Views from the Spectrum: A Window into Life and Faith with Your Neurodivergent Child

by Ron Sandison

Overview

A remarkable inside look at the intersection of faith and autism for parents longing to connect their children with God's love

Raising a child with autism is both a challenge and an adventure--and sometimes parents need to know there can also be wonderful potential for blessings. Views from the Spectrum shares the inspiring stories of twenty amazing young adults with autism and how each of their family's unwavering support and faith in God led them to accomplish what was thought impossible. As a thriving adult with autism himself, Ron Sandison is determined to educate the world on the gifts and talents autism can cultivate--even when they differ from our expectations of typical success.

While it is primarily a much-needed how-to guide for parents of children with special needs, this book is also a stunning view into the world of autism. Readers will witness the courage of Tyler Gianchetta, who rescued his mother from a burning vehicle. They'll marvel at the artistic talent of nonverbal poet and artist Kimberly Dixon, admire the determination of Armani Williams, competing as a NASCAR driver, and find encouragement in the many other stories within these pages. In addition to these experiences, Sandison has also interviewed top experts in the autism field and shares their insights here.

Sandison weaves narrative with Scripture, sharing his own journey with autism throughout the book. Full of anecdotes, scientific research, parenting tips, prayers, devotions, and more, Views from the Spectrum is a celebration of autism, faith, and the possibilities at their intersection.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780825477171
Publisher:	Kregel Publications
Publication date:	05/25/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Ron Sandison is the founder of Spectrum Inclusion and an advisory board member of the Art of Autism and the Faith Initiative of the Autism Society of America. He works full-time in the medical field, is professor of theology at Destiny School of Ministry, and speaks on autism at more than seventy events a year. His previous work includes A Parent's Guide to Autism. Ron and his wife live in Rochester Hill, Michigan.

Editorial Reviews

"Ron Sandison offers an expert’s perspective for parents of autistic children because of his personal experience of growing up with autism. Like few others, he sharply articulates the combustion of passion, family, and faith that spurs an individual with autism on to a purpose-filled life— while at the same time helping caregivers navigate autism’s paradoxes. The stories of artists, athletes, and creators that Ron gathers in this book lift up the creative forces of hope and the remarkable, God-given gifts that help the autistic person to emerge and thrive. As a mother of a teenage son with autism, I am encouraged to not grow weary in my efforts to access his rich inner world, helping help him to express it outwardly for a humanity that needs to hear his voice and the voices of other autistic individuals."

Tahani Cullen

"Ron Sandison is cut from the cloth of those who fully understand and celebrate the strengths of living boldly on the spectrum. These inspirational and loving stories should encourage all who are living, or loving someone, on the spectrum. Thank you for this resource!"

Frank W. Gaskill

"Views from the Spectrum weaves stories from Ron Sandison’s life, and from others with autism spectrum disorders, with biblical truths, practical advice, and spiritual guidance. He writes with great insight, honesty, and humor, combining narrative storytelling skills and theological wisdom. Families blessed with a child with autism: this is your book."

Katherine G. Hobbs

"Everyone should read Ron’s book for his heart. We have to listen to adults who showcase neurodiversity. Ron does it beautifully."

Kristine Barnett

"In this unique compilation of compelling reflections, Ron Sandison offers readers new narratives about autism and parenting. These diverse stories are an invitation to listen, ponder, pray, praise, and journey forward in faith."

Eric Carter

"Ron Sandison has written another must-read book. In Views from the Spectrum, Ron has created a lovely introductory text for parents who are either new to autism or interested in learning more from the experts in the field: individuals on the spectrum. As usual, Ron writes about human differences from the inside out and shines a light on autism and all its beauty, gifts, challenges, and wonder. The stories are fantastic, the tone is uplifting, and the insights are beyond valuable. Get this book. Enjoy it, learn from it, and pass it on to someone else needing this powerful perspective."

Paula Kluth

"Ron Sandison serves as a needed tour guide and translator for the inner mind of the autistic: a rare gift for parents of nonverbal children with autism. In a cultural landscape where the few mainstream examples of autistics are Dr. Temple Grandin and Rain Man, Views from the Spectrum offers a refreshing departure from the standard approach of fixating on the remediation of deficiencies, instead encouraging parents to harness and develop their child’s unique interests and God-given gifts. Sandison celebrates achievements as unique as each individual through a hopeful show-and-tell of victory stories. Parents like me have much to learn from Ron, his mother, and the Sandison family on how to partner with God and our children to maximize their potential."

Diane Dokko Kim

"Ron’s book on autism is invaluable for the Christian parent, teacher, caregiver, or church leader. I love his practical explanations of the multifaceted components of autism, the personal stories he includes, and the biblical principles for parenting, educating, and loving a child with autism. This will be a resource on my shelf as a therapist and would have also been on my school counselor and teacher shelves when I worked in those roles!"

Brenda L. Yoder

"Everyone is uniquely different, whether a family member, friend, or you yourself have a diagnosis of autism. Views from the Spectrum lets you into the world of many autistic individuals, their family life, and how they navigate their day-to-day lives. Every chapter gives a true, positive account and enlightens you on how each individual handles their autism and how wonderful they all really are. This book offers hope and encouragement and gives useful tips and strategies for practical parenting."

Anna Kennedy

"Views from the Spectrum reflects the distinctive perspective of Ron Sandison. He describes the time and energy his parents poured into him after he was diagnosed with autism so that he could develop to his full potential. Lest readers think his story is one of a kind, Sandison highlights the accomplishments of other individuals with autism in every chapter. He also weaves practical parenting advice and biblical wisdom throughout the book. This will be an encouraging resource for the autism community and an enlightening one for those who want to support them."

Jolene Philo

"You don’t have to be a person of faith to absorb Sandison’s faith-based lessons for parents and individuals on the spectrum. In addition to chronicling his own life, he recounts deeply moving stories about how God, love, and perseverance have shaped the lives of people on the spectrum and their families."

Judith Newman