Autism: How to raise a happy autistic child

by Jessie Hewitson

'A wise SatNav for what is often a bewildering, or even scary, zone of parenting. The book offers real-world, road-tested, child-first and family-friendly advice; while also highlighting the twin truths that autism is not a tragedy, and that adaptation and acceptance are not resignation' David Mitchell, bestselling author and co-translator of The Reason I Jump'A must-read for anyone with an autistic child in their life' Laura James, author of Odd Girl OutWritten by Jessie Hewitson, an award-winning journalist at The Times, Autism is the book she wishes she had read when her son was first given the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.It combines her own experiences with tips from autistic adults, other parents - including author David Mitchell - as well as advice from autism professionals and academics such as Professor Simon Baron-Cohen. Autism looks at the condition as a difference rather than a disorder and includes guidance · What to do if you think your child is autistic · How to understand and support your child at school and at home · Mental health and autism · The differences between autistic girls and boys'It is incredibly useful and informative, full of new research and interviews that put right an awful lot of misinformation. I cannot recommend this highly enough' The Sun'Exceptionally useful and informative' Uta Frith, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Development, UCL

Genres: Parenting, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2018

Reviews

[Aimee Haer (Sheppard) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have MANY thoughts on this but all I can say right now is this book isn't what it claims to be. I'm not stupid, I wasn't expecting a book called 'How to Raise a Happy Autistic Child' to actually help me raise a happy autistic child 😅 However, I did expect something more than a catalogue of other people's research/studies/opinions with the authors anecdotes peppered through the pages. I feel like I'm a bit crazy but I thought there was going to be more about actually raising an autistic child?? I think the book is geared towards neurotypical parents, maybe I'm not meshing with it because I am autistic?

Also why why why why why is autism in females always a second thought? This book mainly focuses on boys. There is a chapter on autism in females at the end of the book (page 242). Like seriously??

Idk, I didn't learn anything I didn't already know. I've given it two stars instead of one because I did like the quotes and personal testimonies from autistic people.

Only reading stuff about autism by autistic people from now on, soz

[Tracy Enright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book has an autistic child and has decided to do what many of us do – hit the books and websites to find out as much as she can so she can help her child. In this case, she has gone one step further and talked to many adults with autism to find out what their experiences were and what was done/could have been done to make their lives easier and less stressful. The chapters are Defining Autism, Is my Child Autistic?, The Diagnostic Process, What is it Like to be Autistic? Sensory Differences, Interventions, Creating an Autism-Friendly Home, Mental Health, Learning to Play, Siblings, Nursery and School, Support in Education, Playdates, Girls and Autism, Autism in Black and Ethnic Minorities, and Holidays.
Pros
• The way the chapters are organised make it easy to dip into and identify the areas that most apply to you
• The author gives us more than the “same old thing” - some of the tips, particularly around creating an autism-friendly home, are new to me. This is not to denigrate the standard advice, but we all know what works one day won’t always work the next, so having new ideas/a different angle is good.
• The theme throughout the book is far less negative than a lot of the other books on autism (14+ so far) with the focus on difference is not bad, it just needs different strategies. Quotes from people with autism show that they can be just as happy and fulfilled as their neurotypical peers, something I found really reassuring.
Cons
• It’s hard to find anything bad to say about this book. Some might not like the relaxed style or the fact it’s not written from an academic perspective (there are plenty of alternatives out there for that) but it is written by an expert. An expert on her child. A parent like us.

Personal View
This book is accessible and a quick/easy read whilst remaining informative and is uplifting in a way I don’t feel I’ve seen often enough. I’ve bookmarked several chapters for my other half to read to help him fill the gaps in his understanding that he freely admits exist. After I’ve read them first of course!

