A few tidbits here and there were mildly helpful. I enjoyed hearing the stories of other children with ASD because it helped to hear others stories, struggles, and successes.

One thing in particular stood out as upsetting as a mother - applied behavior analysis - because the book essentially supported teaching children to "mask" behaviors and quirks so that they can be seen as more "socially acceptable". This broke my heart. We should not force children (or any person) into behavoirs to make the rest of us comfortable or more accepting. I'm not saying people with ASD shouldn't learn social cues, etc, but they should not be made to feel as though their uniqueness is something to hide or be ashamed of. That's all. I'm not saying ABA hasn't helped some people, but I certainly don't want to tell my child to stop stimming because others might think it's odd. Everyone is different though.

Overall, I could have skipped this book. I'll continue looking for other books about childhood ASD that might be helpful for my elementary aged child.

[Jason Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a lot of great insights into Autism Spectrum Disorder. It provides a brief, yet comprehensive, history. It explains the move from the DSM4 to DSM5. It also gives snapshots into different people on the spectrum and the difficulties that they have ranging in age from children to adults. This is especially helpful as a lot of autism related literature out there tends to focus solely on children instead of acknowledging that autistic people grow up and many of their difficulties continue throughout their entire lives.

My only complaint, as an autistic person, is that the tone of this book sometimes seems to sell autistic people short in their potential ability, responsibility, and resilience.

[Tina H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book I read after my son was diagnosed. The book, along with a few others, was recommended by the psychologist that diagnosed him. I found some small pieces of information that were useful to me but I felt like so much of the information was stories of people who have ASD and not a lot of practical advice on where to start or what to do next. There is a section in the back of the book that points to further resources and that is more helpful. Every child with ASD is different. If you want to read about the experiences of other people this is a good book to read if you have no idea how people with autism behave. If you want a "what do I do now that my child has been diagnosed" book this one isn't it.

[Juliana Haught · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an up-to-date explanation of Autism (now called Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD). I especially appreciate the section that discusses the genetic component, as there are many wild myths out there about Autism being "caused" by this, that, or the other. The book goes into practical strategies to understand and work with the ways Autistic kids might struggle with their environments and schedules and pressures, especially with school. Much of the book offers school accommodation or intervention information that I already had from working with ADHD and sensory issues with my children, but this obviously goes into more Autism-specific issues as well.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recommending forcing your child to mask and pretend that they are something they are not just does not sit right with me. They also talk about Aspergers and high functioning Autism is the same, but they come across as talking more about children closer to level 2 than level one. There is also things the comment on that have not been proven by any studies or science. Like diets effect children behavior but this study is only based on parents' information, not an actual study.
Don't get me wrong, I gained information I didn't know and helpful tips for some situations, but it just wasn't wonderful.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As definitions of autism expand, resources on HFA may seem less relevant to more people. Much of the info in the book doesn’t apply to my family, but that’s not the author’s fault! There’s a lot of emphasis on visual and memory abilities that autistic people are assumed to have, but again, that’s not our experience. I would have liked more info on autistic kids who don’t have external behavioral issues but who internalize their struggles. This can be harder to see and thus harder to get help with.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parenting book #5. I will use this one in class when teaching about autism and parenting children with special needs. It was very informative and the authors are researchers, but they don't cover very much research in the book, which was disappointing. It reads a little bit more like a textbook so it's a little bit dry, but it has a lot of really good information and I wish I had read it a few years earlier for the sake of my autistic son!

[Teresa Alici · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, this is the book I was looking for and I can recommend when they ask me how to deal with High Functioning Autism! Complete, practical, understandable, but more than anything concise.

There is no information missing or no question unanswered. I think it does go through every characteristic and helps through steps that are doable.

Another great gift, it has all the resources, links, a ton of recommended books and I highly endorse it.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book provided a great introductory overview of high functioning autism and how to support children throughout their lives. As with other reviewers, I agree that there was little in the way of new or nuanced information. That said, it provides an extensive resource and reference list from which to draw.

[Doniell · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is not as comprehensive as you might think, it is quite comprehensive for the advice and information it provides. I listened to the unabridged hardcover edition on audiobook and was impressed with how easy it was to understand the material, relate it, and now I can apply the usefulness of it within my family.

[Chelsea Smart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good scientific overview of impacts of diagnosis. Lacking in parent-friendly behavioral strategies beyond the obvious. Like —how can I get my kid to do ANYTHING he doesn’t want to do? Including dressing for the weather, using appropriate language, etc.?

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very helpful! As an adult with autism who did not receive any of these recommended interventions it was nice to have them laid out so that I can know how to best help my children.

It does a good job of showing the levels of intervention from childhood up through independently living.