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Positive Parenting for Autism: Powerful Strategies to Help Your Child Overcome Challenges and Thrive
Discover strengths-based strategies to help your child with autism build life skills starting today
It can be a challenge to manage life as a special needs parent and feel like you are doing all you can to support your child’s growth and development. Positive Parenting for Autism offers proven techniques for helping your child with autism develop the foundational skills they need to thrive and live a fulfilling life.
Using scientifically supported strategies based in applied behavior analysis (ABA), this practical guide provides concrete tools for developing personalized behavior change plans aimed at both increasing your child’s positive behaviors and decreasing unwanted or problem behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders. Take a deep dive into topics like punishment alternatives, the power of reinforcement, communication and cooperation, and teaching complex behaviors in straightforward ways.
All parenting books on autism should
An introduction to ABA—Learn more about applied behavior analysis, including how and why it’s used to treat people with autism, how you can get your child on board, and what you need to get started.Strengths-based strategies—Explore techniques that are positive and strengths-based, rather than punishing or pathologizing, so your child is empowered to meet, and even exceed, the goals you envision for them.Examples of ABA in practice—Read real-life examples of these techniques in action to help you understand how these new skills and strategies address the everyday situations you and your child with autism face.
Support your child with autism as they build necessary social and life skills with help from these practical, evidence-based techniques.
It can be a challenge to manage life as a special needs parent and feel like you are doing all you can to support your child’s growth and development. Positive Parenting for Autism offers proven techniques for helping your child with autism develop the foundational skills they need to thrive and live a fulfilling life.
Using scientifically supported strategies based in applied behavior analysis (ABA), this practical guide provides concrete tools for developing personalized behavior change plans aimed at both increasing your child’s positive behaviors and decreasing unwanted or problem behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders. Take a deep dive into topics like punishment alternatives, the power of reinforcement, communication and cooperation, and teaching complex behaviors in straightforward ways.
All parenting books on autism should
An introduction to ABA—Learn more about applied behavior analysis, including how and why it’s used to treat people with autism, how you can get your child on board, and what you need to get started.Strengths-based strategies—Explore techniques that are positive and strengths-based, rather than punishing or pathologizing, so your child is empowered to meet, and even exceed, the goals you envision for them.Examples of ABA in practice—Read real-life examples of these techniques in action to help you understand how these new skills and strategies address the everyday situations you and your child with autism face.
Support your child with autism as they build necessary social and life skills with help from these practical, evidence-based techniques.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2018
667 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 31, 2025
Raising a child with autism can be lonely and challenging. So, I really appreciate the positive and encouraging tone throughout this book.
Often times I give in to my daughter, because I’m drained, annoyed, or don’t actually feel like disciplining. This book was the perfect reminder that I’m negatively reinforcing my daughter’s behavior.
I really want to give extinction burst a try. Even though I know it’s going to be harder for me than her.
I recommend this book if you’re an autism parent and you want to learn more about: applied behavioral therapy, punishment, differential reinforcement, extinction, leaning on “the village” and what that consists of. It’s less of a deep dive and more of an overview of each topic.
Often times I give in to my daughter, because I’m drained, annoyed, or don’t actually feel like disciplining. This book was the perfect reminder that I’m negatively reinforcing my daughter’s behavior.
I really want to give extinction burst a try. Even though I know it’s going to be harder for me than her.
I recommend this book if you’re an autism parent and you want to learn more about: applied behavioral therapy, punishment, differential reinforcement, extinction, leaning on “the village” and what that consists of. It’s less of a deep dive and more of an overview of each topic.
September 11, 2020
A lot of GREAT information and such positive support.
Read
May 10, 2021DNF at 38% due to having to return my copy to the lender.
April 22, 2020
Insightfulness: 5 Stars | Creativity: 4 Stars | Well Written: 5 Stars | Page Turner: 3 Stars
Positive Parenting for Autism provides an overview of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how ABA can be effectively used to help a child overcome behavioral challenges.
Is it insightful? 5 Stars
Very good presentation of ABA concepts and techniques. It’s clear the author has mastery of subject matter.
Is it creative? 4 Stars
Good examples and case studies throughout the book which reinforce the concepts. Nothing exciting or unique about how concepts are presented. The ABA concepts, while helpful for parenting a child with autism, are not exclusive to autism; they are good overall parenting techniques.
Is the well written? 5 stars
Read in about two hours. Author communicates clearly and concisely. Each chapter has takeaways at the end to reinforce key concepts. Good formatting for Kindle, though when hyperlinks are clicked within a paragraph there is no way to get back to where you were reading.
Is it a page turner? 3 Stars
Book covers a lot of turf; however the author’s writing voice is non-existent, which made the reading much less interesting. The author expresses no empathy, encouragement, or desire to connect with the reader, who is most likely dealing with a difficult parenting situation. This is underscored in a number of statements in last chapter telling the reader how much he/she has learned as result of reading the book. How does the author know what the reader learned?
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
Positive Parenting for Autism provides an overview of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and how ABA can be effectively used to help a child overcome behavioral challenges.
Is it insightful? 5 Stars
Very good presentation of ABA concepts and techniques. It’s clear the author has mastery of subject matter.
Is it creative? 4 Stars
Good examples and case studies throughout the book which reinforce the concepts. Nothing exciting or unique about how concepts are presented. The ABA concepts, while helpful for parenting a child with autism, are not exclusive to autism; they are good overall parenting techniques.
