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A Parent’s Guide to Autism: Practical Advice. Biblical Wisdom.
This guide will help readers have an in-depth understanding of autism, and provide a plan for parents to raise happy, healthy children.
One in every sixty-eight children will be diagnosed with autism. More children will be diagnosed with autism than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined. This means every year in America sixty thousand families will receive the diagnosis that their precious son or daughter has an autism spectrum disorder. With diagnosis at such an alarming rate, how can parents be equipped to confidently raise children with autism?
All children can flourish and mature through love.
A Parent’s Guide to Autism offers interviews from forty experts, exclusive teaching on bully-proofing children, as well as practical wisdom, biblical knowledge, and life experiences from Ron Sandison. He compassionately shares his own personal struggles with overcoming autism as a minister and professional in the medical field to help parents raise outstanding children.
One in every sixty-eight children will be diagnosed with autism. More children will be diagnosed with autism than with AIDS, diabetes, and cancer combined. This means every year in America sixty thousand families will receive the diagnosis that their precious son or daughter has an autism spectrum disorder. With diagnosis at such an alarming rate, how can parents be equipped to confidently raise children with autism?
All children can flourish and mature through love.
A Parent’s Guide to Autism offers interviews from forty experts, exclusive teaching on bully-proofing children, as well as practical wisdom, biblical knowledge, and life experiences from Ron Sandison. He compassionately shares his own personal struggles with overcoming autism as a minister and professional in the medical field to help parents raise outstanding children.
240 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
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April 11, 2021
This may be one of my longest reviews I've ever written, and that's not a bad thing. I feel like this piece just deserves an in-depth review. Feel free to skim or take time and read every word, haha.
I found this book fascinating.
It gave an in-depth understanding of how the autistic brain works while respecting a parental perspective too... all in light of God's glory and grace.
As those of you who've followed my Goodreads account know, I read a lot of special needs literature because my son has Autism. I've found that each book I've read in this category gives me new insight in ways I never really know to expect. This was no different.
When I first heard of this book, my son was pre-diagnosed before official evaluations were conducted. I wasn't completely sure what Autism would look like to our family though I'm a teacher who has taught countless students with ASD through the years. Somehow, when it's your own child, it's a different level of mesmerizing complexity. What drew me to this title was three important things:
1. It was written by a successful adult with Autism.
2. He worked in the medical field while also being in the ministry.
3. It looked like a "how-to" manual for parents upon first glance.
And, boy, did I need all of the direction and help I could get. At the time I first added it to my TBR list on GR, I was lost and searching for Biblical wisdom. I was wrestling with God's role and my own new roles in my son's life.
Here's my take:
*Because it was written in the same fashion in which many on the Spectrum speak, at times it seemed very academic or almost lacking inflection. Because I'm growing used to the Autism community, this was not a deterrent for me, though it did cause me to re-read a few pages here and there to make sure I was tracking. Like I said, not a big issue for me, but that's primarily due to exposure.
*Sandison does an excellent job utilizing organization in his writing to keep the reader on track with his thought process. I loved the sub-headings far more than I have in other non-fiction pieces of writing.
*I appreciated the blend of personal perspective, testimonies from a variety of individuals in the ASD community, comparisons and explanations of the evolving world of diagnosis/service/awareness/acceptance over the past few decades, practical advice, incorporation of Scripture, and brutal honesty throughout. It was more helpful than I can put into words. However, with the complexity of the writing, I would suggest taking it in small sittings in order to really digest all of the treasure within. This is not a book to speed-read or devour in one or two sittings.
*So often as a mother, I struggle significantly with trying to figure out what my son actually comprehends, especially with situational awareness, but Sandison shown light on the beauty of what parents, especially his own mother, do/did to serve their children. It was a massive encouragement to know that there is sometimes a level of appreciation even if my son can't put "I love you" or "thank you" into words. I may have put the book down at times to cry in thanksgiving.
*As a public school upper elementary teacher in a general education setting for the past decade, I've taught plenty of kids on the Spectrum as their least restrictive environment calls for in their IEPs. However, not being a Special Education teacher, I only got broad instruction in how to really serve this demographic of kids. And, because every child, with special needs or not, is so uniquely different, I've had to wing it most years, if I'm honest. This book explains the different processes and aspects of special education and how to advocate for ASD kids that I now feel more equipped to connect with and empower all students in my classroom. Mic drop. Wasn't expecting that by any means. But, here I am, becoming a better teacher by trying to be a better mom.
