Making Autism a Gift : Inspiring Children to Believe in Themselves and Lead Happy, Fulfilling Lives

Despite new research and increased public awareness, autism is still looked at in a negative light. Most books on the subject perpetuate this notion by saying that autism is bad or needs to be overcome, rather than highlighting the positive—for instance, many people with autism graduate from college, attain exciting careers, and lead happy, fulfilling lives. Making Autism a Gift emphasizes these positive realities and tears down the wall of isolation associated with this disorder. With information from hundreds of up-to-date sources, this practical book looks at the effects of autism on the individual and provides strategies parents can use to help their autistic children at home and beyond. 1. "Well, I do like to draw!" : the art of defining autism -- 2. "But he is too active to have autism!" : characteristics of autism -- 3. "Funny, I don't feel sick!" : diagnosing autism -- 4. "Of course, it could also be--" : conditions associated with autism -- 5. "Maybe you need to be modified!" : strategies for addressing general behavioral issues -- 6. "Why is everything that I like to do wrong?" : strategies for addressing self-stimulation -- 7. "Attack me with this banana!" : strategies for addressing temper tantrums and aggression -- 8. "What we have here is a failure to communicate" : strategies for addressing social and communication skills -- 9. "Ten minutes to Wapner!" : strategies for addressing fears, fixations, and routines -- 10. "One must be a student before one can be a teacher" : general strategies and philosophies for teaching your child -- 11. "Okay! I am the quarterback!" : working collaboratively with special educators -- 12. "Someday you are going to die" : life after school and you -- 13. Final thoughts -- Glossary -- Resources. James Williams is an eighteen-year-old homeschooled high school senior. Diagnosed with autism at the age of three, he was the beneficiary of numerous therapies that became available in the 1990s, and he evolved from a screaming nonverbal toddler to a feeling and talking adolescent. Having made his speaking debut at the age of eleven, he currently travels around the Midwest speaking about autism at schools, conferences, and parent support groups. He is the coauthor of The Self-Help Guide for Special Kids and Their Parents, which he wrote with his mother at the age of eight as a way of teaching himself about autism, and the author of Out to Get Jack, a comic novel. James's presentations and essays can be found on his website, www.jamesmw.com. ... many people with autism graduate from college, attain exciting careers, and lead happy, fulfilling lives. [This book] emphasizes these positive realities and tears down the wall of isolation associated with this disorder. With information from hundreds of up-to-date sources, this practical book looks at the effects of autism on the individual and provides strategies parents can use to help their autistic children at home and beyond.-Back cover A practical guide for those who are affected by autism and autism spectrum disorders. It provides strategies and resources to help parents and teachers maximize the success of their children and students.