Early Intervention and Autism: Real-Life Questions, Real-Life Answers

When we first learned that Dr. Jim would become the new AU consultant to our county schools, I was curious and decided to research. I found this book and found it to be a very reader friendly and informational book. Although I find the writing to be a bit stilted in places,the explanations on the different methods of teaching and "the day in the life" are wonderfully explained. This book is useful not only for parents and family of a newly diagnosed child; I wish this material had been recommended to me several years ago when I began working with Autistic children. This will be our second school year working with Dr. Jim. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book. Having observed him with our children and staff, consulted with him and laughed with him; I find that his great insight, experience, kindness and respect for these children and their caregivers is a priceless resource. This author truly knows whereof he speaks.

Dr. Ball's book is one that I suggest to parents when I first have to let them know that their child has autism or is in the autism spectrum. He has made it very user friendly, by having us walk along with a young couple as they learn to travel the maze of emotions, interventions, and myths that can be encountered on the journey. He spends a great deal of time looking at the differences in emotional and practical reactions of each parent. I find this important because mothers' and fathers' do perceive, process, and develop conclusions and plans differently. He aptly shows the Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus differences in the sexes, which is not a negative but a reality of wiring over evolution. Each parent needs to understand where the other one is coming from so that there are not added stressers to the family dynamics and marriage. Whoever first lets a family know about their child's diagnosis should also let them know about this resource for emotional and practical guidance.

All I have to say is "awesome". This is the first book I have found that speakes to me in a way that I can understand. Dr. Jim walks you through the process of working with your child with autism in an easy to read format and in a user friendly way. Even though my son is 6, this book is "spot on" on helping me and him. Thank You Dr. Jim.

This book has SO much great information! It addresses the emotions parents go through and gives you the info to move forward. Now when therapists are talking about EI strategies, I understand what they are talking about. The Day in the Life part is so cool! It gives you ideas about what little things you can do during the day to help your child and which theory/strategy the idea stems from.

Although my son was diagnosed with autism three years ago, I found Dr. Ball's book to be completely engaging and very informative, yet not "too technical." It is a "must-read" for parents of newly diagnosed children. I wish I would have had a compilation of information such as this to guide me through our journey.