Abstract

When a child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), what the family really need, and often lack, is positive reassurance and understanding from those closest to them. This book is packed with advice on how extended family members and friends can provide the necessary support.

Explaining the diagnosis and characteristics of ASD, this helpful guide uses examples from real families to illustrate the complex feelings that parents and each member of the family are likely to go through after a child is diagnosed. It gives practical tips on help that might be needed most, details the possible changes that will take place as the family adjusts and concludes with a comprehensive guide to other useful sources of information.

This book will help strengthen relationships between parents and their extended family and friends, enabling a reliable support system to develop which will remain crucial to the child throughout their life.

Expertly combining scientific research with what the families themselves have experienced, Ann provides an efficient, complete pathway to understanding mealtimes, sleep schedules, going out in public, finances, intra- and inter-family relationships, to name just a few of the facets of life that can be affected when a family has a child with autism… In this book is all the information you need to begin the first step in walking hand in hand alongside your friends and family as you join their journey in living with, providing meaningful support for, and making the world a better place for the autism community.
From the foreword by Stephen M. Shore, Ed. D., Assistant Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University, author, consultant and presenter on issues related to the autism spectrum
The issue of "How can I help?" is a poignant one, however through her own exp0eriences and that of other families, Palmer has produced a thoughtful and supportive guide that tackles a sensitive issue in a practical manner... As a guide to the type of support to offer parents of children with Autism, this book works well... This book is successful in providing guidance and support around emotional wellbeing... this book may be an ideal recommendation for clinicians to make to parents of children recently diagnosed on the spectrum.
NAPLIC Newsletter

Kudos to Palmer, she has written a book which covers extremely sensitive ground without judging, causing guilt, offence or being unrealistic... It is simple, highly intelligent, unencumbered, straight, honest, clear and balanced... This book is an easy and worthwhile read for all parents seeking validation of their experiences. It educates family and friends in a kind, gentle way and gives pointers about how to open up communication and how to offer the support that is needed, rather than offering the support that they think is needed. Professionals could learn a thing or two about how to approach families and how damaging judgements and so-called supportive clichés can be.

I love the honesty and realism of this book which makes such a refreshing change from our usual diet of super up-beat books which all to often seem to be hell bent on denying the truth. It gently guides us through a process whereby the ultimate acceptance of all our children and family as they are is the reward, after all acceptance is the true measure of love. However, it is not naïve and 'happy-ever- after', Palmer understands that life may also be more of a struggle for those of us living with an ASD or living with those on the spectrum. This reality needs facing and then we can all be prepared for the ups and downs without being taken by surprise.

asteens
This book could be a valuable resource for those struggling to come to terms with a diagnosis of autism for their child.
Netbuddy.co.uk
Palmer (Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum: Unexpected Lessons We Have Learned), the parent of an adult with autism, provides a good explanation of what autism is and what it's like to live with someone on the autism spectrum. She then discusses what parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family members may be experiencing and how they can more positively influence and help one another. The work includes a guide to more books and websites on understanding autism spectrum disorders and its impact on a family. VERDICT: A useful tool for extended family members and friends of anyone, helping them gain perspective on their daily challenges; recommended for anyone who knows a family dealing with autism.
Library Journal Reviews
Receiving a diagnosis of autism for a child can be overwhelming to a parent. As well, friends and relatives the family relies on are often at a loss as to how they can best support their friend in this time of need. In this resourceful book, Ann Palmer provides clear examples of the complex emotions families face at this time, providing greater insight to extended family and friends. The practical tips on the types of help that may be needed most are very useful. Palmer has written a thoughtful and supportive book that will help strengthen relationships and create invaluable, on-going, and mutually beneficial support systems.
Chantal Sicile-Kira, author of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Autism Life Skills and A Full Life with Autism
Essential reading to help families cope with the stress of parenting a child with autism. Friends and relatives often do not know how to be supportive. This book will provide many insights into the complex emotions of receiving a diagnosis. Insights gained from reading this book will help maintain relationships between friends and relatives of a family with a child with autism.
Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and The Way I See It
Ann Palmer has spent the last 20 years working in the field of autism as the Parent Support Coordinator for Division TEACCH and the Director of Advocacy and Chapter Support for the Autism Society of North Carolina. At TEACCH she developed a parent mentor program supporting over 800 families. At the ASNC she established support groups around the state and coordinated 50 groups of family members of individuals with ASD. She is currently a Family Faculty member at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Ann is the parent of an adult son with autism. She is the author of "Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent's Guide to Student Success", and the co-author of "Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum: Unexpected Lessons We Have Learned", the 2007 Autism Society of America's Outstanding Literary Work of the Year. Both books are published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. She lives in Cary, North Carolina.