Synopses & Reviews
Autism...What Does It Mean To Me? by Catherine Faherty has come to seem even more groundbreaking than it did in its first edition, 14 years ago. The format Catherine developed, in which the book is literally co-created by the autistic child (or adult), is still the only one of its kind. It's not because there aren't autism books galore. People purchase books like Catherine's alongside books written by PhDs, researchers and scholars; memoirs written by parents of young children; and, increasingly, autobiographies written by autistic adults. Each of these books has something to teach its reader about autism. But only Catherine's is a collaboration with the child him- or herself. Autism...What does it mean to me? is both a book and a collection of worksheets, each page of which offers the chance to explore a particular topic. Like the first edition, each chapter includes both worksheets for the child (or adult) with autism, as well as pages of explanatory material and ideas for further study for the teacher, parent, or professional. New pages include additional pages directed towards older readers. For example, teens exploring how their identity relates to their diagnosis may be interested in the pages titled: The Wording for Me and Autism: "Identity First" and "Person First" (p. 20, 21). Pages 28-29 offer additional resources to the parent or professional regarding this language. Pages regarding the importance and meaning of stimming are new, along with pages regarding Self-Injurious Behavior, tics, emotional pain, empathy, and many, many more. In the section regarding Friends, Catherine includes what she's learned from adults and teens regarding the importance of internet friendships as a vital and sustaining force in many otherwise isolated lives. She's also added new information regarding the dangers that may be associated with meeting people online, and practical tips regarding protecting one's personal safety. The new edition also includes two brand new elements: Happiness: An entirely new chapter dedicated to the topic of happiness, based in Catherine's reading of positive psychology researchers and integrating this research into her professional practice. This chapter provides practical, concrete language and suggestions regarding such topics as: Forgiveness, Appreciation and Gratitude, Acceptance, Courage, Kindness. Its inclusion is a stinging reminder of how rarely we read about these qualities in the standard autism curriculum. New practitioners are drilled in behavioral treatment strategies, but too often happiness is considered too elusive a goal. We learn to strive only for elimination of undesirable behaviors, forgetting that, like everyone, a person with autism must learn to be happy: with themselves, in their life. Art: The artwork of Jade McWilliams does more than offer an illustration to each chapter. Her artwork takes Catherine's ideas and transforms them into pictures accessible to anyone, regardless of their ability with written language. Much of the original artwork by Maria White and Thomas Johnson remains, along with the comments, observations, and insights by Dave Spicer and John Engle; but Jade's artwork adds a new and modern dimension to this edition.
Review
“This book offers another approach to furthering the understanding of autism … encouraging autistic children to learn more about themselves, and guiding them through a journey of self-discovery. It is a valuable resource for awareness and … self-esteem! Such a book could have been very helpful to me and my family when I was a child.”--Dave Spicer, diagnosed at age 46
“This is information that every kid with autism should have.”--Thomas Johnson, age 10
Review
I first came across this book when I was officially diagnosed with autism, about 4 years ago at the local TEACCH Center. At this time Catherine was still working for TEACCH. (I knew I was autistic before that, but being a girl and growing up in the 80's I had grown-up with other labels, like "emotionally disturbed.") Having the diagnosis finally made official and having *BOTH* people in my life and MYSELF accept that there was a neurological reason for my differences and behaviors (rather than problems with my character) was vitally important. This book helped make that possible. And it was on the very day of my diagnosis that I first encountered it! I was extremely exhausted and stressed after undergoing the series of required psychological and cognitive tests. Actually, I was ready to run out the door. (Which was something that I did a lot under stress in those days.) But while the results of the tests were being discussed, the therapist (probably detecting my distress) handed me this book to look at. I promptly proceed to focus on the book and ignore everyone else. I have to admit that the first thing I liked about the book was that it was HEAVY. It was the weight/pressure of the book on my lap that actually helped me to sit and slow down my stimming. Eventually I calmed down enough to look inside of the book and read some of the words. When Catherine came in and was introduced to me for the first time, I said, "I like your book! It is helping me to sit!" In the days after my evaluation, my thoughts kept coming back around to this book. I really wanted to be able to explore it more, in my own time. We went to the library and checked it out. I am so glad that we did! I read it and re-read it. I did the activities in the book. While other books I had access to were dense and wordy, this book was easy to process and broken down into parts that I could manage. I was learning, understanding and accepting a lot about myself, through using this book. And here is what was really great: It didn't just help me, it helped my partner a lot too. We *both* read it, through the book we were communicating about important topics. It helped us both understand what was going on! I am really grateful for this experience. Even though the book is meant for children and teens, I think it is really useful for people of any age! I liked that my differences were presented in a straight-forward, non-judgmental, positive way. It was extremely validating to see them in print. That they were in a book made me feel not alone and not "wrong." I started to feel more kind and gentle with myself, I started to think in terms of "differences" rather than "deficiencies" or "faults." I loved the concrete suggestions. As an adult, I enjoyed reading the sections for "Parents and Teachers" as well. I especially loved reading about schedules and the examples of schedules in the book. I loved how Catherine introduces the idea of getting help or requesting help. This is a cornerstone for self-advocacy. And I had never known that I could ask for help. I loved the work-sheet statements that I could easily read and think about and process... and then decide if they were "true for me." Seeing things that *were* honestly