Abstract

Ever wish that parenting a child or teen on the autism spectrum came with instant access to a support group?

Brenda Dater has provided parents with exactly that. In this book she draws on her extensive experience as a support group leader and parent of a child on the spectrum to offer trusted advice and tried-and-tested solutions to parents' top concerns, all in an accessible and easy-to-read format. Filled with the voices of other parents in the same situation, the book covers everything from the first steps to take after diagnosis, to advocacy and disclosure, behavior, building independence and resilience, making friends, holidays and vacations, homework, supporting siblings, how to garner support from extended family and friends, and how parents can look after their own wellbeing.

This book extends the vital lifeline of a support group to parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum everywhere.

Brenda Dater has written a real gem. I started highlighting the passages I loved, only to realize that whole pages were covered in yellow highlighter! There are so many wonderful insights and ideas in this book. One of the aspects that makes Ms. Dater's book so unique, though, is its consistent focus on parents taking care of themselves. All too often, we professionals heap on recommendation after recommendation. In our zeal to help, we may forget that parents and children are parents and children first, and individuals affected by autism second. In her own eloquent words, Ms. Dater's book reminds all of us that it is essential to heed the flight attendant's warning: "Take care of yourself before attending to the needs of others." I can't wait to start sharing Ms. Dater's book with the families I know.
Teresa Bolick, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral
It is always challenging to raise a teenager - and especially so if the person you love has Asperger's Syndrome. Brenda Dater's Parenting Without Panic is full of helpful advice and should not only help assuage anxiety but reinforce the joy of living with somebody singular and precious.
Tim Page, parent, author of Parallel Play and Professor of Journalism and Music, University of Southern California
Brenda Dater is Director of Child and Teen Services at Asperger's Association of New England (AANE), where she runs workshops and support groups for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum. She is the parent of three children, one of whom has a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome and one of whom has a diagnosis of ADHD and generalized anxiety. She lives in West Newton, Massachusetts.
Brenda has the rare gift of translating her parenting experience into an insightful professional guide for parents of children with ASD. It is easy to feel that she's right across the table from you having a cup of tea. Your questions get answered.
Elsa Abele CCC SLP, Speech/Language Pathologist and Adjunct Professor in the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders Training, Antioch University, New England
I love this book! It is well-organized, comprehensive, incredibly helpful, and written in a style that is easy to read and relate to. Brenda Dater's new resource is a gem for families and a must read for educators. The book offers the best and most comprehensive section I have ever read relating to sibling relationships, and includes endless tips for taking a successful family vacation. This is now one of my top 5 resources for parents of children on the autism spectrum.
Kari Dunn Buron, Autism Education Specialist and author of When My Worries Get Too Big! and The Incredible 5-Point Scale