Children with Autism: A Parent's Guide

Dr. Powers has been a major contributor to the understanding of autism spectrum disorders for many years. The ORIGINAL book was one of the few available on the subject at the time of publishing, and while it is NOW outdated, it has been replaced by the current edition published in 2000. This edition contains much useful information that parents will not find elsewhere. I was, therefore, somewhat confused that the reviews for the previous edition are still on this website, as they really describe a different book, which is very misleading.

In Children With Autism: A Parent's Guide, Michael Powers has gathered together an indispensable guide to the nature and terminology of the conditions collectively referred to as "autism" or Pervasive Developmental Disorder, including Autistic Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, Rett's Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Parents are provided comprehensive information relevant to daily and family life, development, early intervention, educational programs, legal rights, advocacy. Of special note is the chapter dedicated to adults with autism. Current diagnostics criteria surveyed included Applied Behavior Analysis, medications, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), as well as autism advocacy resources on the Internet. Highly recommended, essential reading for parents and caretakers of autistic children of any age or degree of severity, Children With Autism is thoroughly "reader friendly" and enhanced with a glossary, reading and resource list (including extensive web site listings), and photographs of children with autism.

Although somewhat dated (the next edition is adding revisions to reflect new information & research), this was an excellent first read when my son was first diagnosed. A friend visited a chat room where the topic was "My child has just been diagnosed with autism. What do I do?" Powers' book was overwhelmingly recommended & it's easy to see why. This is a very comprehensive text giving the good, the bad & the ugly about autism (something the previous reviewer didn't appreciate). Autism isn't a pretty picture but knowledge is power & what you do with it determines your child's future. This is a good start.

This book was a beacon in the storm. After getting the initial diagnosis on my autistic son, this book helped my wife and I sort throught the floatsom and the jetsom to get a better understanding "grip" on the situation. Since then, we have had our younger son get the same diagnosis and have the "label" taken off of our older son, but still this book helped immensely in getting a handle on the immense task ahead!

When I received a diagnosis of autism for my daughter, it was very heart breaking. I didn't know what to do or where to look for answers. I felt very alone. When I found this book, it answered every question I had, plus some I thought of later. It deals with the anger you feel, to finding people to talk to, to updating your will. I think every parent should receive this book from the doctor as soon as they receive a diagnosis of autism.