Parenting on the Autism Spectrum

Ewan Culling, Clinical Psychologist, International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, (2014): "Parenting on the Autism Spectrum provides a comprehensive, but easy-to-read overview of therapeutic approaches and support strategies recommended for the parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The book includes practical strategies for use within home and school settings, as well as chapters dedicated to facilitating communication and social interaction... Each chapter in Parenting on the Autism Spectrum includes a "What I believe" section that gives the author an opportunity to highlight her professional opinion on each issue or modality, based on her clinical experience. In this manner the book strikes an effective mixture between objective description of available techniques and subjective opinion of efficacy based on the author's real world experience. In my opinion, one of the most impressive achievements of this book is that it manages to provide comprehensive overviews of therapeutic models, approaches and research bases, but does so in a manner that it is clear and written in lay terminology for the audience intended. It becomes clear early on in the book that the author's intention is to inform parents and care-givers so that they can become 'critical consumers' of the various treatments/supports available and make informed choices for their children. This is a laudable aim, particularly given the modern ethos of collaboration and joint decision making between individuals, families and the education/health/social care services in agreeing support plans and packages for children with additional needs. It is my opinion that the author's aims are fully realised and I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to parents and care-givers of children/teenagers with ASD. I believe this book would also have utility as a core induction resource material for professionals who work with children with ASD."