Is the well written? 5 stars
Read in about two hours. Author communicates clearly and concisely. Each chapter has takeaways at the end to reinforce key concepts. Good formatting for Kindle, though when hyperlinks are clicked within a paragraph there is no way to get back to where you were reading.
Is it a page turner? 3 Stars
Book covers a lot of turf; however the author’s writing voice is non-existent, which made the reading much less interesting. The author expresses no empathy, encouragement, or desire to connect with the reader, who is most likely dealing with a difficult parenting situation. This is underscored in a number of statements in last chapter telling the reader how much he/she has learned as result of reading the book. How does the author know what the reader learned?
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
December 24, 2022
“Positive Parenting for Autism…” in order to compel/cajole/convince your autistic child to conform to your neurotypical social expectations.
There’s a few practical aspects to the book but little here to empower autistic kids to function in their own lives while remaining true to themselves. Like many books that focus on extolling the virtues of ABA (even the modern versions), this one tends to have a binary mindset: be able to function in society, or be left behind by the world.
There are better books out there to help you and your child find their place in the world. Look for authors more like Mona Delahooke for more neurodiverse positive outlooks.
There’s a few practical aspects to the book but little here to empower autistic kids to function in their own lives while remaining true to themselves. Like many books that focus on extolling the virtues of ABA (even the modern versions), this one tends to have a binary mindset: be able to function in society, or be left behind by the world.
There are better books out there to help you and your child find their place in the world. Look for authors more like Mona Delahooke for more neurodiverse positive outlooks.
January 5, 2021
I have since read articles from adults with autism who had ABA strategies used on them as children... and they hated it! I also didn't like the "scientific experiment" feel to some of the strategies. My child is a human. Not a lab rat.
March 27, 2023
Wonderful Tools
This book was fantastic, and had so many wonderful tools and techniques. I was recommended to read this book by the neuropsychologist that diagnosed my son with ASD, but as I also work at a school, I can see how beneficial this could be for ANY child. There are so many techniques that make sense but that people normally wouldn’t do on their own in this book. I could see myself using this on any other children I may have later on in life, or in my own classroom. I don’t understand all the negative comments about ABA being abusive. I have only seen progress from this therapy.
This book was fantastic, and had so many wonderful tools and techniques. I was recommended to read this book by the neuropsychologist that diagnosed my son with ASD, but as I also work at a school, I can see how beneficial this could be for ANY child. There are so many techniques that make sense but that people normally wouldn’t do on their own in this book. I could see myself using this on any other children I may have later on in life, or in my own classroom. I don’t understand all the negative comments about ABA being abusive. I have only seen progress from this therapy.
January 5, 2026
As a behavior analyst and new parent, I found this book to be a a quick and easy read. I will be adding this to my list of recommendations for the families I work with. I do believe this information can be useful for any parent, regardless if you have a child with special needs. I appreciated the short section on advocacy but felt like it missed an opportunity to include suggestions on neurodivergent-affirming practices. Overall, great parent-friendly overview of ABA.
May 20, 2022
A helping hand in giving parents and autistic kids tools for survival in this world. To think of what life was like without this help is heartbreaking. There's so much to take in. I had to go over this information over again. I highly recommend this book.
October 15, 2023
This book has easy to follow, easy to understand and easy relatable information. I think it’s a gem for newly diagnosed Littles (not that it isn’t useful for older children.) Whether you are for ABA, or not, I think this is a great read.
May 5, 2019
Short and straightforward book packed with real life examples and application methods. Great overview of ABA and how to apply it to real life situations, including tricky things like social skills.
November 21, 2019
Liked the step by step process to give my child his best life.
January 23, 2020
3.5 stars
April 23, 2020
This book has a lot of great info for parents. Unfortunately there are a lot of graphics and worksheets that done translate very well to the kindle version. I would recommend a physical book.
December 8, 2022
Helped me understand and parenty autistic daughter
February 22, 2023
Very helpful. Thank you
May 4, 2024
Didn’t even get through a couple of chapters, very much feel like this is trying to make neurodivergent / autistic children conform to society. We should be embracing neurodivergence not making them change
December 9, 2018
Definitely a good, well written and helpful book. I love how it follows applied behavior analysis techniques. Plus it gives real life examples. Lots of tips and info that actually applies and helps.
Definitely recommend. My daughter is 7 and is not autistic, or at least not diagnosed but a lot of these tips and techniques have been great for us with her. She has been having challenges since she was a baby and lately her behaviors have escalated. This is great to work with her and it definitely helps.
Did get to read for free through the Callisto Publisher's Club but these opinions are based on my own experience and opinions.
Definitely recommend. My daughter is 7 and is not autistic, or at least not diagnosed but a lot of these tips and techniques have been great for us with her. She has been having challenges since she was a baby and lately her behaviors have escalated. This is great to work with her and it definitely helps.
Did get to read for free through the Callisto Publisher's Club but these opinions are based on my own experience and opinions.
February 28, 2019
As a parent of an adult child diagnosed with Autism, it is important to have books that empower guardians to assist those family members achieve their goals. This book investigates reasons for behaviors and reinforcement. The author did an excellent job of recognizing parents as the experts in their children and combining the skills of clinicians in guiding caregivers.
June 24, 2019
Loved this (even as a school psychologist who supports behavior as a living). Lots of useful tips to apply with my own child, and when writing plans for students as well.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews