Growing Up on the Spectrum

February 16, 2009
Autism is now the most commonly diagnosed developmental disability, with one in 150 children falling somewhere within the “spectrum.” Koegel, a psychologist and LaZebnik, the mother of an autistic son, follow up Overcoming Autism
with an expert-cum-parent perspective plus the contribution (and pencil drawings) of LaZebnik’s 15-year-old son, Andrew. The first of six sections reviews terms, techniques and interventions essential to understanding and managing life with autism. The following sections focus on making and keeping friendships; dating, sex and romance; successful school experience; life beyond high school and college; and improving daily life. Each chapter features real-life narratives from the LaZebniks and Koegel; lists of practices and prompts; FAQs; anecdotes about kids and issues like distinguishing between private and public behavior or how parents can supervise from a distance; a “making it work for your kid” section; and sample dialogues for teaching and communication. Some of the suggestions, for example, for dealing with bullies, carrying on a meaningful conversation and developing good manners, are so good they ought to be taught to every middle and high schooler, autistic or not. This book shows parents how their autistic kids can function and thrive with dignity, self-respect and autonomy, something many parents never believed possible.