Overview

Embrace neurodiversity and foster understanding Autism For Dummies is a comprehensive guide exploring the full spectrum of autism experiences. This essential resource deepens understanding for self-advocates, parents, educators, and professionals, fostering respect and acceptance for all individuals on the autism spectrum. Covering the basics of autism, including the latest research and diagnostic criteria, the book offers insights into neurological diversity. It acknowledges the vastly different abilities and support needs among autistic individuals, portraying these experiences with depth and empathy. The book addresses families' and caregivers' experiences, offering candid testimonials and practical advice on advocating for resources, fostering supportive communities, and ensuring the best outcomes for their children. Autism For Dummies bridges polarized views within the autism community, highlighting self-advocates' calls for independence and parents' need for comprehensive support. Through respectful dialogue and shared stories, the book encourages an enlightened approach to support and acceptance and provides practical strategies for inclusion, covering tools for communities, schools, and workplaces to become more accommodating and empowering. The book: Explains the varied support needs of autistic individuals, from extensive daily support to minimal assistance Offers strategies for caregivers supporting children and adults with autism Includes candid testimonials and practical advice from real families on how to advocate for appropriate resources and foster supportive environments Provides tools for inclusive communities, schools, and workplaces With its compassionate and inclusive approach, Autism For Dummies educates and inspires broader understanding and acceptance, calling on readers to help create a society where every autistic individual can thrive.

Full Product Details

Author:   John Marble ,  Khushboo Chabria ,  Ranga Jayaraman ,  Temple Grandin
Publisher:   John Wiley & Sons Inc
Imprint:   For Dummies
Dimensions:   Width: 18.00cm , Height: 2.80cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.567kg
ISBN:  

9781394301003

ISBN 10:   1394301006
Pages:   432
Publication Date:   01 May 2025
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

