Caring for Autism: Practical Advice from a Parent and Physician

by Michael A. Ellis

When a professional states, "Your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)", it is enough to make your whole world fall apart. What does it mean to be on the autism spectrum? How will this affect your child's life, your life, the life of your family, and others you interact with? What sorts of medications, therapies, and alternative methods are used to help manage the disorder? What are the financial and legal ramifications? How will this affect schooling, your spiritual growth, and everyday life? These are just a few of the questions that will rapidly cross your mind.

Caring for Practical Advice from a Parent and Physician delves into all these questions and more. As the father of a daughter with ASD and as a trained psychiatrist who specializes in ASD, Dr. Michael A. Ellis provides a holistic view of what comes after diagnosis. In user-friendly tones, he answers the most commonly asked questions about what it's actually like to live with ASD, what medications and therapies are available, and the global impact it has on the child's environment. With the help of his wife, Lori Layton Ellis, to provide a mother's perspective, Dr. Ellis shares personal stories of their 10-year journey in order to provide insight and support for anyone - patient, parent, caregiver - traversing the difficulties of autism.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2018

Reviews

[Marty Mason]

DNF - skimmed 1st half & found it overly negative & othering

[Zoeie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book because I wanted to learn about Autism. So reading this book helped me get more information about Autism and why kids act different when being diagnosed with ASD. My feelings towards this book is exciting and memorable because I can relate to the book that I choose because I deal with Autism myself which is why I wanted to read this book. While reading the book the parts that made me feel stronger about in the book were chapters 1 and 4. In chapter 1, it started with a family who has a daughter that was acting different and did not speak until 24 months and they thought it was normal and later on in the book, the doctors diagnosed their daughter with ASD which Autism Spectrum Disorder. In chapter 4 it talks about what causes Autism and it kind of hit home for me because all the things that I read in that chapter is equal to exactly what I deal with. Dealing with Autism does not affect us kids because we act just the same as everyone in the world that’s why people us the words KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. After reading this book, I learned a lot about Autism, OCD, ADHD, and ADD. Atypical is a Netflix serious that reminds of the book that I am reading because the main character deals with Autism and he was getting bullied for being quiet and doing weird things in school and his sister stuck up for him. After reading this book, I recommend reading this because if you have a brother or sister that deals with Autism you should read because you will find out why they act different and react to things differently than normal people do. I rate this 5 out of 5 because it relates to me and my childhood knowing that I deal with Autism doesn’t stop me from being me which is to strive for my destiny in this earth.

[Winder Bourne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much of the book does a tremendous job covering various ASD treatments and sources well. However, there is a surprising lack of focus on how these treatments are viewed by the child involved themselves. Also, I found the late chapter on religion to be incredibly unnecessary and I personally feel that god can be an incredibly scary subject for people with ASD and incredibly concrete matter-of-fact thinking. The mere mention of introducing “faith” directly after praising ABA therapy for how clear and black and white the service is, somewhat felt to be a contradiction.
Although, that was a small part and a personal pet peeve I’m sure will be received differently by all sorts of readers. Overall, this book has a lot to offer and very helpful tips for not only parents, but people that work in ASD programs as well.

[Ambrose Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book! It covers all concerns. The chapter on education was excellent. In the 1980's I worked for an educational collaborative. We taught mainly children who were Down Syndrome and those who were Autistic. We were always overwhelmed, understaffed and underfunded. In spite of all those "land mines" we had a gifted and dedicated staff. There were fewer Autistic children then. I wonder how the school systems operate now? Another study another book.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book. I don’t have a child with autism, but work with and know children with ASD so I picked it up. I didn’t read it all, but what I read was clear, well organized, important information written for anyone to be able to understand. Unique in that it is written by a psychologist who is also father to a child with ASD.

[Zulaika Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to collect my thoughts for a formal review, but I was so interested in the text throughout that I read it from start to finish in 2 hours.

The information is all well organized and you can even use the table of contents or the index to read on any related topics. It is also full of references and studies you can also search for and review for additional information.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview and introduction to ASD—touching on its causes, symptoms, treatments, and effect on the family. Straightforward, well organized, and informative.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very practical book. Unfortunately, that makes it rather dry and depressing.

Lots of useful information and topics that I hadn't thought of yet.

[Brittany Whittaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond one of the most beneficial that I’ve read on children autism.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter has autism and I found this book helpful. I recommend it to other parents of special needs children.

[Jean Mehochko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good solid book on the top of autism written by a physician and father of an autistic child. He presents the latest info on symptoms, diagnosis, treatments (both behavioral and drug therapies), school expectations, planning for the future, AND his own family's experience. Packed with concise information, but touched with care and encouragement.