30 Days to Understanding Autism

by Casey Chaffey

There is no shortage of books, articles, research, opinions, and misinformation. Autism spectrum disorder is one condition with common features that can manifest in diverse ways. This book aims to be an easy and informal read while wading through a wide range of topics including the 30 Days to Understanding Autism can be read all at once, used as a reference guide, or simply be a place to turn for daily information and support. “A balance of careful research and thoughtful engagement, 30 Days to Understanding Autism represents one of the best basic overviews of autism spectrum disorder. Casey Chaffey’s parental perspective on autism and its associated challenges is sure to be a source of encouragement to other parents looking for reliable information as they begin their journey to comprehending the complexities of their child’s diagnosis. This concise but impactful treatment also serves as a go-to guide for grandparents, caregivers, friends, and anyone desiring an informed outlook on autism.” - Lee A., brother of three siblings on the spectrum “The author has done an excellent job of explaining a complex subject in a concise, practical way. Even after being a parent of an autistic child for 23 years, I still learned from this book. Casey Chaffey managed to put into words what I have wanted to express and explain to others but have not been able to articulate. I highly recommend this book to any parent who has a child, of any age, who experiences autism.” - Kim S., mother of an adult son on the spectrum “As a mother of an autistic son, I know firsthand the daily struggles faced by families with a child on the spectrum. Research is being done all the time, and yet our society still understands so little about autism. More tools are needed, and Casey Chaffey's book delivers. This easy-to-read resource is a perfect guide to better understand the challenges faced by those with autism. The book also offers some definitions of terms and explanations of concepts contained in modern autism research. 30 Days to Understanding Autism is a must-have.” - Mary P., mother of a child on the spectrum

Genres: Nonfiction

103 pages, Paperback

Published December 5, 2018

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

I finished this book just to have it finished. If you want to learn about autism, find a different book. The author of this is extremely judgmental and, after stating at the beginning that she is going to stay away from sharing her on opinions and focus on facts only, she only does that in the chapters where she either doesn’t have a strong opinion or hasn’t experienced what she’s talking about. Oh, and all her experience is as a parent. That’s fine but then make sure you know who your audience is and market your book towards parents of CHILDREN with autism. I emphasize children because she shares almost nothing about autism over the age of 25, when services basically disappear. And only one sentence in the book even suggests that there is an entire generation, increasingly called a “lost generation” who were not diagnosed as children because the diagnosis of Aspergers didn’t exist yet and we were considered too high functioning to be autistic. Yes, I was diagnosed at age 43. Please find a less judgmental book if you want to learn about autism. I wish I could get the $8 I spent on it back.

[Betty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite judgemental!

I found this book quite judgemental! She is a mother of an autistic son .... but sounds ashamed of that.. I have two autistic grandsons and we are very proud of everything that they can accomplish! It's Awesomeness I tell them ... Don't listen to the bullies and haters , Be the best You that You can be and that's all we can do!

[Kae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to preface this by stating that this book came out in 2018 and I read it for the first time in 2024.

As someone in their late 20s (as of writing) who was diagnosed with the possibility of being autistic — I decided this would be a decent starting point for information, and it was! Since this is written from the perspective of a parent in 2018, it definitely addresses autism as it’s seen in children. I already knew that, but it did help shed some light on experiences I had as a child and a bit of what I currently experience as an adult.

Though most of the information is regarding children with autism, there is some research going over autism in adults. Just keep in mind that this book is about autistic kids.

By the time you read this book, if you ever do, a lot of the information could easily be outdated. And the author even states as such early in the beginning as a form of disclaimer. The opinions they had in 2018 also could have changed by the time I read this book, but there’s no way of knowing without an updated version. She also states the moments where she gives her own opinion separate from the factual points backed by the research at the time. This is something I made sure to keep in mind throughout my time reading this book.

In short — this book is best read if you take it with a grain of salt given the time it was released.

If you’re wanting a basic, easy to digest version of learning about autism - I’d say this is it! It’s a very average yet quick read that can be finished in a day or two. Again, take this book with a grain of salt since it’s a basic introduction that doesn’t fully encapsulate everything about autism.

[Mandy Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and Informative

Want to provide someone with the basic foundation on autism (including Aspergers) with studies sited? This is a quick and easily-digested way to start. My hope is this will help those in my life and in my kids’ lives understand what being on the spectrum actually means. The book is broken down into days with specific topics. Where there is intersection amongst days/topics, the day/topic is referenced with keywords. Saves on bulk and keeps it at that higher level. Could be read all at once, if one wanted. If new to the topic and wanted time to digest the material, the breakdown by days/topics makes that very simple.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirty Chances To Learn

So you want a breakdown to asd and not be overwhelmed? Try this read. There's words and pictures breaking down different aspects of asd while being caring to an autistic. You can do the one a day read or as did chunk reading. Your pace your way as long as observing and seeing asd is more than a child's disorder, it is life long, and it more than you think. A wide variety of presentation. Read, absorb,learn.

[Travis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignantly simple and easy

Straight and simple / quick to the point explanations and chapter assembly.

The author was able to express thoughts clearly and in a relatable manner that is both respectful to the subject and content reader.

Well done.

[karen downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read

This is a great quick to understand some of the basics of autism. They want me to write seven more words before I can submit. But honestly that's all I have to say.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes

Just read it. Everyone. Help children with ASD and their families just by reading these pages. ASD is diverse but this gives you a starting platform to become educated. Yes, the book has limitations. Still, it's in manageable and informative bites.