*As someone with a growing heart for special needs ministry, especially in the local church level, this was eye-opening in how to view Autism in light of the Gospel. With the continuing theme of brutal honesty, there were countless examples of how the church has succeeded with supporting families as well as fallen short at times. But, it doesn't leave it there. It gave such practical wisdom in how to take small steps... even if your church doesn't have a focus on serving this demographic, there are things you can do as a parent to ensure your child is raised in light of God's truth and His community of believers. One of the greatest takeaways I found was the section on spiritual mentorship and how that individual can not only help guide your child in understanding God and His mission but also in how to navigate His world. I loved how it offered not just explanation but steps in how to select someone, how to work with them to meet goals, how to be vulnerable in holding your child with open-hands, how to foster connection, and how to train one another in a mutually beneficial relationship. I'm looking forward to when my son is a little older and can do something like this.
*Though much of the book was geared towards high-functioning levels and/or Asperger's, I still found it incredibly insightful to pop into the head of someone like my child and read what their thought process and situational reading is like. It helped me understand my child far better and for that, I am eternally grateful.
*I could go on and on about the different facets of content, but I'll conclude highlights here. If you're an Autism parent like me or just want to seek better understanding and have some time to spend, I highly recommend this title.
Some of my favorite quotes, though there is a cornucopia of them that I saved, I've listed below:
"The world sees a boy who cannot talk, cannot walk, and cannot function independently. I see a tapestry of God's grace, God's beauty, and God's love woven together on a human canvas... God has used my son to teach me the essence of unconditional love. God has used my son to show me how to embrace my own brokenness and accept my own vulnerabilities." - Jeff Davidson, talking about his son Alex
"It is a myth that people with autism cannot understand God and therefore cannot have a relationship with Him. People say things like, 'God is too abstract of a concept'; 'Theology is not concrete'; or, 'Belief in God isn't logical.' While it is true that some people with autism are atheists, there are also atheists who are not autistic... People with autism desire predictability; a place for everything and everything in its place... What is true about people with autism is that we take things very literally. We read something, memorize it, and apply it as part of the 'building materials' that we use to construct and make sense of the world. The Creation story in the Bible can be a part of these materials. So can the stories about Noah's ark, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the Exodus, and the kings of Israel. All the way through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, Bible stories contain value. Because ASD children with faith know the 'building materials' so well, in a way, you can say we have an even stronger foundation of faith... The heart- emotion. Feeling. Suffering. Grace. Forgiveness. Hope. These abstract concepts can sometimes be difficult for a person with autism to understand. but grasping them is not impossible. All things are possible with God." -Cynthia Cournoyer, talking about her daughter, Jenny's, walk with God.
"The hidden blessing of raising a child with special needs is receiving God's strength and grace to help your child while demonstrating the power of unconditional love. Your child may never be able to care for himself or herself and yet you love your child unconditionally. The love you have for your ASD child is similar to the love God has for us. We can never earn His love or deserve it, and yet He still loves us unconditionally. You may never experience a breakthrough, or the kind of answer you hope to see, but God will strengthen you to endure." -RS
And, last but certainly not least, "...children with autism can achieve amazing things when they receive love and support. Never allow the label of autism to limit your child's potential. As Luke 1:37 states, 'For with God nothing will be impossible.' Focus on your child's interests and encourage their gifts to help them gain independence. In time, your child's life will become a testimony of the love and grace of God." -RS
Huge shout-out to my sister-in-law, Kristina, for gifting us with this gem for Christmas this past year. We appreciate its wisdom, honest, and hope more than we can say. Thank you!
I found this book fascinating.
It gave an in-depth understanding of how the autistic brain works while respecting a parental perspective too... all in light of God's glory and grace.
As those of you who've followed my Goodreads account know, I read a lot of special needs literature because my son has Autism. I've found that each book I've read in this category gives me new insight in ways I never really know to expect. This was no different.
When I first heard of this book, my son was pre-diagnosed before official evaluations were conducted. I wasn't completely sure what Autism would look like to our family though I'm a teacher who has taught countless students with ASD through the years. Somehow, when it's your own child, it's a different level of mesmerizing complexity. What drew me to this title was three important things:
1. It was written by a successful adult with Autism.
2. He worked in the medical field while also being in the ministry.
3. It looked like a "how-to" manual for parents upon first glance.
And, boy, did I need all of the direction and help I could get. At the time I first added it to my TBR list on GR, I was lost and searching for Biblical wisdom. I was wrestling with God's role and my own new roles in my son's life.
