Synopses & Reviews
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 andquot;stuckandquot; on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing (andquot;stimsandquot;). 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 (andquot;Whatandrsquo;s an ASD?andquot; andquot;Why me?andquot;) 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.
Review
“Gosh, but I did love this book! The authors did an excellent job writing in an easy-to-understand style for spectrum kids while addressing core issues about the disorder and how to live with it and through it.”—Veronica Zysk, coauthor of 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger’s
Review
“I found the success stories, solutions, and strategies to be uplifting. This book will give kids and parents reason for hope.”—Kimberly Klein, Ph.D., pediatric neuropsychologist with Fraser Child and Family Center
Review
“An excellent resource, and it’s also a survival guide for parents!”—Mary Stefanski, parent of a son with autism
Review
andldquo;With so many children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, numerous new advice books are becoming available. This is one of the more useful ones . . . It explains in clear language strategies children can train themselves to employ to improve functioning in the neurotypical world and why these might be useful. Generally useful and easily readable . . . with lots of practical advice, especially appropriate for grade-schoolers and their caregivers.andrdquo;andmdash;Kirkus
Review
Just because a child has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) does not mean that they cannot make friends, succeed in school, or foster a special talent like musicianship or athleticism. With that sentiment in mind, this book is designed to be a resource for the entire “team of helpers” rooting for every child trying to reach their full potential, including parents, teachers, friends, and support staff. The overarching tone is one of openness, making no social or physical facet of ASD taboo. Real problems are answered with real solutions shared by kids. Verdick and Reeve offer dual perspectives as both parents of autistic children and medical professionals in the field of developmental disabilities. Interesting anecdotes and cartoon illustrations are presented alongside invaluable tools such as behavior charts and body-language cheat sheets. No two children are the same, whether they have been diagnosed with ASD or not, and the authors lay a strong foundation in giving kids the ultimate skill of self-advocacy.—Booklist
Review
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
Review
Verdick and Reeve’s guide manages to skillfully balance on the edge between information-heavy academic books and too-simplistic books for young children. They have produced an informative, practical guide for late elementary and middle school students that neither talks down to them nor floats above their heads. The book is meant to be read as needed, “come back to the book during times when the child is asking questions, facing changes… reaching a milestone,” says the introduction to parents. The volume’s layout is as important as its content, using color and font not as distractions, but to emphasize key phrases and ideas. The layout also uses color and shapes to good effect in pointing out many experiences of other children on the Autism Syndrome Disorder Spectrum, and their individual solutions to specific problems.
Verdick is the mother of a child with ASD and an activist in the field. Reeve is also the mother of an ASD child, and is a doctor who specializes in the field. Between the two of them, their experience leads them to emphasize the individuality of each child, while not allowing them to bury their heads in the sand, dismissing symptoms as unique quirks. From conversation to cleanliness, from making friends to fashion, this book shows concrete examples from real children’s lives, provides tips for everyday use, and most of all, encourages children with ASD to work with their team of helpers (parents, teachers, doctors, friends) to take advantage of all that is out there to be happy and fulfilled.— VOYA
Review
andldquo;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 impactsandmdash;kids with autism.andrdquo;andmdash;Louise Sattler, school psychologist, contributor to Education.com
Review
andldquo;With a kid-friendly format featuring brightly colored text and cartoon drawings, The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents) is a well-organized, go-to resource packed with solid information and advice for kids and adults.andrdquo;andmdash;Curriculum Connections, School Library Journal
Review
With a kid-friendly format featuring brightly colored text and cartoon drawings, The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents) (Free Spirit, 2012; Gr 3 Up) by Elizabeth Verdick and Elizabeth Reeve, both parents of autistic children, is a well-organized, go-to-resource packed with solid information and advice for kids and adults. Divided into three parts, “A Look into Autism Spectrum Disorders,” “Home, School, Community,” and “Body and Brain Basics,” short chapters within each section address a concern or challenge faced by kids with autism. The authors use real-life examples to illustrate particular situations, from talking about ASD to dealing with a noisy school cafeteria to maintaining a healthy diet, and provide realistic tips for success. A list of additional resources is included. — Curriculum Connections, School Library Journal
Review
“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
Review
andldquo;Verdick and Reeveandrsquo;s guide manages to skillfully balance on the edge between information-heavy academic books and too-simplistic books for young children. They have produced an informative, practical guide for late elementary and middle school students that neither talks down to them nor floats above their heads.andrdquo;andmdash;VOYA
Review
andldquo;Pick it up for its emphasis on self-acceptance and its A-to-Z nature.andrdquo;andmdash;Scholastic Parent and Child
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Review
andldquo;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.andrdquo;andmdash;School Library Journal
Review
andldquo;This book is designed to be a resource for the entire andlsquo;team of helpersandrsquo; rooting for every child trying to reach [his or her] full potential, including parents, teachers, friends, and support staff. The overarching tone is one of openness, making no social or physical facet of ASD taboo. Real problems are answered with real solutions shared by kids. Interesting anecdotes and cartoon illustrations are presented alongside invaluable tools . . . [T]he authors lay a strong foundation in giving kids the ultimate skill of self-advocacy.andrdquo;andmdash;Booklist
Review
andldquo;Filled with useful, accessible advice; appealingly colorful, and jauntily illustrated, The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders should be one of the first books a family buys after a diagnosis. I wish it had been around when my own son was the right age for it, but Iandrsquo;m glad itandrsquo;s here now; it will be invaluable to so many children and their families.andrdquo;andmdash;Claire LaZebnik, coauthor of Overcoming Autism and Growing Up on the Spectrum
About the Author
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 Toolsandtrade;, Best Behaviorandtrade;, Laugh and Learnandtrade;, 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.
Table of Contents
Introduction for Kids
Introduction for Adults
Part 1 (A Look into Autism Spectrum Disorders)
Chapter 1: What Is an ASD?
Chapter 2: Symptoms of ASDs
Chapter 3: ASDs and the Senses
Chapter 4: Well-Known People with ASDs
Chapter 5: The andldquo;Bigandrdquo; Questions
Chapter 6: Think About It, Talk About It
Chapter 7: Your Team of Helpers
Chapter 8: Is There Medicine for ASDs?
Part 2 (Home, School, Community)
Chapter 9: Family Matters
Chapter 10: Have Fun!
Chapter 11: Good Communication
Chapter 12: Making Conversation
Chapter 13: Social Skills Survival Kit
Chapter 14: Making and Keeping Friends
Chapter 15: School Success
Part 3 (Body and Brain Basics)
Chapter 16: Move Your Body
Chapter 17: Feed Your Body
Chapter 18: Keeping It Clean (with Hygiene)
Chapter 19: Learning to Relax
Chapter 20: Sleep . . . Zzzzzzz
Chapter 21: Toilet Time
Chapter 22: How to Handle Hard-to-Handle Feelings
Chapter 23: andldquo;Stimsandrdquo;
A Final Word
Glossary
A Message for Parents
Sharing the Diagnosis with Your Child
Where to Go for More Information
About the Authors
Index