Overview

This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Some children with ASDs are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others try to be social. Some get stuck on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing ( stims ). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance. Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions ( What's an ASD? Why me? ) and provides strategies for communicating, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, resources, and a glossary. Sections for parents offer more detailed information.

Full Product Details

9781575423852

Table of Contents

Reviews

Finally, a book that relates to kids on the spectrum because it incorporates actual stories from their lives in their own words! I loved the format, readability, and the content . . . [a] big thumbs up to [the] authors for tackling a tough subject and giving voice to the very group it impacts--kids with autism. --Louise Sattler, school psychologist, contributor to Education.com

<p>Verdick and Reeve, both mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder, are direct, truthful, and effective in their delivery, and they use their own experiences to inform readers about how to deal with the vagaries of life with ASD. They open with a brief introduction first to children and then to the adults who should be reading with them. In the first section, the authors give instructive background information but they do not go into too many details, keeping the text actively moving forward. Subsequent sections offer a ton of advice: what to do at school, at home, with siblings, about eating habits, and, of course, the vitally important chapter on poop and pee. Throughout the book, the authors include examples of real children with real problems and their attempts at coming up with solutions. One difference between this book and many other self-help titles is that these children do not always solve their problems; sometimes at the end of the example, they still don't like trying new foods, or they still have to work hard to make themselves try something new. The youngsters who are profiled represent multiple races and both genders. The format is colorful, with primary colors playing a large role in the layout of each page. This volume could become a treasured resource for families looking for help in successfully working through some of the problems faced by higher-functioning children with ASD. Buy two copies; one is sure to get worn out with use.- School Library Journal

The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism has a kid-friendly format featuring brightly colored text and cartoon drawings. Nick Kobyluch's entertaining illustrations are perfect for the tweens and teens who will be sharing this book, preferably with an adult who can answer questions as they read along. --Special Needs Book Review

Author Information

Elizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children, now ages 14 and 10, are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. In this survival guide, she writes from the perspective of a mother with a son on the spectrum and a passionate advocate for kids and parents in the autism community. She is the author of books in several Free Spirit series including Toddler Tools, Best Behavior, Laugh & Learn, and Adding Assets for Kids. Elizabeth lives with her family and five pets near St. Paul, Minnesota.Elizabeth Reeve, M.D., contributes not only her medical knowledge, but also her experiences as a mother of a son who has autism. Her clinical work focuses primarily on children and adults with developmental disabilities, and she has worked with many community organizations providing services to this population. In addition to her research and patient care, she is involved in teaching on a daily basis, regularly speaks in the community to educate others in the field of developmental disabilities, and stays up-to-date on this ever-changing field. Her recent endeavors focus on transition issues for young adults with ASDs as they enter college and the work force. She currently works in St. Paul and lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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