Making Autism a Gift: Inspiring Children to Believe in Themselves and Lead Happy, Fulfilling Lives

by Robert Evert Cimera

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Author: Robert Evert Cimera

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Paperback:
ISBN 10: 0742552888
ISBN 13: 978-0742552883

Despite new research and increased public awareness, autism is still looked at in a negative light. Most books on the subject perpetuate this notion by saying that autism is bad or needs to be overcome, rather than highlighting the positive―for instance, many people with autism graduate from college, attain exciting careers, and lead happy, fulfilling lives. Making Autism a Gift emphasizes these positive realities and tears down the wall of isolation associated with this disorder. With information from hundreds of up-to-date sources, this practical book looks at the effects of autism on the individual and provides strategies parents can use to help their autistic children at home and beyond.

Review

Dr. Cimera begins his book by showing that there is another side to the story than what parents were told even less than twenty years ago― when I was first diagnosed― and in some places even to this day: that there was no hope for children with autism, no matter how hard they tried. Covering various issues that autistic individuals have, from obsessions to temper tantrums, to issues autistic individuals will have as they get older, Dr. Cimera gives valuable advice to each problem. As you will see throughout every chapter, autism is not stupid or spoiled! It's a different way of being, thinking, and feeling that sometimes needs to be better understood. Fortunately, this book will help. (James Williams, James is an eighteen-year-old homeschooled high school senior. Diagnosed with autism at the age of three, he was the benefici)

An open-minded, positive approach to autism... Packed with useful information and written with warmth, compassion and humor, this book will be a godsend for parents and teachers of children with autism and autism-spectrum disorders. (Kirkus)

The increased prevalence of autism is a growing concern, and Cimera (special education, Kent State Univ.) offers hope by stressing the positive: individuals with autism can lead successful lives. The author reinforces this position by introducing the idea that an individual with autism is different from the typical person (versus disordered). He presents practical information for families and educators, covering a full range of topics relative to the diagnosis and the management of individuals with autism-spectrum disorders. This information includes defining autism, describing characteristics of autism and social communication skills, and managing behavior, self-stimulation, temper tantrums, and so on. He concludes with a discussion of adults with autism. Cimera lends a personal touch by writing in the first person, describing his experiences while working with individuals with autism. The book also serves as a review for working speech-language pathologists and as an informative, easy-to-understand resource for a broad audience. Highly recommended. (CHOICE)