Abstract

This straight-talking and accessible guide for parents of teenagers on the autism spectrum provides down-to-earth advice on coping with the more difficult issues that can arise at home and school during the adolescent years.

Andrew Schlegelmilch discusses common parenting challenges and offers advice drawn from his extensive experience working with teenagers with autism and their families as Head Psychologist at a college preparatory school. He offers parents professional guidance on what to do about falling grades, how to handle adolescent tantrums, how to talk about sex and sexuality with your child, how to help your child with peer relationships, how to keep your child safe online, and what to do if you suspect your child has mental health problems. Integral to the discussion is how to set realistic expectations and encourage independence in ways that work for both your child with autism and the rest of the family, as well as how to make the best use of the help professionals can offer.

While the title of Dr Schlegelmilch's book is Parenting ASD Teens, this volume is a wealth of information and advice useful to any parent or professional who works with teens or adults. He is extremely knowledgeable and obviously cares for these kids. I would recommend the book as a preparation for parents for the many challenges and changes that life will bring. It covers a breadth of topics, both outside and inside of the classroom. This is stuff we as parents and professionals need to know. He has a subtle sense of humor that will hit home with any parent or teacher.
Luby Aczel, parent of a son with Asperger Syndrome and Executive Director of The Specialists Guild
Andrew Schlegelmilch's new book, Parenting ASD Teens is a clear, detailed, and a much-needed look at parenting of teens on the spectrum. His years of experience with ASD teens and their parents at Orion Academy come through in the realistic information and the thoughtful, professional discussion. This is a must-read book for both parents and clinicians living and working with this population.
Kathryn Stewart, PhD, Executive Director and Founder of Orion Academy and author of Helping a Child with Nonverbal Learning Disorder or Asperger's Disorder
Educational, insightful, and encouraging. In Parenting ASD Teens, Dr Schlegelmilch gives valuable information regarding the challenges facing adolescent ASD teens and young adults. Dr. Schlegelmilch offers practical advice about how ASD teens learn and grow towards independence. I would strongly recommend this book to parents.
Karra M. Barber, author of The Social and Life Skills MeNu
The strength of Schlegelmilch's writing is in his not-the-typical-autism-professional voice-one that is no-nonsense, down-to-earth, and clear as a bell. Mix that in with his deep understanding of ASD and the whole teenage "thing", seasoned with wry asides and warmed with compassion, and you have a highly useful, compelling and unusual book.
Susan Senator, blogger, parent, and author of The Autism Mom's Survival Guide
Andrew Schlegelmilch, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. He is Head Psychologist at Orion Academy in Moraga, California, a college preparatory high school for adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome, Non-verbal Learning Disability, and other related neurocognitive disorders. He previously completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Applewood Centers, Cleveland, Ohio, an urban community mental health center where he did individual and group therapy and diagnostic assessments. He lives in San Francisco, California.