10 Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm
This book reads easy and fast and it should be handed out to every parent whose child is diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. It can change the perceptions of anyone–family, friend, educator or counselor–who is face with the baffling behavior of an autistic child. I cannot impress just how much this slim volume can help.
The core beliefs in 10 Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew are:
-All behaviors happen for a reason.
And
-All behavior is communication.
The focus is on presenting (not really exploring or solving problems) the possible causes of “bad” behavior and realigning the thought patterns neurotypical people have when dealing with those on the spectrum. It can also help parents get behind the possible causes of misbehavior on the part of “normal” children.
Some principals in this book are–or should be–universal. Don’t let one term (Autism, ADHD, or even “trouble child”) define all your child is. Focus on what your child can do instead of getting lost in what he or she can’t do. All behavior has a cause, ferreting out the cause can go very far in helping to resolve negative behavior. And most importantly of all, love should not be dependent on good grades, good behavior or “being normal”. Love should be unconditional.
If there was ever an Idiot’s Guide to Raising a Child this might be it. An essential book for understanding the social, language and sensory challenges experienced by many types of special needs children. This book should be mandatory reading for anyone whose life is touched by Autism Spectrum Disorders.
My son 5yr old son was given a diagnoses in Aug. 2008. I just found this book Oct. 2008 and was impressed with the level of understanding it gave me. I then promptly ordered 6 copies from Amazon. One for myself to keep and give to my son’s various school and Sunday school teachers to read when I think they might find it useful. And one each for my Father, Mother, Sister and her family, Brother-in-law and his family and Father & Mother-in-law. I think reading this book will truly help anybody that interacts with a child dealing with Autism to be more patient, compassionate and understanding.
Welcome Thad and Jen,
This book had the same effect for me. It’s so good for those caring for children with autism to realize that our children aren’t doing it on purpose or aren’t less than other people, they just think different and something that we easily tune out might be making them feel unbalanced and crazy.
I hope this book helps the rest of your support team understand how wonderful your son is.
-Michele