Awards

• Commended for Books for a Better Life (Childcare/Parenting) 2004

Overview

Why would a child refuse to talk about anything but wasp wings-or the color of subway train doors? What does it mean when a nine-year-old asks questions about death hundreds of times a day? And how can parents build a close relationship with a little girl who hates to be touched? In this compassionate book, leading autism authority Dr. Peter Szatmari shows that children with autism spectrum disorders act the way they do because they think in vastly different ways than other people. Dr. Szatmari shares the compelling stories of children he has treated who hear everyday conversation like a foreign language or experience hugs like the clamp of a vise. Understanding this unusual inner world-and appreciating the unique strengths that thinking differently can bestow-will help parents relate to their children more meaningfully, and make the outer world a less scary place.

Full Product Details

9781593850302

Table of Contents

Reviews

We are far from having a complete understanding of autism and Asperger syndrome, but Dr. Peter Szatmari has done an unsurpassed job of shedding light on how children with these disorders feel and act. The cases he recounts in this book touch on many different aspects of autism, including both the numerous problems that children and their families face and the successes they can achieve. The book also bears witness to the courage and perseverance of parents who, all too frequently, must struggle to find appropriate support from clinicians and educators. An enlightening and welcome resource for many, many families, and one that should also be read by all professionals in the field. --Patricia Howlin, PhD, Department of Psychology, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, UK; coauthor of Teaching Children with Autism to Mind-Read <br> A landmark book in terms of style and content. Dr. Szatmari explores and describes the world as perceived by people with autism ton

.,. a unique and well-written book that uses real life vignettes to describe and review the characteristic symptoms of autism and the social consequences and impact of these symptoms on family members and others....This is a must read for anyone involved in the life of a child with autism spectrum disorders. Its unique presentation offers unparalleled insight into the origin of the atypical behaviors of children with this affliction by entering their world, or 'foreign country, ' as the author describes it....The book is well written, is easy to follow and understand, and complements other resources on this topic. Its true contribution and usefulness, however, lies in its powerful presentation that leads to improved understanding and empathy in the reader. Weighted Numerical Score: 96 - 4 Stars! -- Doody's Electronic Journal <br> This is a most remarkable and absorbing book....The author brings much of our current understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder into one very readable book and is highly recommended. -- Autism Victoria <br> This book is a must for teachers, carers and parents of children with autism. It is so well written, and so interesting, that it was impossible to put down, quite a feat for a non-fiction piece of work....As a psychologist and teacher working with ASD, and also the mum of a young man with mild AS, not to mention cousin and aunt to several others, I have certainly read my share of books on the subject, but I can honestly say that this is the best I have struck. I would strongly recommend it to all people who fall into any of those categories, and others who would like to learn about the realities of this increasingly common disorder. -- Australian Journalof Learning Disabilities <br> Altogether absorbing, it should appeal to a wide audience, while being especially compelling for readers with ASD in their immediate circle. ASD affects 1 in 300 American children. Don't wait until April--National Autism Awareness Month--to feature this title. This is important and urgent information for countless parents. -- Kirkus Reports <br> This is an informative and very good book, which reads like a novel. It is well written in an emphatic and clear way....The compassion with which the narratives are put together is refreshing and heart warming. The book is appropriate for professionals as well as families (including siblings, or at least adolescents) who are caring for or living with someone with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome. -- Youthinmind

We are far from having a complete understanding of autism and Asperger syndrome, but Dr. Peter Szatmari has done an unsurpassed job of shedding light on how children with these disorders feel and act. The cases he recounts in this book touch on many different aspects of autism, including both the numerous problems that children and their families face and the successes they can achieve. The book also bears witness to the courage and perseverance of parents who, all too frequently, must struggle to find appropriate support from clinicians and educators. An enlightening and welcome resource for many, many families, and one that should also be read by all professionals in the field. --Patricia Howlin, PhD, Department of Psychology, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, UK; coauthor of Teaching Children with Autism to Mind-Read <br> A landmark book in terms of style and content. Dr. Szatmari explores and describes the world as perceived by people with autism toa

We are far from having a complete understanding of autism and Asperger syndrome, but Dr. Peter Szatmari has done an unsurpassed job of shedding light on how children with these disorders feel and act. The cases he recounts in this book touch on many different aspects of autism, including both the numerous problems that children and their families face and the successes they can achieve. The book also bears witness to the courage and perseverance of parents who, all too frequently, must struggle to find appropriate support from clinicians and educators. An enlightening and welcome resource for many, many families, and one that should also be read by all professionals in the field. --Patricia Howlin, PhD, Department of Psychology, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, UK; coauthor of Teaching Children with Autism to Mind-Read <br> A landmark book in terms of style and content. Dr. Szatmari explores and describes the world as perceived by people with autism tos

We are far from having a complete understanding of autism and Asperger syndrome, but Dr. Peter Szatmari has done an unsurpassed job of shedding light on how children with these disorders feel and act. The cases he recounts in this book touch on many different aspects of autism, including both the numerous problems that children and their families face and the successes they can achieve. The book also bears witness to the courage and perseverance of parents who, all too frequently, must struggle to find appropriate support from clinicians and educators. An enlightening and welcome resource for many, many families, and one that should also be read by all professionals in the field. --Patricia Howlin, PhD, Department of Psychology, St. George's Hospital Medical School, University of London, UK; coauthor of Teaching Children with Autism to Mind-Read <br> A landmark book in terms of style and content. Dr. Szatmari explores and describes the world as perceived by people with autism to explain their unusual behaviour and abilities, and discusses scientific theories and current therapies as well as causes and prognosis. The book is written objectively and engagingly, with literary skill and a sense of optimism that will be particularly appealing to parents. Dr. Szatmari clearly appreciates and admires the minds of children with autism, and is able to explain those minds to parents while providing realistic advice on remedial strategies. --Tony Attwood, PhD, author of Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals <br> Dr. Szatmari's book embodies the best of that singular tradition in which science is matched against disability, one child at a time. A clinician, scientist, and keen observer of human nature, Dr. Szatmari weaves a deeply empathic and comprehensive account of autism and related disabilities. The stories he recounts illuminate the daily challenges and triumphs that children experience, while revealing his passion for discovery and healing.l

Author Information

Peter Szatmari, MD, has been working with children with autism and pervasive developmental disorders and their families for over 20 years, and has consulted to government agencies in the U.S., Canada, and around the world. He is currently Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Vice-Chair of Research, and Head of the Division of Child Psychiatry at McMaster University in Canada.

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