Here's my take:
*Because it was written in the same fashion in which many on the Spectrum speak, at times it seemed very academic or almost lacking inflection. Because I'm growing used to the Autism community, this was not a deterrent for me, though it did cause me to re-read a few pages here and there to make sure I was tracking. Like I said, not a big issue for me, but that's primarily due to exposure.
*Sandison does an excellent job utilizing organization in his writing to keep the reader on track with his thought process. I loved the sub-headings far more than I have in other non-fiction pieces of writing.
*I appreciated the blend of personal perspective, testimonies from a variety of individuals in the ASD community, comparisons and explanations of the evolving world of diagnosis/service/awareness/acceptance over the past few decades, practical advice, incorporation of Scripture, and brutal honesty throughout. It was more helpful than I can put into words. However, with the complexity of the writing, I would suggest taking it in small sittings in order to really digest all of the treasure within. This is not a book to speed-read or devour in one or two sittings.
*So often as a mother, I struggle significantly with trying to figure out what my son actually comprehends, especially with situational awareness, but Sandison shown light on the beauty of what parents, especially his own mother, do/did to serve their children. It was a massive encouragement to know that there is sometimes a level of appreciation even if my son can't put "I love you" or "thank you" into words. I may have put the book down at times to cry in thanksgiving.
*As a public school upper elementary teacher in a general education setting for the past decade, I've taught plenty of kids on the Spectrum as their least restrictive environment calls for in their IEPs. However, not being a Special Education teacher, I only got broad instruction in how to really serve this demographic of kids. And, because every child, with special needs or not, is so uniquely different, I've had to wing it most years, if I'm honest. This book explains the different processes and aspects of special education and how to advocate for ASD kids that I now feel more equipped to connect with and empower all students in my classroom. Mic drop. Wasn't expecting that by any means. But, here I am, becoming a better teacher by trying to be a better mom.
*As someone with a growing heart for special needs ministry, especially in the local church level, this was eye-opening in how to view Autism in light of the Gospel. With the continuing theme of brutal honesty, there were countless examples of how the church has succeeded with supporting families as well as fallen short at times. But, it doesn't leave it there. It gave such practical wisdom in how to take small steps... even if your church doesn't have a focus on serving this demographic, there are things you can do as a parent to ensure your child is raised in light of God's truth and His community of believers. One of the greatest takeaways I found was the section on spiritual mentorship and how that individual can not only help guide your child in understanding God and His mission but also in how to navigate His world. I loved how it offered not just explanation but steps in how to select someone, how to work with them to meet goals, how to be vulnerable in holding your child with open-hands, how to foster connection, and how to train one another in a mutually beneficial relationship. I'm looking forward to when my son is a little older and can do something like this.
*Though much of the book was geared towards high-functioning levels and/or Asperger's, I still found it incredibly insightful to pop into the head of someone like my child and read what their thought process and situational reading is like. It helped me understand my child far better and for that, I am eternally grateful.
*I could go on and on about the different facets of content, but I'll conclude highlights here. If you're an Autism parent like me or just want to seek better understanding and have some time to spend, I highly recommend this title.
Some of my favorite quotes, though there is a cornucopia of them that I saved, I've listed below:
"The world sees a boy who cannot talk, cannot walk, and cannot function independently. I see a tapestry of God's grace, God's beauty, and God's love woven together on a human canvas... God has used my son to teach me the essence of unconditional love. God has used my son to show me how to embrace my own brokenness and accept my own vulnerabilities." - Jeff Davidson, talking about his son Alex
"It is a myth that people with autism cannot understand God and therefore cannot have a relationship with Him. People say things like, 'God is too abstract of a concept'; 'Theology is not concrete'; or, 'Belief in God isn't logical.' While it is true that some people with autism are atheists, there are also atheists who are not autistic... People with autism desire predictability; a place for everything and everything in its place... What is true about people with autism is that we take things very literally. We read something, memorize it, and apply it as part of the 'building materials' that we use to construct and make sense of the world. The Creation story in the Bible can be a part of these materials. So can the stories about Noah's ark, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the Exodus, and the kings of Israel. All the way through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus, Bible stories contain value. Because ASD children with faith know the 'building materials' so well, in a way, you can say we have an even stronger foundation of faith... The heart- emotion. Feeling. Suffering. Grace. Forgiveness. Hope. These abstract concepts can sometimes be difficult for a person with autism to understand. but grasping them is not impossible. All things are possible with God." -Cynthia Cournoyer, talking about her daughter, Jenny's, walk with God.
