Overview

You've heard from autistic authors. You've heard from therapists. Now hear from one extraordinary young woman who's both. Experience autism from the inside out through a rare fusion of professional skill and personal understanding. Reshape what you know about the autism spectrum and increase your ability to give support. Varied perspectives among autistic individuals, their families, and professionals have often been difficult to reconcile. Now, you can bridge that divide with guidance from someone who's lived in multiple worlds. Find immediate, actionable options to build connections, foster communication, navigate challenges, and enhance interactions. SPECIFIC CONTENT: Part One, AUTISM BASICS, focuses on the definition of autism, what autism is not, and an overview of implications across the spectrum of neurodivergence. Part Two, COMMUNICATION, discusses effective communication with autistic people, reducing ambiguity, increasing specific content, parent tools for encouraging conversation, relying on verbs, how ""Plain Language"" helps, when to wait instead of speaking, and the overlooked power of writing to support verbal interaction. Part Three, BEHAVIOR, talks about the logistics of meltdowns and how to handle, cause and effects of stimming and perseveration; recognizing the basis of sensory distortion; outside help and self-advocacy for sensory seekers and sensory avoiders;, Theory of Mind and autistic people's ability to ""read rooms""; reconsidering the value of special interests; all or nothing perspective of ""big feelings""; why eye contact can be hard and how to cope; and masking. Part Four, INTERACTIONS, features the truth and implications of loneliness; innate versus learned social skills; the hidden rules causing social complications; encouraging independence; challenges with executive function; a collaborative approach to goal setting; and understanding disability accommodations. Part Five, COMMON QUESTIONS, addresses the practical reality of DSM-5's ""Diagnostic Levels""; the why and how of therapy for autism; the value of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA); and routes to autism advocacy.

Full Product Details

9798991035507

Table of Contents

Reviews

.... a fresh and insightful commentary on autism. With a blend of humor, sharp intellect, and a steadfast commitment to highlighting the experiences of autistic individuals across the spectrum-including those with profound autism-Partlow gives practical advice and tackles today's thorniest issues. The book she was never supposed to be able to write is a must-read for anyone eager to understand autism better. As a rising star in the field, Partlow is poised to become this generation's Temple Grandin. -Erin R. Hahn, Ph.D., Department Chair and Professor of Psychology, Furman University Loved Kaelynn Partlow's information on ambiguity and communication. She gives lots of practical pointers on how to be more direct and specific when talking to autistic individuals. Vague open ended questions are not effective communication. -Temple Grandin, Author, Visual Thinking: The Hidden Gifts of People Who Think in Pictures, Patterns, and Abstractions ....unique perspective... as an individual who provides services to individuals with autism and who also has autism herself. Her insights provide both a common sense approach and reveal a wisdom well beyond her years. Her analogies and practical recommendations should be read by... all healthcare workers serving those with autism.... -Steven A. Skinner, M.D., President and CEO of the Greenwood Genetic Center Kaelynn Partlow beautifully chronicles her journey with autism, moving the reader from empathy to change. Her honest storytelling and practical recommendations have transformed the way our team supports and empowers our students who are on the autism spectrum. Life of the Bridge is a must-read and a call to action. -Stephanie Seay, Assistant Principal Jesse Boyd Elementary & South Carolina Teacher of the Year From a history in family counseling, I know everyone is going to want to get their hands on this book. Analysis from a unique perspective... for parents and clinicians alike. Partlow's view is unlike any other and within these pages she has many lessons to teach us all. You will want to hear what she has to say! -Amanda J. Gerding, LMSW, Clinical Social Work Therapist and CEO of Lillys Counseling

Author Information

Following her appearance on the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum, author Kaelynn Partlow, RBT, amplified her social media reach, establishing herself as an influential voice in autism understanding and actionable advocacy. Over almost ten years providing clinical autism services, she has worked with clients spanning different ages and vastly differing levels of ability. Partlow lives in South Carolina with two supportive roommates and her Labrador, Finn.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available