Magnificent Minds: The New Whole-Child Approach to Autism

by Suzanne Goh MD

An essential primer based on a renowned new model of care that is comprehensive and research based, while honoring the uniqueness of every child

An estimated one in thirty-six children in the United States is diagnosed with autism. New research has shed light on the many factors that determine a child’s trajectory—but many parents are still navigating this complex terrain without a road map. Pediatric neurologist Dr. Suzanne Goh has spent decades working with autistic children, and in this practical and research-based guide she shares her renowned and revolutionary model of an innovative, whole-child approach that combines optimal medical treatment with the most effective strategies for advancing cognition, communication, and behavior.

Demystifying a wide range of diagnostics and therapies and offering new insights into the neurological, biochemical, behavioral, and social factors that play a role in successful outcomes, the book is an essential resource for understanding all of autism—a strengths-based approach that helps parents design a comprehensive treatment plan. It is also a celebration of what each autistic person brings to the world—and how parents can best nurture the remarkable uniqueness of their child while setting them up for the future they envision.

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

Audible Audio

Published April 9, 2024

Reviews

[karlee scanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world could use more professionals like Dr. Goh. Majority of this book was not new information for me but, could see it helping people that already are unfamiliar with autism and a whole child approach. It was refreshing to hear her say that clients and families have taught her the most (please listen!) and truly being neurodivergent affirming. That’s a big buzz word where many don’t have matching actions and words to stand behind their stance of being neurodivergent affirming. When looking for supports, choose the ones that align in whatever that looks like for you - whether it’s a certain therapy, people, agency, etc. and know your child. I enjoyed her take on schooling (specifically homeschooling) and family care (individually, whole, and pairs). I agree wholeheartedly and excited for our homeschooling journey with my non-speaking son and our family bonds to continue to grow and flourish!

[Mary Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok I was liking this book called Magnicent Minds until we get to chapter 7. So my take:

Here's the thing. Even if ABA isn't like it 20 years ago, it's still widely used. Many ABA practices are still using the same people from 20 years ago. Including teaching new SLP/OTs the way it was now. I've seen in a big difference in age with people who does ABA. Not all, but a lot, of older people who have been working "in the field" choose not to use updated pratices. So then you get different strategies but only people who has been in school for the last 10 years. Then they do their apprenticeships with older people. So I'd be wary.

Lastly, since this lady keeps talking about neurodiversity should be affirmed. So why is she making a whole chapter about it when the majority of autistics do not like ABA?

I did finish the rest. There are a lot of valuable information but that ABA endorsement was not congruent with what she was preaching.

[Kellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introductory and basic concepts but informative nonetheless

[Andrea Fine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly information I already know, but still helpful. Some new information about autism and how to understand concepts from a parents point of view. Lot of filler info. Also felt like a giant plug for Cortica.

[Amanda Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for parents new in their autism journey, trying to figure out how to best help their child. I didn't enjoy how public education was portrayed as lacking since I am in the business of helping student reach their full potential in the educational setting, but I did enjoy her view on ABA therapies and how they can be beneficial IF done right.

[Johanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was unfortunately unaware when selecting this book that it very strongly pushes the ideology of the neurodiversity movement, which I deeply take issue with. I know several amazing individuals diagnosed with severe autism. If they could speak for themselves, I feel certain they would not agree that the challenges they face on a daily basis are something to be celebrated- these are precious, thinking, feeling individuals who have been trapped in a veritable prison where they cannot adequately express their feelings and needs, nor always control themselves in the ways that they wish to. I think anyone who thinks that is wonderful should have to bear that burden themselves for a while, and see if it changes the way they feel. While I agree that individuals with autism deserve every single right and level of care, love, value, and respect that individuals without autism do, I think it's intellectually dishonest to ignore what science reveals about this condition, which is that ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by epigenetic factors and insults to the brain. Celebrating the condition as something that should be accepted as "good", and creating a new stigma around the concept that it should be "cured" or even "prevented" does an incredible disservice to the individuals with this disorder, as well as their family members, the general public, the medical and scientific research community, and anyone with a scientific mind looking to improve the health of humanity. That is to say nothing of the dramatic impact, financially and otherwise, the explosion of ASD diagnoses will have in the near future. It also gives a pass to the industries, companies, and corporations who are truly responsible for the exponential increase in this disorder among children today. I may be politically incorrect for saying this, but I honestly don't care. I have way too much love and respect for these beautiful people to play make believe and turn a blind eye to what is actually driving this shocking rise in the neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders we are seeing, not only in our children, but now even our pets as well.

[Laney Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great beginner book for parents and educators new to navigating autism. Most of the information I was already aware of or was not necessarily helpful, simply because it was information I already knew! I would strongly recommend to parents with younger children diagnosed with autism and to educators working with younger autistic students who are looking for ideas and support.

[Jennifer Wurges byrnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mostly skimmed this book because it was primarily written for parents with younger children. I feel like it had a lot of filler information in it - nothing that I haven't read before - and was kind of an advertisement for the author's care model Cortica.

[Tabitha Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much packed in this book. Presented VERY WELL with diagrams of the scientific structures to the simplest terms for processing and views.

[Cassidy (Cassidys.Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4ish ⭐️

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gives an open ended view of aba and breaks down the methods used. Very helpful for those who are ignorant to how most people use aba approaches for their kids daily without even knowing

[Hannah Thor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome resource. Comprehensive and holistic review.

[Suzan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of information, not all I agree with, but I welcomed the knowledge. The narrator of the book is the author, Suzanne Goh, and she does a good job of keeping the pace of the book.

[Brianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of things I knew, but still some useful information and insights.