Maureen F. Morrell and Ann Palmer are raising two very different children: Justin, a whirlwind of activity and mood swings, who is supervised in a residential farm community, and Eric, quiet and passive, who lives independently at college. The authors give an account of the striking similarities as well as the stark differences in their experiences of parenting children at opposite extremes of the autism spectrum. The two mothers speak openly about their children's diagnosis and early childhood through to adolescence, young adulthood and the day they leave home. They give a moving account of the challenges they faced and the surprising consolations they found along their sons' very different paths in life. Through their friendship and two decades of shared experiences of parenting an ASD child, each has gained a clear understanding of her own strengths and limitations, as well as those of her child. Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum offers a personal perspective and practical guidance for parents at the start of their journey with autism, especially those whose children are newly diagnosed. It also provides useful insights for professionals working with individuals across the autism spectrum and their families. The book was elected the 2007 Autism Society of America's Outstanding Literary Work of the Year.

This book looks at what it feels like to be an autistic parent, offering valuable insights, knowledge and wisdom on parenting autistic and non-autistic children. Three mothers reflect on their experiences of growing up as undiagnosed autistics, venturing into and embracing motherhood, and connecting with their children in a unique and powerful way. They offer advice on overcoming the challenges of parenting when you are autistic, such as socialising with other parents or sensory issues that come with excessive touch. Reflecting on their own experiences, they also emphasize the positives of being an autistic parent to an autistic child, such as understanding of why their child is struggling or the open-mindedness that can come from not being constrained by societal norms. They also explain how out-of-the-box thinking leads to creative parenting of non-autistic children, forming strong and loving bonds. Full of wit and warm advice, this book empowers autistic parents and reassures them that autism is a strength in raising their children with love, knowledge and experience, while also giving non-autistic parents and professionals a fresh perspective on helping autistic children to thrive.

Riley-Hall is the mother of two teenage girls, one with Asperger's syndrome and the other with autism. She offers encouragement and guidance on issues, as well as practical advice and support.

Across the Spectrum looks at six families with children on the autism spectrum over a 40 year period, from the early 1970s to the 21st century. The reader meets parents who raised their children without knowing the word "autism," to those caught in the uncertainties of labels forging ahead to blaze trails of their own, to young parents implementing modern-day therapies.Each story looks at a unique aspect of autism through the perspective of the mothers. Each story lays out the challenges presented by autism and the courage and love that the mothers demonstrate each day in meeting those challenges. The mothers speak with a directness and honesty, sharing stories of courage, love, perseverance and creativity - all while living lives with meaning and purpose. Across the Spectrum offers information, both practical and insightful, for anyone with a loved one on the autism spectrum - and provides inspiration through the telling of these unique stories.

This compelling collection of personal accounts, from people on the autism spectrum and those who care for them, presents insights into autism from many different perspectives. The contributors describe their experiences, including reactions to diagnosis and childhood memories.

The authors discuss the challenges of raising an autistic child.

If your child finds talking to people a struggle, this is the book to get the conversation started. In this hands-on guide, Heather Jones offers practical advice, born of experience with her own son, which will help you teach your child the principles of communication. Full of strategies and examples, it shows how you can allay fears, build confidence and teach your child to enjoy conversation. Once a child gets used to talking with other people, many life skills can develop more easily as they grow up – from making friends and shopping for themselves, to being interviewed and eventually getting a job. This handy book provides guidance and inspiration to parents, teachers and anyone else who cares for a child who finds language and comprehension difficult.