[Lizi Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Katherine Hutcheson · Rating 3 out of 5]

For parents who need all the information NOW this book has its strengths. However, it’s important to acknowledge it largely focuses on the English model and is in favour of privatised support which is not accessible for many. I was saddened the writer has had a difficult experience with NHS Speech and Language Therapists and this reflects negatively throughout. As a devoted NHS therapist this hurt to read as this can set early presumptions and distrust before the readers makes their own relationships with the team around their child. Nor was there any reference to the incredible Hanen More Than Words programme . However, I found the chapter on supporting the sibling of an autistic child insightful and sensitive, as well as the perspectives from people with autism and their families throughout.

[Jo Chorlton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave up about 1/4 of the way through. The author makes the assumption that all parents reading this book will be neurotypical as if all neurodivergent parents will somehow have some magic key, which means they will automatically understand their ND kiddo. I have adhd, diagnosed in my late 40s (probably autistic too) and a kiddo with probable autism and adhd and reading this book made me feel like I was somehow deficient in not understanding my kiddo as much as I want to. I did appreciate that she spoke to autistic adults to try and gain an understanding of what would have helped them.

[Sophie Loafie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished with a sigh of relief that I’m not the only mum of an autistic child on the planet - because sometimes if feels that way. Filled with pride for my son and hopeful for the future.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simultaneously the first and final book of my local library reading challenge and certainly the most insightful. Written from the perspective of a mother of an autistic child, the book provides an array of personal experiences as well as academic research to portray autism across a variety of stages in life (with a strong focus on childhood years).

As an older sister of an autistic teenager, this book has given me a thorough introduction in the difference between how neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals perceive the world. It made me reflect on my past interactions with my brother and subsequently take on board certain suggestions to continue the growth of our sibling bond. I particularly enjoyed learning about the etymological changes surrounding the term 'autism' as well as its historical development.

Although this book was a fantastic introduction into autism, I do reserve two criticisms. Firstly, I wish there were a more substantial focus on autism within women and ethnic minority groups. The book featured a short chapter for both groups, however, they were rather brief. Having said that, this book has encouraged me to continue seeking works written by autistic women and/or autistic people from minority backgrounds. Secondly, I feel like the structure of this book was slightly inconsistent at times. Certain chapters (especially the education ones) seemed like they could have been merged into one. Furthermore, there were instances in which the author used abbreviations before properly introducing the respective terms; fortunately, there was a glossary at the back which was most helpful.

[Robert Whelan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As wirh most of these books, severe autism doesn't get much attention, beyond an occasional reference. Very UK focussed. For someone beginning an 'autism journey' this would be a good introduction.

[Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like if parents focused on how their child can be happy, instead of curing them or “eliminating autistic behavior” everyone including them would be better off. But it seems like no one thinks it’s a possibility. It’s only possible to be happy if you’re normal; therefore to love your child you must make them normal. When really you should be helping them find the ways to be happy as they are — which includes navigating the world harmoniously, but they need strategies for that, not to do the impossible and change their fundamental neurology.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful, sensible, clear and humane. I would recommend this book to any parent in the UK whose child has recently received an autism diagnosis and to grandparents and other carers too!

[Rebecca B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for parents of young autistic children. I like how it is very clear and thorough in explaining all the hoops autism parents may be expected to jump through to get their child the right support, and how it incorporates the voices of autistic people. There is some great common sense advice on everyday challenges as well. I would have liked a bit more detail on how to help a child with sensory under-sensitivities, and the whole thing felt to be aimed at parents of younger children with a typically 'male' presentation. There is one chapter on girls but much of it was statistics and facts target than advice on supporting them. There was also little advice on coping with behavioural issues. But it's a good overview which I'm sure a lot of autism parents would benefit from.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great advice here, I would definitely recommend it to parents/carers and teachers - goes into the ins and outs of daily life, how autism affects people, and how to be heard when shouting into the void. Many parents/carers are fighting for their children to get a good education through the system, but the system is broken and it is not easy. This book will definitely help a lot of people. Autistic people deserve the same rights as everyone else, and the negativity surrounding it can be upsetting and daunting.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly incredible guide to anyone that has a child on the autism spectrum!

