ASD Book recommendation for DH

[SnMomof7]

Can someone help me out? I need an intro to parenting kids with ASD book for DH. He isn't a great reader so easier is better, Audible is even better. We are still half way through DD2's diagnosis which the psych tech said is most likely on the spectrum after our very first visit. I've had the, "Yeah, it's autism and I've been misunderstanding this kid for years," moment already. Sigh.

 

It's still early days for us, and I just need an easy-in for him.

 

Thanks.

[Lecka]

I think it needs to be the book that is helpful to you for parenting, so you are on the same page. 

 

For a "dealing with the emotions that come along with a diagnosis" I like Not My Boy by Rodney Peete http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003A7I2GO/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1

 

It does not have parenting techniques, but it is a man, and a traditional man (a pro football player) talking about how he came to terms with his son's diagnosis.  It is a good book.

 

If you want him to read a practical book about parenting ---- it does need to be whatever book you find that clicks with you! 

 

I have a book like that that I got my husband to read (he is not a reader, either) and it is not a book I think would make much sense for a 9-year-old girl, b/c it is aimed at young children who have limited communication skills. 

 

I did not get my husband to read Not My Boy -- it was enough that I read it, for that one. 

 

It is kind-of a book where he does not have the moment at the same time as his wife, and yet he did have the moment later.  It made me feel more patient, but also like "at a certain point, it is ridiculous." 

Edited January 28, 2016 by Lecka

[KSinNS]

I've found all the books by John Elder Robison very helpful. He and his son are both on the spectrum (he was diagnosed after his son). Very high functioning aspies. The books are mostly memoir with some practical hints, Look Me in the eye is about him. Raising Cubby is about his son, and Be Different is more practical social tips (especially for the teen/young adult). They are very readable (or listenable) and they give lots of hope in those dark moments. There is lots of family dysfunction, too,some of it very serious, just as a warning. And Cubby gets into some serious trouble, but they all live to tell the tale.

[Guest]

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest

[PeterPan]

This is just an outside thought, but Prizant, author of Uniquely Human, has some webinars that Lecka linked.  One in particular was really good at explaining and giving an overview of the book.  Might be easier for him than handing a book, and it would be like 1 hour or 90 minutes and done.  If he wanted more he could, but it really was a good overview webinar.  

 

This is the link to the thread

 

For fans of Uniquely Human: link to 2 webinars by Dr. Barry Prizant - The Learning Challenges Board - The Well-Trained Mind Community

 

and this is a link to the particular webinar.  It's 1:30.  Preview it yourself and see. 

Barry Prizant: Uniquely Human, A Different Way to See Autism and Create Pathways to Success - Webinars - PresenceLearning

 

 

[SnMomof7]

Awesome! Thanks for the suggestions! I'll definitely link him to the Prizant, and Marie, NO worries! I was wondering if a Grandin book might be a good thing, myself.

[Guest]

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Edited February 10, 2016 by Guest

[SnMomof7]

He is listening to the Grandin book and it has been AMAZING! He has just become so much more involved and concerned. He is actually (pretty much) demanding testing for our non-verbal, sensory defensive little guy.

 

Normally he's not this involved, so it's a blessing. On the other hand, he's now convinced I'm on the spectrum myself. And...he may be right. One of my close friends insists on it as well. I can definitely see traits now that I always thought were just normal. So, that's interesting.

 

It's been a spectrum-tastic month.

[Guest]

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[PeterPan]

Cricket, couldn't they make the money work out by pairing less expensive and more expensive services?  Where I am, the behaviorist is $$ ($75 an hour) but the people who implement the plans are only $12-15 an hour.  So if you pair them, then you can stretch the money farther.  Even just a couple days a week like that, stretching out the services, could be really beneficial to you, building on what you've already learned.  I really like having access to these people, because then I can ask questions and pick their brains.  When you start off knowing more, you ask better questions and can really take advantage of that time.  It might even be that that's all you would NEED, kwim?  Like just something, 3-4 hours of service a week, maybe in 2 hour chunks twice a week, whatever, just kind of adding some rocket fuel to what you already do.

 

In our area they have tiers of funding for various disabilities, and there is that element of how hard you'll fight, them saying why aren't you grateful, blah blah.  And on the one hand it's like oh, I wish I had x level funding.  Then you realize, You know, I really LIKE being at home, like my privacy, and I don't WANT to just go, go, go.  Some is good, and maybe if I'm carrying some weight just *some* would be enough, kwim?  I'm just thinking that could be a calculation that works for you.

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Edited February 3, 2016 by Guest

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[Tiramisu]

I'm enjoying Cricket's posts. I've been learning so much from re-reading the Thinking in Pictures book. It's really helped me understand and appreciate our animals more and my coop students, so I can be a better teacher. Sorry if that combo came out weird.

 

I also think the Aspergers Experts videos on youtube are helpful. They are clear and brief and positive.

 

ETA: It may also be helpful to read some stuff about girls and Aspergers since there are some subtle but important differences relating to the social stuff and special interests. The symptoms may seem more subtle on the surface but the girls are internalizing a lot of pressure and that makes them prone to more emotional problems. Many girls aren't dx'd until they develop an emotional disorder like anxiety or depression.

Edited February 2, 2016 by Tiramisu