"Eating an Artichoke: A Mother's Perspective on Asperger Syndrome"



This book describes in great detail how the author, Echo Fling, is thrown into the overwhelming process of determining her son's difficulties.  Peeling back the layers of an artichoke is how she describes sifting through the behaviors her son exhibits and trying to see what is the heart of the problem.  The author's world spins upside down as her son's preschool teacher calls her in for a meeting to tell her that "something isn't right".

Throughout the book, Echo writes as a parent.  She describes the whirlwind of emotions that goes on through the process of trying to find an appropriate diagnosis.  I felt that she wrote all of the real problems that many families face such as misdiagnosis, difficulties paying for treatments, and what supports are needed for school; to name a few.  I do not think that this book is one of great insight but rather it chronicles the journey of one parent.  It is best to not buy this book with the expectations of strategies and interventions but rather a description of her life.  I know so many parents that felt their child was being described in the book since there were so many similarities.  The fact that there are not technical terms but rather real, raw feelings is comforting.  It is a reassuring read for parents to know they are not alone.  As a professional, I joined in the laughter and tears as I felt the situations described in her writing.  If anything it humbled me more for the obstacles that all families face.

-Abby 

Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder

The Out-Of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz is a necessary resource for any family dealing with Sensory Processing Disorder. I came across this book many years ago when I began working with a nine year old boy with autism who struggled a lot with sensory processing issues. Now, many years later, I have yet to find another book that so clearly explains what Sensory Processing Disorder is and what it's not. If you are new to this area, then it may take a bit longer to get through the jargon, but once you become familiar with the terms, it's a much easier read and is very informative. The book describes symptoms of the disorder both through useful checklists, and also personal case studies of different presentations of sensory processing disorder (for example, the over-responsive, under-responsive, and sensory seeking child).

 All too often sensory processing problems are misdiagnosed and children are labeled a "behavior problem." Carol Kranowitz does a great job of clearly explaining how the senses (tactile, visual, vestibular, proprioceptive, etc) affect a child's behavior and urges us to look at the whole child before we attempt to label an action and assume intent. After reading this book many parents have shared with us what an eye opener it was for them. If you feel like you already have a good understanding of Sensory Processing Disorder and are looking for a book with more specific strategies, then I would recommend The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun instead. Although one chapter in this book is dedicated to different activities to try, the sequel does nothing but that!

Does your child have sensory processing issues? If so, then stay tuned because we'll soon have a free give-away to help the out-of-sync child who cannot stand bothersome seams!

-Molly

"Navigating the Social World": A Curriculum for Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and Related Disorders

"Navigating the Social World'"s title alone sums up what those on the spectrum are attempting to do.  This is a confusing world that has social and communication guidelines that are usually picked up on by others and don't have to be taught.  Often in our society we have unspoken rules that are very difficult for those on the autism spectrum to figure out. 

This book is intended for those that are working with children, adolescents and adults with high functioning autism (HFA)/Asperger's. It is great for parents and teachers alike.  I think it makes it quite clear how to teach things that come natural to most other individuals.  The author is a parent of a child with high functioning autism and was able to use her real life experiences to help others.  In the introduction to the book the author talks about the different areas associated with autism that contribute to many challenges such as: difficulties understanding theory of mind (recognizing other people's perspectives), abstract concepts, identifying emotions, stress and organization. 

"Navigating the Social World" tackles many areas of communication and social need.  Breaking down emotions and how to read others, rules within conversations, figures of speech and understanding the meaning of what the person is saying, to name a few.  This book is full of strategies of how to work on these different areas and how to practice many of these skills before being put into that situation. In the back of the book it also includes helpful worksheets, scales and charts to be reprinted.  Overall, this is a wonderful book and a needed resource for those with HFA and/or Asperger's. 

-Abby