This book would have been such a huge help to me when my children were young and there was still a lot of relevant advice for me now. I would recommend it to anyone that suspects their child might be autistic, waiting for diagnosis or who have already been diagnosed.
This book is packed with amazing advice in every aspect of life.

Jessie also has a book about raising a child with ADHD and I imagine that will be fantastic too.

[Abby Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and Enjoyable

As parent to an Autistic boy in the UK, I have found this book so helpful and relatable from many aspects. Would definitely recommend to any parent/carer of an Autistic child who like me isn't sure where to go next or what the future may hold, and just wants to make their lives one happy now.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book about understanding autism that I’ve been able to finish. I’m so sick of the focus being on how to “fix” autism and this is the first book I’ve found that shifts that focus onto how we as a society can accommodate autistic children and adults. Some of the resources are specific to the UK but it was all still perfectly relevant. Highly recommend!

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pragmatic and useful, positive overview

A very useful bird’s eye view of different aspects of autism and being the parent of autistic children. Positive and constructive, would definitely recommend both to those who are familiar with the issues, as it brings everything nicely together, and to those new to them.

[Shannon Marie Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an American, some parts of this book were not relevant to me but overall, I thought it was a positive and realistic portrayal of the experience and how we can support our children. I can see the author is on her own and journey and I can identify with that. The chapters on sensory differences and playdates were especially helpful for me.

[Tania Kliphuis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some fantastic insights, and I particularly loved the testimonials from adults who are on the spectrum. It’s very much based and rooted in the UK, so from that perspective not all that helpful for a South African context. However there are plenty of tools and nuggets of advice as a starting point for parents.

[Emma Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would totally recommend this book to any parents who want to learn more about their autistic children, and how best to support them. Also would recommend to people who work with children, whether it’s nursery staff, teachers etc. Amazing book and I’ve learned so much from it. I will be giving this book to lots of my family to also read.

[Caz Van · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest without oversharing, helpful without being prescriptive, positive without being unrealistic. If you're the parent of an autistic child and you're looking for an alternative to the doom-and-gloom narrative then this is it.

[Jose Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lo leí para conocer más de la condición, pero el libro funciona más para saber en específico qué hacer?, a qué escuelas ir?, cómo llenar formularios de los doctores?, cómo hablar con los maestros?, etc. Ah! también ayuda si vives en Londres, porque casi todos los tips solo aplican si vives allá.

[Engin Saglik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb book and covers many topics to re-read if it applies to your child later. Only backdraw is that some of the chapters is more how the UK system works. Just research how it works in your country.

[Chantelle Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve read about autism. Very impressed. Being the mother of an autistic daughter I find sone books are quite cold and to the point. This one made it feel personal and I very much enjoyed it

[Laura Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, informative but a nice easy read and accessible in regards to terminology etc. I found this SO useful and really easy to dip in and out of! Highly recommend, especially if you have younger autistic children.

[marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good pointers I will ultimately take from this book but without the nods to BAME and LGBTQ+ whatever it is now at time of writing this review which seem to slip into every area of society these days when they aren't relevant to the topic at hand👍🏻👍🏼👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿

[Gemma Berwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind altering read

This book is exactly what the world needed, I have never felt so connected and educated by one single book until now, highly recommend. A read I will remember, knowledge and strategies I will use everyday

[Chrish · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found that much of this book reiterated points I have encountered elsewhere. While it didn't offer any new revelations for me personally, it did serve as a good summary for the topic of autism overall.

[Maryann Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good explanations, guide to interventions, ehcp application

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so moved by the ending paragraph. Not many parents can realize that their children’s happiness is actually the most wonderful achievement a child can possibly obtain.

[Marie Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is massive! so check it out here :)

https://ourjourneyontothespectrum.com...