Autism: How to raise a happy autistic child

by Jessie Hewitson

Overview

'A wise SatNav for what is often a bewildering, or even scary, zone of parenting. The book offers real-world, road-tested, child-first and family-friendly advice; while also highlighting the twin truths that autism is not a tragedy, and that adaptation and acceptance are not resignation' David Mitchell, bestselling author and co-translator of The Reason I Jump

'A must-read for anyone with an autistic child in their life' Laura James, author of Odd Girl Out

Written by Jessie Hewitson, an award-winning journalist at The Times, Autism is the book she wishes she had read when her son was first given the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

It combines her own experiences with tips from autistic adults, other parents - including author David Mitchell - as well as advice from autism professionals and academics such as Professor Simon Baron-Cohen. Autism looks at the condition as a difference rather than a disorder and includes guidance on:

· What to do if you think your child is autistic
· How to understand and support your child at school and at home
· Mental health and autism
· The differences between autistic girls and boys

'It is incredibly useful and informative, full of new research and interviews that put right an awful lot of misinformation. I cannot recommend this highly enough' The Sun

'Exceptionally useful and informative' Uta Frith, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Development, UCL

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781409176299
Publisher:	Orion
Publication date:	03/22/2018
Sold by:	Hachette Digital, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	752,085
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Jessie Hewitson is a staff property and personal finance writer on The Times from London. Before working at The Times, she worked as a freelance journalist, writing for The Sunday Times and the Telegraph, and edited Tatler magazine's 2013 guide to the best doctors. She is a mother of two; her seven-year-old son is autistic.

Table of Contents

Foreword ix

Introduction xiii

1 Denning Autism 1

2 Is My Child Autistic? 11

3 The Diagnosis Process 26

4 What is it Like to be Autistic? 43

5 Sensory Differences 54

6 Interventions 69

7 Creating an Autism-friendly Home 95

8 Mental Health 115

9 Learning to Play 136

10 Siblings 151

11 Nursery and School 164

12 Support in Education 207

13 Playdates 234

14 Girls and Autism 242

15 Autism in Black and Minority Ethnic Communities 257

16 Holidays 264

Conclusion 271

Glossary of Terms 275

Acknowledgements 279

Autism Index 281

Names / General Index 285

Editorial Reviews

Jessie Hewitson's guide is a wise SatNav for what is often a bewildering, or even scary, zone of parenting. The book offers real-world, road-tested, child-first and family-friendly advice; while also highlighting the twin truths that autism is not a tragedy, and that adaptation and acceptance are not resignation.—David Mitchell, bestselling author and co-translator of The Reason I Jump

A must-read for anyone with an autistic child in their life.—Laura James, author of Odd Girl Out

It is marvellous and covers everything a parent should know in supporting their autistic child. I have advised all my consultant colleagues at the Lorna Wing Centre to recommend it to parents of newly diagnosed parents.—Judith Gould, lead consultant at the Lorna Wing Centre for Autism.

Exceptionally useful and informative.—Uta Frith, Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Development, UCL

It is incredibly useful and informative, full of new research and interviews that put right an awful lot of misinformation. I cannot recommend this highly enough.—The Sun

Jessie Hewitson really hits the mark with this book, giving our history, our diversity, our challenges and our hopes. Autistic people and their families are finally represented.—Carrie Grant

An important book that will no doubt become an invaluable source of support for any parent who suspects - or has been told - that their child has autism... While its practical advice does not soften or shy away from any of the difficulties that await parents - this is a book that celebrates difference and champions happiness.—Ambitious About Autism (from their foreword)

If you're going to buy an autism parenting book, please make it this one. The language used is positive, with talk of differences and not deficits. What is often described as "problem behaviour" in other books is reframed here (more accurately) as the result of an autistic person communicating there is a problem. This approach is going to be far more helpful.—Autistic & Cheerful Blog

From the Publisher