Facing Autism: Giving Parents Reasons for Hope and Guidance for Help

by Lynn M. Hamilton

Don't Let Autism Have the Last Word in Your Child's Life.

Perhaps one of the most devastating things you can learn as a parent is that your child has been diagnosed with autism. A multifaceted disorder, autism has long baffled parents and professionals alike. At one time, doctors gave parents virtually no hope for combating the disorder. But in recent years, new treatments and therapies have demonstrated that improvement is possible. With intensive, early intervention, some children have recovered from autism and have been integrated into school, indistinguishable from their peers.

Discover ten things you can do to begin battling your child's autism right now.

See why Applied Behavior Analysis has become parents' treatment of choice, and examine its impressive results.

Get information on cutting-edge biomedical treatments such as secretin and immunotherapy.

Learn how dietary intervention can positively impact your child's behavior.  

Find out what additional therapies can offer - including sensory and auditory integration.

Explore loving ways to keep your family together when your world is torn apart.


Children with autism do have the possibility to improve greatly, and some even overcome the effects of autism, if appropriate therapies are begun early enough. Discover the steps you can take today to begin the fight for your child's future in Facing Autism.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Parenting, Nonfiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2000

Reviews

[Victoria Hoey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think something to remember that people forget, is autism is not a disease. You will NOT cure autism, nor recover from it. You learn how to cope with autism, and learn how to manage it, but you will always have it.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the most helpful book I have come across so far. 10 things a parent should do right after diagnosis. It talks about the different treatment programs, biomedical & genetic testing, resources,questions to ask yourself if you suspect your child has autism, adaptations at school, speech development, potty training, autism safety, stimming, etc.
I'd recommend this book in a heartbeat.

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I ever read on Autism that actually helped our family. It is plain spoken, and speaks to the heart of what we go through every day.

[Ken · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a tough time reading this book because the author kept describing how every treatment seemed to work wonders on her son, who was totally cured of autism.

[James McNellis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative. But a lot of anti-vaxxer stuff in there and inconsistencies in trusted treatments abound. But with a son with autism I did learn a lot about my options.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ten steps a parent should take are excellent, but the amount of information on all the possible options is overwhelming.

Be warned: a great deal of the information is old.

Most Important changes from what the book says:
ABA is no longer expensive and government funding is available. Don't shy away from it because the book says it is expensive; things have changed over the last decade.
The studies on vaccinations causing autism were found to be fraudulent and there is not proof that vaccinations cause autism.
Many of the treatments mentioned, especially biomedical ones, likely have much newer information that could affect your decisions to use or not use them. Do your own research. See which ones are evidence-based and stand up to scrutiny.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for parents or teachers/therapists of autistic children. Stories + resources + explanations = a great resource. I've shared it with a parent of a kid that I teach and have gotten nothing but great reviews. I even photocopied a section about ABA and gave it to my assistants to read. It's one of those books that you can read in a day or two and keep on your shelves for future "look-backs." I highly recommend it.

[Crimson007 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first books I read after my son was diagnosed with Autism. I'm not sure how dated it may be now, but two years ago it was an excellent starting point...does not attempt to steer you in one direction. Gives many choices and lets you decide which route you want to take.

[Verna · Rating 5 out of 5]

That autism can happen to children from birth. This was a sad story. I loved it and i learned a little more about this.

I read this for Alec, Allison, Katherine and Amanda. You're the best. You've come along way and i am pround of you all.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this book a couple of times, just to get the medical jargin down. It is very informative, but you almost have to take notes. It might be a little overwhelming for parent's of newly diagnosed children. Alot to absorb.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many topics and very helpful. Including:
What areas ABA targets, what to look for in an ABA therapist, contacting the Autism Research Institute, videotaping your child for reference in progress, shots, references, and diagnosing. Id recommend it to a friend!

[Jennifer Proffit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how she envolved the whole community in her quest for a better life for her son.

[Naninamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for parents with children who have autism, good for teachers also.