RECOMMENDED READING FOR THOSE NEW TO THE DIAGNOSIS

Completely readable and positive, "A Parent's Guide to Autism" by Charles Hart is a must-read for parents new to the diagnosis.  It is a great book to present to others in your child's life, such as teachers, baby-sittrs, mediators and extended family.

A book that has helped and given hope to so many of us, "Let Me Hear Your Voice" by Catherine Maurice reads almost like a novel. It details the journey Dr. Maurice encountered in first obtaining a diagnosis; secondly, researching therapies; and finally, discovering and implementing a home program that gave hope and help to not one, but two autistic children.

"The Child With Special Needs" By Stanley Greenspan and Serena Weider is a book lauded by many parents.  The theory of using the "Floortime" approach is examined and applied here to kids of all ages and all functionality levels. This book is also extremely helpful if your child has a dual diagnosis such as autism with developmental delays or Down's Syndrome, etc. Learn more about floortime here.

In the book “Special Children, Challenged Parents” by Robert Naseef, the author attempts to help the reader understand the processes he/she may be going through, from the first inklings of concern, through denial, anxiety, fear, guilt, shame, depression, anger and, eventually, hope and acceptance. Dr. Naseef writes about "...the need for tuning into your special child, the day-by-day caring connections that deliver messages of unconditional love".  The difference here is the author is also dad to an autistic son.

Dr. Naseef also takes the time to discuss the how effects of diagnosis differ between men and women. He focuses on the different grieving process encountered by each sex individually. An entire chapter is devoted to fathers and their roles.

A must-read, especially for dads, please take a look. While you are at it, you might want to take a look at Dr. Naseef's website "Special Families' Guide".  Please take a look also at "Finding Our Fathers".

 

7: July 23, 2002

Please note, BBB Autism Support Network is not responsible for any information found on the websites we are linked to or the books recommended here.