The Jumbled Jigsaw

An Insider's Approach to the Treatment of Autistic Spectrum `Fruit Salads'

Donna Williams author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Published:15th Dec '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Jumbled Jigsaw cover

This insightful exploration of autism spectrum disorders reveals them as interconnected conditions, emphasizing a holistic approach to understanding and treatment in The Jumbled Jigsaw.

In The Jumbled Jigsaw, the author delves into the complexities of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), revealing them as a mosaic of various underlying conditions rather than isolated issues. Donna Williams explores a wide array of related challenges, such as mood disorders, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and sensory processing difficulties. By identifying these interconnected conditions, she presents a compelling argument for understanding ASDs as 'cluster conditions' that can significantly impact an individual's experience and development.

The narrative encourages families to take proactive steps in modifying their child's environment to alleviate anxiety and sensory overload. Williams provides practical guidance for caregivers, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the expanding autism support landscape effectively. This empowers them to advocate for the appropriate resources and interventions necessary for their loved ones. Her insights aim to bridge the gap between families and professionals, fostering a collaborative approach to understanding and treating autism.

The Jumbled Jigsaw serves as a vital resource for a diverse audience, including parents, individuals on the spectrum, and professionals in the field. It is a heartfelt call for society to embrace diversity and recognize the multifaceted nature of autism. Written in an accessible and engaging style, the book aims to inspire change and promote a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those with ASDs and their families.

I would definitely use this book in a class I was going to teach to either parents or future clinicians. This book is very interesting and packed with case examples, interesting stories, and reader-friendly language that makes it easier for professionals and laypeople alike to understand. I encourage anyone who works with children with disabilities to read it to begin to put together the pieces of the puzzle that diagnoses like autism and autism spectrum disorder create for a child with this disability. No matter what language is used, helping a child create a better world for himself or herself is all that should matter. -- PsycCRITIQUES
Pleasure and repeated cries of "eureka" were my reactions to reading this book in which Donna Williams explains the reality of difficulties I had witnessed in children on the autistic spectrum. I particularly liked the description of autistic spectrum disorders as a fruit salad - containing a range a range of ingredients in varying quantities, giving a distinct taste each time. -- Community Care
The Jumbled Jigsaw: An Insider's Approach to the Treatment of Autistic Spectrum "Fruit Salads,' by Donna Williams, covers topics that will inform and educate practitioners along with educators of future practitioners who may want to use this book in their classrooms. I can imagine this book being used by counselling, clinical, and school psychologists who need to become better informed about the issues faced by parents of a child with this diagnosis. The book is user friendly and is easy to read. The author's writing style, coupled with language that is easy to understand, makes this a book that could be easily used by both professionals and families of children with this diagnosis... I feel this book does a wonderful job of explaining things to parents, and from a parent's point of view. Throughout the book, the author uses phrases that start with "I." This makes the book real to people, and they can begin to imagine the author actually in the situation being described. I would definitely use this book in a class I was going to teach to either parents or future clinicians. This book is very interesting and packed with case examples, interesting stories, and reader-friendly language that makes it easier for professionals and laypeople alike to understand. -- PsycCRITIQUES of the American Psychological Association
The real strength of the book is to challenge practitioners to go beyond the label of autism in order to be a real help; I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it was challenging on every page, I think it will appeal to practitioners with a wide experience of children with autism and other complex mixtures of difficulties that do not fit neatly into conventional labels. As Donna herself commented her ideas will interest those with an open mind and holistic perspective. -- NAPLIC

ISBN: 9781843102816

Dimensions: 232mm x 156mm x 23mm

Weight: 590g

392 pages