A definitive breakthrough guide to transforming the lives of children and families affected by autism
There have been huge advances in our ability to diagnose autism and in the development of effective interventions that can change children’s lives. In this extraordinary book, Lynn Kern Koegel, a leading clinician, researcher, and cofounder of the renowned Autism Research Center at the University of California at Santa Barbara, combines her cutting-edge expertise with the everyday perspectives of Claire LaZebnik, a writer whose experience with a son with autism provides a rare window into the disorder. Together, they draw on the highly effective “pivotal response” approach developed at the center to provide concrete ways of improving the symptoms of autism and the emotional struggles that surround it, while reminding readers never to lose sight of the humor that lurks in the disability’s quirkiness or the importance of enjoying your child. From the shock of diagnosis to the step-by-step work with verbal communication, social interaction, self-stimulation, meltdowns, fears, and more, the answers are here-in a book that is as warm and nurturing as it is authoritative.
"A truly remarkable book... I recommend it very highly." —Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., Yale University
"An outstanding book... comprehensive, calm, poignant, and surprisingly funny." Wendy Mogel, author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee
"Overcoming Autism provides solid information and a practical headstart toward understanding children's needs and managing their behavior effectively." —Bruce J. Masek, Ph.D., ABPP, Clinical Director, Child and Adolescent Pyschiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School
"An excellent, practical book for both parents and teachers." Temple Grandin, Ph.D., author of Thinking in Pictures