"The hidden blessing of raising a child with special needs is receiving God's strength and grace to help your child while demonstrating the power of unconditional love. Your child may never be able to care for himself or herself and yet you love your child unconditionally. The love you have for your ASD child is similar to the love God has for us. We can never earn His love or deserve it, and yet He still loves us unconditionally. You may never experience a breakthrough, or the kind of answer you hope to see, but God will strengthen you to endure." -RS
And, last but certainly not least, "...children with autism can achieve amazing things when they receive love and support. Never allow the label of autism to limit your child's potential. As Luke 1:37 states, 'For with God nothing will be impossible.' Focus on your child's interests and encourage their gifts to help them gain independence. In time, your child's life will become a testimony of the love and grace of God." -RS
Huge shout-out to my sister-in-law, Kristina, for gifting us with this gem for Christmas this past year. We appreciate its wisdom, honest, and hope more than we can say. Thank you!
May 22, 2017
We have been an autism family for more than five years now. All three of our sons are on the spectrum. So I actively seek out books on the subject. This is the rare (in my experience) book on the subject written from a Christian perspective, and by an author on the spectrum. I met Ron Sandison before this book was published, when he came to our church to speak. He befriended our pastor and his wife, who have a son on the spectrum, and later he called Nancy and me as part of one of the interviews he conducted for the book. And so you'll find me quoted on page 96, in a chapter on building your child's self-esteem.
The rest of the book is much better. Sandison writes well and has a way with a story. And he never forgets he is writing for a largely Christian audience. The chapters on ABA therapy and self-advocating will be especially helpful for families on the spectrum. Highly recommended.
The rest of the book is much better. Sandison writes well and has a way with a story. And he never forgets he is writing for a largely Christian audience. The chapters on ABA therapy and self-advocating will be especially helpful for families on the spectrum. Highly recommended.
May 1, 2019
Ron Sandison has done an amazing job compiling "A Parent's Guide to Autism". His perspective is unique, since he is on the spectrum himself. To me, that makes him more credible. I stumble around when it comes to handing some issues with my son, wondering if it's actually helping him. Sandison knows first hand what works for someone on the spectrum. I also enjoy how he ties everything into a biblical perspective, as well. It's encouraging to finally find a book about autism that provides biblical wisdom. This book can be useful for those that aren't religious, as well. I used some useful quotes from this book in an essay I wrote this semester, and it really tied in well with this academic paper. I would highly recommend this book to a parent that is struggling to find their footing as a special needs parent. I would also recommend this to Christians that are involved with children on the spectrum on a regular basis.
March 20, 2020
It’s important to listen to the real experts, people who have walked the walk and know what they’re talking about. Ron Sandison is one such author: an autistic professional in the medical field, a husband and father, and a man of faith and biblical knowledge. His book is a must have for any parent looking for biblical and practical insights into parenting a child with autism.
July 8, 2017
An excellent book which gives you a better understanding of what a person with Autism can accomplish with the help and understanding from his loved ones. Also with the help and belief in what and how God can work through the person.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2020
Fascinating insight that is well written and informative. I appreciated the scripture references that were so eloquently woven into the core of the book.
March 7, 2021
A down-to-earth overview of autism from a Biblical perspective. Parents and teachers alike will receive practical insight as they seek to understand and equip individuals on the autism spectrum.
October 8, 2021
A must have book for any parent who has a child diagnosed with autism!
February 14, 2022
A very good book to add to someone's personal library. Lots of great advice for parenting children with disabilities.
June 6, 2023
Such a good book as a parent of a child with autism. Easy read.
April 11, 2026
I loved this book. It was both entertaining and informative.
April 28, 2016
Good. Wary because of the Autism Speaks connection and prayer angle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2017
We have been an autism family for more than five years now. All three of our sons are on the spectrum. So I actively seek out books on the subject. This is the rare (in my experience) book on the subject written from a Christian perspective, and by an author on the spectrum. I met Ron Sandison before this book was published, when he came to our church to speak. He befriended our pastor and his wife, who have a son on the spectrum, and later he called Nancy and me as part of one of the interviews he conducted for the book. And so you'll find me quoted on page 96, in a chapter on building your child's self-esteem.
The rest of the book is much better. Sandison writes well and has a way with a story. And he never forgets he is writing for a largely Christian audience. The chapters on ABA therapy and self-advocating will be especially helpful for families on the spectrum. Highly recommended.
The rest of the book is much better. Sandison writes well and has a way with a story. And he never forgets he is writing for a largely Christian audience. The chapters on ABA therapy and self-advocating will be especially helpful for families on the spectrum. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews