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jmcphers's review
4.0
This book really only has two points, which the author makes repeatedly:
1. Adjust your expectations according to your child's actual capabilities. You might have to learn what those are first. They will be different than those of other children, but not necessarily less.
2. Have some perspective and hope: play the hand you're dealt, and be optimisic about what your child can do. They'll rise to the occasion.
To be honest, I found that a lot of the specifics weren't very applicable to my own son (who is on spectrum). However, her more general advice, above, rang true.
The one thing I felt was missing from this short book was a discussion of the tension between accommodating your child and challenging them. There is a chapter on this subject, "Can't vs. Won't", and it's spent arguing that almost everything you're probably expecting of your child is something they physically can't do, not something they won't do. However, in the author's many anecdotes involving her own son, she insists that there's nothing he can't do. She's clearly found a balance, but doesn't articulate it well in this book.
That said, this is a great, thoughtful book, and well worth the quick read. Nothing speaks louder than the author's own experiences and stories, and there are plenty of them. Highly recommended to parents of kids on spectrum, and frankly most of the advice isn't even specific to children with autism.
1. Adjust your expectations according to your child's actual capabilities. You might have to learn what those are first. They will be different than those of other children, but not necessarily less.
2. Have some perspective and hope: play the hand you're dealt, and be optimisic about what your child can do. They'll rise to the occasion.
To be honest, I found that a lot of the specifics weren't very applicable to my own son (who is on spectrum). However, her more general advice, above, rang true.
The one thing I felt was missing from this short book was a discussion of the tension between accommodating your child and challenging them. There is a chapter on this subject, "Can't vs. Won't", and it's spent arguing that almost everything you're probably expecting of your child is something they physically can't do, not something they won't do. However, in the author's many anecdotes involving her own son, she insists that there's nothing he can't do. She's clearly found a balance, but doesn't articulate it well in this book.
That said, this is a great, thoughtful book, and well worth the quick read. Nothing speaks louder than the author's own experiences and stories, and there are plenty of them. Highly recommended to parents of kids on spectrum, and frankly most of the advice isn't even specific to children with autism.
miocenemama's review
5.0
This is a book I will recommend and refer to myself repeatedly. It not only gives beautiful insights into your autistic child and their abilities and needs but includes advice in abling your child to reach their full potential. It shows us autism as a different way of being, not a defect, and sets realistic goals for those with autism. I think much of this advice could apply to children whether or not they are autistic. I will definitely be recommending this book to family members.
danibanani's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
mk_oldman's review against another edition
5.0
While none of the information here was new for me, it’s brilliantly put together and will definitely be the book I suggest to friends and family who want to learn more about autism.