Looking at the positive influences, great talents and unique thought processes of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, this book is a celebration of those who have used their autism to shine in life. Writers from all over the world at different stages in their careers, and from very different backgrounds, share their experiences of creating a successful life on the autism spectrum. Each explains how it is possible to draw on autistic strengths not just to make your way in the world, overcoming challenges and obstacles, but also to make your life a real success. Education, the world of work, and relationships are the focus of the first part of the book, which then goes on to look at exceptional creativity, and the use of special interests. The autobiographical stories in this book are full of wisdom and humour, and will be an inspiration for anyone with high-functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome, their family and friends, and the professionals who work alongside them.

A boy describes his friendship with Matt, whose autism spectrum disorder causes him to behave strangely at times, and how he make things easier for Matt at school and in their neighborhood.

One woman's remarkable journey from desperation to hope, successfully parenting four children on the autism spectrum. Hilarious, poignant and full of brilliant advice, her voice will inspire you to enjoy your life, whether it's touched by autism or not. Whether you're new to the world of autism or have years of experience under your belt, this book is a unique and fascinating read. It provides a detailed guide to what autism is, and more importantly what it isn't, as well as offering unique self-help strategies and practical advice that can genuinely lead to a better quality of life for you and your family. Told in an easy, informal style, the book includes many highly relatable anecdotes that will make you laugh, move you to tears, and most importantly give you a true insight into just how much can be achieved when you adopt a positive approach to living with this complex and intriguing condition. A book you'll find hard to put down and impossible to forget.

This two book/DVD package presents a parent training approach that is accessible, evidence based, and highly practical. Grounded in developmental and behavioral research, the Practitioner's Guide provides step-by-step guidelines for conducting parent training individually or in groups. It takes proven techniques for promoting the social-communication skills of young children with autism (up to age 6) and breaks them into simple yet effective steps for parents to follow. The DVD, for use in the training sessions, features video clips of parents implementing the techniques with their children, as well as PowerPoint slides. The Practitioners Guide also features 30 reproducible handouts and forms. The companion Manual for Parents helps parents master the techniques and use them at home with their child during daily routines and activities. - Publisher.

This is the story of Zane, a zebra with autism who worries that his differences make him stand out from his peers. With careful guidance from his mother, Zane learns that autism is only one of many qualities that make him special. Contains a “Note to Parents” by Drew Coman, PhD, and Ellen Braaten, PhD, as well as a Foreword by Alison Singer, President of the Autism Science Foundation.

This is a positive description of how it feels to be autistic and how friends, family and professionals can be more sensitive to the needs of autistic people. Lee O'Neill perceives the imagination and keenly-felt sensory world of the autistic person as gifts. She challenges the reader to accept their difference and celebrate their uniqueness.