The ASD Workbook: Understanding Your Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Penny Kershaw

Overview

A diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be confusing and overwhelming for all involved, and it can be difficult for parents to know how best to approach the subject with their child. This easy-to-use interactive workbook gives parents the help they need to explain ASDs to their child and provide practical and emotional support following diagnosis.

Parents are invited to work through each chapter with their child as they grow older and go through adolescence, encouraging them to talk through how the ASD affects each area of their life, from making friends to problem-solving to planning a career. The information and advice is presented in a clear and positive way to help both parent and child understand more about what the diagnosis means for them. As the workbook is completed an invaluable record of development will be created for parent and child to look back on together.

This hands-on workbook is an essential resource for parents and carers looking for guidance on explaining ASDs from diagnosis onwards to children aged 10 and up.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781849051958
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	02/15/2011
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	319,999
Product dimensions:	6.70(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Penny Kershaw is the autism manager and outreach service leader for a special school in East Sussex, UK. In addition, she provides training and support to staff, pupils with ASDs and their families in other mainstream and special schools in the locality. She has written widely on the subject of autism and communication needs and her previous work has been published by leading educational organisations.

Table of Contents

About the Author 11

Preface for Parents and Carers 13

Why this Book was Written 13

Aims of this Book 13

Who is this Book for? 14

When to use this Book 15

How to use this Book 16

Introducing ASDs: Checklist 20

Chapter 1 Introduction 21

Learning about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) 21

Chapter 2 What is an ASD? 23

What does the diagnosis mean? 23

Why have I got this diagnosis? 30

What to do next 35

Chapter 3 Understanding Your Differences 37

People with an ASD are different 37

People with an ASD sometimes have problems 38

Understanding more about an ASD - the difficulties and the good things 41

Liking systems, patterns or routines 45

Social skills 48

Communication 51

Sensory sensitivity 54

What to do next 57

Chapter 4 People You Live With 59

Why is home life important? 59

Problems you might have in a family 61

Difficulties that your family might have with your ASD 63

What to do next 68

Chapter 5 Friendships and Relationships 89

Why is it a good idea to make friends? 69

What is friendship? 70

How to make friends 72

How to build up a friendship 72

What is a boyfriend or girlfriend? 75

Meeting the right boyfriend or girlfriend 75

What to do next 78

Chapter 6 Strengths and Interests 81

What are strengths and interests? 81

Why is it important to recognise your strengths and interests? 82

How are your strengths and interests different to those of people without an ASD? 82

Why might your strengths and interests cause difficulties? 83

What to do next 93

Chapter 7 School 95

Why do people have to go to school? 95

Why school may sometimes be a challenge for you if you have an ASD 96

Thinking about school 100

What you can do to improve what school is like for you 102

How you can plan your career 102

Job applications 111

What to do next 112

Chapter 8 Getting Help 113

What is self-help? 113

Why do you need to develop ways to help yourself? 113

What might you need help with? 113

Self-help plan 115

Some things to think about 121

What to do next 129

Chapter 9 Further Information 131

Recommended reading for people with an ASD 131

Recommended reading for parents and carers 132

Websites for parents and carers 133

Glossary 135

Appendix: Progress Chart 139

Editorial Reviews

The ASD Workbook: Understanding Your Autism Spectrum Disorder uses an interactive workbook format to help parents explain ASD to children. It provides a fine resource that is easy to use for both parents and kids, and provides explanations, examples and worksheets in such a manner that many a medical professional will want to use this ASD workbook to teach newcomers the basics. A fine pick for parenting and medical collections alike!--The Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

"The ASD Workbook: Understanding Your Autism Spectrum Disorder" uses an interactive workbook format to help parents explain ASD to children. It provides a fine resource that is easy to use for both parents and kids, and provides explanations, examples and worksheets in such a manner that many a medical professional will want to use this ASD workbook to teach newcomers the basics. A fine pick for parenting and medical collections alike!

The Midwest Book Review