Children with Autism: A Parent's Guide

Rating:
Summary: A depressing, horrible book, read only after you've given up
Review: Please, do not let this be the first book you read when your child is diagnosed. This book is depressing and includes no information about actually helping your child or dealing with the biological aspects of this disorder. This book assumes you have given up on treating your child's illness and that there are no comorbid disorders associated with the autism diagnosis, which is completely wrong. Keep searching, there is help and much better books.

Rating:
Summary: The chapter on adjusting to the diagnosis was very helpful..
Review: The issues discussed in Chapter Two, Adjusting to Your Child's Diagnosis, were very relevant to me. This chapter dealt with many of the feelings I was experiencing as the parent of a newly diagnosed PDD child. I felt this chapter alone was worth the cost of the book.

Rating:
Summary: great overview and excellent for getting a "grip"
Review: This book was a beacon in the storm. After getting the initial diagnosis on my autistic son, this book helped my wife and I sort throught the floatsom and the jetsom to get a better understanding "grip" on the situation. Since then, we have had our younger son get the same diagnosis and have the "label" taken off of our older son, but still this book helped immensely in getting a handle on the immense task ahead!

Rating:
Summary: A dangerous and awful book. Stay away!
Review: This is a poorly written, out-of-date book which would be devastating to any parent of a child recently diagnosed with autism. It presents a picture of despair and hopelessness which isn't even accurate. Copies should not only not be bought, they should be destroyed.

Rating:
Summary: every parent receiving an autistic diagnosis should read it
Review: When I received a diagnosis of autism for my daughter, it was very heart breaking. I didn't know what to do or where to look for answers. I felt very alone. When I found this book, it answered every question I had, plus some I thought of later. It deals with the anger you feel, to finding people to talk to, to updating your will. I think every parent should receive this book from the doctor as soon as they receive a diagnosis of autism.

Rating:
Summary: An invaluable resource
Review: With the second edition of "Children with Autism", Michael Powers has again provided families of children with autism (along with professionals)an invaluable resource for living with, and loving, a child with autism. In straightforward, non-technical language, "Children with Autism" addresses the needs of persons with autism and their families across their lifespan. From diagnosis, to early intervention, to adulthood we are presented with practical information that, in addtion, has a fairly broad research base. I am on my third copy as I keep lending mine out and, for some reason (perhaps the value of the information contained) they never seem to be retained. Highly recommended.