FOREWORD xvii Introduction 1 About This Book 1 Foolish Assumptions 2 Icons Used in This Book 3 Beyond the Book 4 Where to Go from Here 4 Part 1: Understanding Autism 5 Chapter 1: What Is Autism? 7 Understanding Neurodiversity 8 Expanding Our Understanding of Autism 9 Being an Autistic Person 11 Understanding How Autism Develops 15 Clarifying What Doesn’t Cause Autism 23 Exploring the Autistic Brain 24 Understanding Related Conditions 27 Talking about Autism 29 Chapter 2: Someone You Know Is Autistic 33 Recognizing Autism’s History 34 Appreciating Autism’s Benefits 36 Chapter 3: Diagnosing Autism 39 Understanding the Diagnostic Process 40 Understanding Diagnostic Criteria 40 Understanding Assessment Methods 43 Benefiting from Early Diagnosis 45 Addressing Diagnostic Barriers 47 When a Diagnosis Isn’t Possible 51 Chapter 4: Understanding Autistic Traits 53 Understanding Spectrum Conditions 54 Appreciating Autistic Traits 55 How the Autistic Brain Thinks 57 How the Autistic Brain Uses Focus 59 How the Autistic Brain Organizes Thoughts 61 How the Autistic Brain Uses Senses 64 How the Autistic Brain Feels Emotions 67 How the Autistic Brain Communicates 68 How the Autistic Brain Socializes 72 How Autistic Bodies Respond 75 Part 2: Raising Autistic Kids 79 Chapter 5: Understanding and Being Understood 81 Exploring Autistic Communication 82 Recognizing Early Signs of Differences 83 Supporting Autistic Communication 84 Helping Your Child Communicate 88 Exploring Strategies for Growth 89 Chapter 6: Understanding Sensory Experiences 95 Understanding Sensory Differences 95 Supporting Sensory Differences 100 Practicing Effective Strategies 102 Building Sensory Awareness 105 Chapter 7: Responding to Behavior and Stress 107 Understanding Behavior and Stress 107 Coping with Meltdowns 110 Coping with Shutdowns 113 Addressing Wandering 115 Dealing with Social Isolation 117 Chapter 8: Raising Kids with Complex Needs 119 Embracing the Journey 120 Developing Daily Living Skills 122 Navigating the School System 124 Ensuring Health and Medical Care 127 Self-Care for Parents and Caregivers 129 Planning for the Future 132 Part 3: Supporting the Growth Of Autistic Kids 139 Chapter 9: Growing Cognitive Skills 141 Supporting How Autistic Kids Think 141 Improving Executive Functioning 144 Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills 146 Fostering Creative and Abstract Thinking 147 Using Technology and Multimedia 149 Chapter 10: Navigating the School System 151 Understanding How Your Child Learns 151 Navigating Educational Approaches 156 Navigating Educational Services 158 Seeking Support 161 Chapter 11: Helping Autistic Children Socialize 165 Supporting Autistic Socialization 165 Facilitating Social Interaction 170 Encouraging Self-Advocacy 175 Chapter 12: Empowering Autistic Teens 179 Understanding Your Teenager 179 Nurturing Emotional Growth 181 Fostering Social Growth 183 Guiding Your Teen into Adulthood 186 Teaching Life Skills 188 Part 4: Thriving as An Autistic Adult 193 Chapter 13: Empowering Yourself 195 Developing Self-Awareness 195 Exploring Your Autistic Identity 196 Embracing Your Total Identity 206 Understanding Yourself as Normal 206 Developing Self-Acceptance 207 Exercising Self-Advocacy 210 Nurturing Your Health and Wellness 212 Chapter 14: Navigating Higher Education 213 Understanding Your Options 214 Choosing the Right Path 217 Accessing Support 219 Chapter 15: Finding Work and Growing Your Career 221 Landing a Good Job 222 Thriving in Your Job 229 Securing Supported Employment 233 Advancing Your Career 234 Chapter 16: Nurturing Relationships 237 Key Things for Healthy Relationships 237 Navigating Family Dynamics 238 Building Friendships 241 Navigating Romantic Relationships 246 Navigating Sexual Relationships 248 Participating In Community Life 251 Part 5: Empowering Autistic Individuals 255 Chapter 17: Universal Principles for Empowerment 257 Shifting Our Perspective 257 Adopting an Empowering Mindset 261 A Civic and Spiritual Calling 266 Encouraging Autistic Inclusion 267 Chapter 18: How Service Providers Can Empower Autistic People 271 Adopting Core Service Principles 272 Providing Effective Services 276 Empowering as Medical Professionals 279 Empowering as Therapists 282 Chapter 19: How Educators Can Empower Autistic People 285 Creating an Inclusive Classroom 286 Working with Parents and Caregivers 296 Using Strategies by Educational Level 297 Becoming a Better Educator 300 Chapter 20: How the Workplace Can Empower Autistic Individuals 303 Understanding Autistic Employees 304 Understanding Accommodations 310 Creating an Inclusive Workplace 313 Part 6: Building An Autism-inclusive Future 321 Chapter 21: Working Together for a Better Future 323 Moving Forward Together in Unity 324 Bridging Perspectives and Experiences 325 Collaborating Effectively 329 Building Alliances 332 Chapter 22: Turning Vision into Reality 335 Shaping Public Policy 335 Ensuring Accurate News Reporting 340 Portraying Autism in Creative Media 344 Modernizing Autism Research 346 Building Effective Accommodations 354 Chapter 23: Voices from the Spectrum 357 Centering Autistic Voices 357 Respecting Complex Needs 360 Listening to Nonspeaking Voices 362 Amplifying Voices of Color 364 Parenting Autistic Kids 366 Living as an Autistic Adult 369 Part 7: the Part of Tens 375 Chapter 24: Ten Key Concepts About Autism 377 Autism Is a Natural Part of Life 377 Every Autistic Person Is Unique 378 Acceptance Is Better Than “Fitting In” 379 Communication Can Happen Through Various Means 380 Socialization May Look Different 380 Autistic People Think in Unique Ways 382 Sensory Experiences Can Be Vivid 383 Intense Interests Are Strengths 383 Stimming Is Normal and Important 383 Routine and Predictability Are Comforting 384 Chapter 25: Ten Ways to Help Autistic People Thrive 385 Embrace Neurodiversity 385 Understand Autistic People as Normal 386 Center Autistic Voices 386 Practice Compassionate Curiosity 387 Provide Clear and Consistent Support 387 Foster Independence 388 Reduce Barriers That People Face 390 Include Autistic People in Activities 390 Respect Boundaries 391 Provide Tools for Self-Advocacy 391 Index 393

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Author Information

John Marble is the founder of Pivot Neurodiversity and a trainer with Neurodiversity Pathways. Khushboo Chabria is a neurodiversity specialist and career coach at Neurodiversity Pathways. Ranga Jayaraman is Director of Neurodiversity Pathways. All three are authors of Neurodiversity For Dummies.

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