Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent's Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs ofTeen agers with Autism Spectrum Disord

With my own son advancing into the preteens, this book offers knowledge that would take a week for a professional in the medical and psychological fields to explain about adolescents on the Spectrum. Writen in everyday language for concerned parents to understand and appreciate. And, as I learn more about my son, I am begining to see more in my husband. For me, "Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum" not only offers help and knowledge for my son, but for my husband as well...giving me a greater strength.

As a school system employee, I have worked with many students in the past years that fall on the Autism Spectrum. Recent research indicates that 1 in 166 people fall somewhere on the autism spectrum. Such children can be extremely challenging for parents, but parents with the right information can be empowered to help their child improve. This book is an excellent and detailed resource for many of the issues parents face in raising a child on the Autism spectrum. The book begins with a great description of Autism, and is especially useful for parents who are reading their first book on autism. The book moves into more inspirational mode, and discusses the importance of acceptance and a positive attitude in the face of adversity. The book continues with information and strategies on how to cope at the family level (e.g. non-disabled peers relationship with an autistic peer and the challenges for married couples). It also discusses strategies to talk to teens about puberty, the birds and the bees, and proper hygiene. A strength of the book is the detail it goes into. For example, the author discusses strategies in dealing with teens who have sensory issues and don't want to comb their hair, etc... The book also supplies valuable information about transition to high-school and beyond, and future employment. It also educates parents about special education law. I would recommend this book as a great resource for parents of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

"Chantal Sicile-Kira has written a book for parents that does not steer them down an agenda-filled path. She has instead selflessly provided readers with their fullest possible options towards the care of their autistic adolescents. Furthermore, she backs her writing up with testimony from many of the world's most notable people diagnosed along the spectrum. A thorough effort. Parents would be well-served to purchase this book."

Amidst a surge in books on autism and adolescence comes this praiseworthy contribution for parents of teens and `tweens with autism spectrum disorders. In a frank yet soothing voice, author and mother Chantal Sicile-Kira offers page after page of real-life wisdom addressing difficult adolescent issues: hormones, hygiene, friendships, sex and safety, transition issues, changing social and academic expectations. At a life transition that often finds parents exhausted from the daily struggle that can accompany autism, this book is the fuel they need to power themselves and empower their child on the journey to adulthood.