true for me, in print, helped me to understand truths about myself that I had never been able to form into words before or communicate to another person! I started to feel like, "Hey! Someone understands me! This has never really happened before! I want to keep going, keep learning!" One of my favorite things was reading about "the quiet children." As a very silent child, it made me so happy to read this. In the second edition, there are some great new additions to the book. I love the way Catherine defends stimming! I want to be in a class that has group stimming time, like she recommends. I would have loved doing this in school. The expanded additions on talents and creative expression are wonderful! I hope that everyone who reads the book will find some of their own talents reflected in this chapter. And the chapter on being happy is very important. I like that it has very concrete suggestions for improving happiness. This makes feeling better very accessible to the autistic cognitive style. The section on students giving their own input in the IEP process THRILLS me to no end! Lastly, I think the sections for older kids on self injurious behavior and depression/suicidal feelings are also really important. These topics are hard for anyone to discus! This gives a non-emotional, logical way for autistic people to try to express big, complicated feelings and experiences. This book is *very* important for autistic children because it helps them to understand themselves and their experiences. And to realize that their experiences may be different from other people's. Typically, so much treatment for autistic children focuses on language development, changing behavior, and developing "social skills." These are all external observable traits. BUT they do not address the lived in, internal experience of being an autistic person. What Catherine's book can do is help children understand who they are, on the INSIDE. This is vitally important and there needs to be more focus on this area of personal development!!! I don't know if non-autistic people can appreciate how out of control life can feel when you live in a world that is not designed for your way of being. But every bit of understanding that we have, of ourselves and of each other, helps to make navigating the world a tiny bit easier. And. PLEASE remember: If accurate information is not available to help children understand themselves, they will *STILL* come to conclusions about who they are and how they are in the world. And this information (more often than not) will be provided by people who (at best) do not understand autism and (at worst) by people who are being actively unkind (for example: bullies!). By using this book I think children can gain self-understanding, self-acceptance and (ultimately) self-confidence in ways that are really tailored to their strengths and abilities. Everyone feels better when they are understood and understand themselves! Autistic people are not different in this regard. - Jade McWilliams
Synopsis
Autism: What Does It Mean to Me? is an indispensable and transformative tool, and lifelong companion for autistic people, their parents and families, and professionals. Written by internationally renowned autism trainer, teacher, and advocate and best-selling author Catherine Faherty, the workbook is engaged by the autistic child or adult to enhance self-understanding and awareness and foster communication with others about needs, preferences, and identity. Most every facet of a person's life is explored, including areas particular to autism, and areas every person engages with. Among these are: ways of thinking, including focused interests perfection versus doing your best the support of schedules sensory experience, including stimming creative expression learning about and interacting with people writing Social Stories understanding speech and expressions in others types of communication, including verbal or nonverbal self-advocacy and miscommunication supportive structures for school and approaching IEPs friendship, play, online acquaintances and safety emotions, including feeling anxious or upset, depression, and outbursts The book concludes with an extended section on happiness, including relaxation, exercise, gratitude, forgiveness, kindness, positive attitude, and making the world a better place. Extensive materials designed especially for older readers, as well as for parents, therapists, and teachers, are included. Understanding what's actually true and supporting acceptance and appreciation form the cornerstones of Catherine's approach and the workbook. This new book is completely updated and revised from the original edition with the Asperger's title. It adds more than 150 pages of brand new material and worksheets
Synopsis
This is a book that will never become irrelevant or "outdated." Every child who uses it also becomes its co-author. Each chapter is divided in two parts: the first part - the Workbook - is for the child to complete, by writing or highlighting "What is True for Me" in lists of simple statements. The second part - For Parents and Teachers- contains helpful tips/information for the adult who guides him through the exercises.
The book will provide insight into your child's mind, and make him/her more self-aware, learning what autism means in relation to crucial areas of his/her life: friendships, fears, abilities, and much more.
This new edition to a favorite resource includes expanded chapters, plus a new chapter on happiness.
Other helpful chapters include: Ways of Thinking— Workbook The Sensory Experience— Workbook Artistic Talent Workbook People Workbook Understanding Workbook Thoughts Workbook Communication Workbook School Workbook
About the Author
Catherine Faherty taught a variety of students with diverse learning styles before creating a model classroom in 1985 for elementary-aged students with ASD. From 1990 to 2012 she worked as an autism specialist with the internationally recognized TEACCH program in Asheville, North Carolina as a parent consultant; child and adult therapist; consultant to school programs; trainer of teachers and other professionals locally, nationally, and internationally; and facilitator of social groups for adults on the spectrum along with support/education groups for parents and family members. She has written manuals used in TEACCH trainings, co-developed a multitude of training models, and is the author of three books, one of which was recognized as the Autism Society of America's 2009 Outstanding Literary Work. Catherine is one of the few authorized Social Stories™ instructors by Carol Gray. Her mentoring and consultation (via long-distance technology) is sought after by therapists, teachers, and parents in the US and abroad. She speaks at conferences and provides trainings world-wide. Catherine is a devoted ally to autistic self-advocates. For more information: catherinefaherty.com.