Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum: Overcoming the Challenges and Celebrating the Gifts

Mostly it's about Eileen Riley-Hall's experiences with her daughters but it's also chock full of websites and other resources to help you along the way. I can't say enough about how helpful she is in her book. -- One Girl Circus blog

Riley-Hall comes across as a strong, loving mother who has much to share and her experiences and outlook would no doubt be an inspiration to many. -- asteens

Eileen Riley-Hall has produced a book full of pride but without a hint of vanity. This is a mother whose pride in her, each very different, daughters jumps off the page...I felt I'd got to know a family, was given a glimpse into a loving relationship between a devoted mum and her girls and was left wanting to get to know them better still. For this reason and that Eileen Riley-Hall's voice is a much needed one of balance and pride, I'm hoping for a follow up. -- Autismum blog

If you have a daughter with autism or Asperger's syndrome, this book will be your primary source of information and inspiration as well as becoming your 'best friend' who understands and supports you. -- Tony Attwood, Clinical Psychologist and author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

Eileen Riley-Hall, a parent of two girls on the autism spectrum, has demonstrated with great clarity the differences between girls and boys on the spectrum. Her book addresses the complexities of girls being a 'minority in a minority group'. Without doubt her book is inspiring, positive and practical providing excellent tips on living with, understanding and supporting girls on the spectrum. A must read for all of us who care about this 'hidden' group. -- Dr Judith Gould, Clinical Psychologist and Director of the NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism

Eileen shares with her readers the unique experiences of females with ASDs and the challenges that they and their families face; challenges such as minority status within a minority, social expectations for females to be good at social-communication, the risks of depression and anxiety, handling mean girls who bully in ways that are different than the bullying of boys, hygiene and fashion, and making friends. Whether your daughter is a spunky spitfire or a quiet little lady, you will find her somewhere in Eileen's words, and I guarantee that you will not feel alone. -- from the Foreword by Shana Nichols, clinical psychologist, Owner and Director of the ASPIRE Centre for Learning and Development, New York State and author of Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum.

Eileen Riley-Hall has encouraged her daughters to grow into beautiful and delightful young women and has developed distinctive strategies to develop their potential. -- Gayle Buckley MD, paediatrician, New York state

Eileen Riley-Hall writes as an old hand, reassuring new recruits that they, too, will survive the shock of getting a diagnosis, and showing them how to be their own child's advocate, while maintaining a healthy balance in their own lives, and the on-going life of their family. This is a heartening, and at the same time no-nonsense look at what it means to be the parent of not one, but two daughters on the autism spectrum. The author speaks with the insight, compassion, and wisdom that only come from first-hand experience…enabling new parents to make better-informed choices on their own child's behalf. -- James Coplan, MD, author, Making Sense of Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Support and advice on parenting girls on the spectrum, from schooling to friendships to meltdowns and special gifts

Parents of girls on the autism spectrum often wish their daughters were celebrated for their talents, rather than discouraged for their differences. They recognise that their children's unique natures may make them distinctive in some ways, but resent labels such as 'disabled' and 'disorder' being applied to their daughters.

This book is a celebration of all the wonderful and unexpected gifts that having daughters on the autism spectrum can bring to your life. Each chapter explores a topic of concern, offering encouragement and guidance on common issues such as school, friendships, meltdowns, special gifts, family relationships, therapies and interventions. Having daughters on the spectrum presents unique and rewarding challenges and this book is packed with friendly advice and real life examples from a mother who has experienced it all first hand.

The hopeful perspective given in this book is guaranteed to offer much appreciated comfort to parents, grandparents and family member

Eileen Riley-Hall is the mother of two teenage girls.  She is a high school English teacher at an inclusive public school in New York State and has worked with special needs students from preschool through to high school, in various settings, for over 25 years.