Autism: How to raise a happy autistic child Paperback – 22 Mar. 2018

I am only a quarter of the way through this book and yet, I truly believe that every Paediatrician and CAMHS unit/team within the NHS should be made to read this.Additionally, they should also provide copies of this book for sale, so that any caregiver may have the opportunity to buy a resource that better elucidates the expansiveness of an often misunderstood condition: Autism.Especially when faced with perplexing, overwhelming and even, disheartening feelings, whilst seeking (and gaining) a potential diagnosis; which they may not fully understand.As, to say that this book is insightful, as well as genuine and heartfelt in its expression, is an understatement.

I have read a LOT of books about autism, from when I first started to suspect that my child might be autistic, and more since he was diagnosed. This is the best one. It is easy to read, informative and helpful, strikes the right balance between being positive and realistic. I wholeheartedly recommend it.(I hope it will be translated into different languages, although some of it is UK-specific, I think a lot of it is universal.)

This is literally an autism bible and tells you everything you need to know about autism from signs of autism to getting a diagnosis, choosing a school and creating an autism friendly home. I wish I thought to buy this when I first thought my son might have autism as it would have answered so many questions!! However, I have it now and finding it super helpful in terms of learning about ehcp, what nursery and schools can do, what interventions exists etc

I've read quite a few books about autism since my 8 year old daughter was diagnosed. How to raise a happy autistic child is one of the better ones. Its starts with an introduction to autism, the diagnosis process and what's involved with it. (A long winded process let me tell you from experience). Then there's a chapter on what it's like be autistic which includes experiences of those on the spectrum in their own words which is quite interesting.I love that there's a chapter on mental health along with treatment and support options. Something which many autistic people struggle with but which often gets overlooked. I also loved the chapter on girls with autism. Many times information on autism is predominantly male based and girls on the spectrum can present quite differently to males resulting in many being diagnosed later in life than their male peers. Having a daughter on the spectrum myself I really appreciated the inclusion of this information.A large chunk of the book covers education years from nursery through to secondary school and describes the help available for autistic children during these years such as EHCPs (Educational Health Care Plan) and how to do about getting one for your child. This is something that I previously only really got to know about from a friend who had already been through the process as I found it wasn't something that I was openly told was available even after diagnosis. This book covers that subject in detail and we are just starting to look at the EHCP option for our daughter so it is good to keep going back to for reference.There is also a chapter entitled Siblings, which touches on how having a sibling on the spectrum can effect the neurotypical child and how you can also help to support them.While there is lots of information covering school and education I was a little disappointed that there wasn't more advice around home life and routines. It touches on the subject but personally I would've liked a lot more in depth information and tips and strategies for this area.There are also lots of suggestions for other websites to visit for further information included in the book. These are mentioned frequently within the book and while I'm sure they do provide more helpful information, I have to admit that it did get a bit repetitive and annoying at times. It would perhaps of been better to include these web pages as a list at the back of the book instead, this is only a small issue however.Overall though it's a good read for anyone going down the autism diagnosis path with their child or who has been diagnosed and is in need of some guidance as to the help available.

As a teacher, I wanted a book that would give me insight into autism from a parent’s perspective rather than from purely a school’s one. I’m so glad I did as it revealed the frustrations that can sometimes arise when teachers and TAs aren’t as knowledgeable about autism as they should be. The chapters on nursery and school were enlightening reads from the point of view of a mother with an autistic son! I only wish I’d read this sooner and am resolved to do so much more sensory-wise for the students in my class who are autistic.I also love the idea of not seeing autism as a deficit, something that needs ‘fixing’ or a disorder. The sooner we accept this and make the often simple adjustments that are needed for inclusion, the better.

I am still reading the book, but wish I would have started early, very informative.

This book made me cry with empathy and relief - relief that it is possible to write about autism with positivity, but without condescension, and that there is a book that includes logic, intellect and warmth. Other books that have been recommended to me (with the exception of the beautiful and extremely insightful The Reason I Jump) have been clinical or negative, written from the perspective that autism is a disorder. I have always believed that this labelling is unhelpful and potentially damaging to autistic children and their families. This book is different. It is instructive and supportive, written with the benefit of personal experience and input from autistic contributors, and I am so thankful for it. Please, if you have an autistic child and you are looking for information and advice, buy this.

I got this book yesterday and I’m already half way through, it’s such an easy read and so informative. Covers every aspect of living with autism and it’s comforting to know your not alone. The book is comforting but upfront. Definitely recommend to anyone wanting to know more about why they feel their child is slightly different❤️