Learning to Live with High Functioning Autism A Parent's Guide for Professionals Mike Stanton

Paperback,128pp

'It is always a pleasure to read a book about autism written by a parent of a child with a spectrum disorder. Mike's book was no exception to the rule - indeed, quite the opposite. Mike's style, complimenting the seriousness of the subject matter with humour and personality, allowed for a hugely enjoyable and rewarding read. Mike's knowledge of autism plus his personal experience has given him an excellent basis for the content of the book. His ideas are stimulating, his style accessible, his dedication and humour inspiring. The book is a motivation to me, as a professional, to always question my own practice. Ultimately, the book is a 'must read' for parents and professionals alike.'
- Luke Beardon, Regional Development Officer, National Autistic Society

'That the subject of diagnosis and support for those with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is an emotive one for Mike Stanton is obvious. Stanton highlights the costs to his family from a 'system' that understands little of ASD. Stanton, rightly, advocates for professionals to allow parents a bigger part in the whole process. Professionals, inexperienced in this specialist area would benefit from reading of the agonies families encounter in such situations. Stanton believed that with a diagnosis a 'support system' would open up - that it didn't, is of no surprise to those who are already involved with ASD. LEA officers would do well to read his suggestions on flexibility within the educational set-up. The issues raised by Stanton must be addressed by the services as a matter of urgency, if those with ASD are not to be discriminated against and have their needs adequately addressed in this age of inclusion.'
- Rosalyn Lord, Parent, Secretary of Action for ASD

When his son, Matthew, was finally diagnosed with autism at 12 years old, Mike Stanton thought the diagnosis marked the end of their troubles. In fact, despite the increase in reported levels of autism, appropriate support and clear information were hard to find. Mike had to teach himself and then attempt to pass on his knowledge and understanding to those who worked with his son. But because Matthew has high functioning autism his obvious abilities helped to disguise his more fundamental autistic spectrum disorder. As a consequence, Mike found that his efforts were not always appreciated. Like many parents, who ought to be a valuable source of information and help to busy professionals, he was sometimes made to feel as though it was him and not his son's autism that was the problem. So he wrote this accessible, informative book which provides a clear explanation of the autistic spectrum and dissects and dispels some of the myths about autistic behaviour and the various types of autism.

Intended for the professionals who work with autistic people and their families and friends, Learning to Live with High Functioning Autism draws on the Stanton family's experiences, and compares it with the experiences of others, to offer an honest portrayal of what living with autism is actually like for all of those involved. It offers an insight into the world of autistic children and the problems that they and their families face. It will provide support and encouragement for families of children with autism, as well as being an invaluable source of information and advice for professionals working with autistic children and their families. Most important of all, it argues convinclingly that learning to live with autism is a two-way process. We have to reject all models of intervention based upon coercion and compliance in order to work in partnership with young people with autism.

 contents  

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AUTHOR'S NOTE
1     Introduction
2     A Parent's Tale
3     Understanding Autism
        The nature of autism
        The range of autistic spectrum disorders
        Definitions and diagnoses
4    Diagnosis
        Difficulties with diagnosis A signpost not a label Our experiences
5     Conflict and Partnership
        Parental responses - the worrier Parental responses - the warrior
        Breakdown and conflict Partnership
6     Brothers and Sisters
7     Early Years
        Miracle cures Missing diagnoses Early intervention
8     Childhood
9     Adolescence
        Peer group changes Changes to themselves Adults change
10    Adult Life
        Autism is for life
        Avoiding unfortunate situations
        Investing in autism
11    Myths and Insights
        I cannot tell a lie
        People with autism are self absorbed
        Bursting the autistic bubble
        'That's not autism. All kids do that/
        Aint misbehavin'
        Beam me up, Scottie!
        Thinking like a human
        Mild autism?
12    Challenging Behaviour
        Asperger syndrome, temper tantrums and panic attacks
         - what it is like Meltdown Responding to challenging behaviour
13    Mind Your Language
        They may not realize you are talking to them They may miss out on
        non verbal clues to meaning Too much stress can overload the system
        Hearing is not always reliable Problems with meaning Taking things
        literally Being pedantic Alternatives
14    Difficulties at School
        The need for partnership
        The difficulties schools face
        Remedial versus prosthetic models of support
        Study skills
        Problems with writing
        Bullying
        Too clever by half?
15    The Way Forward
        Recipe for success
        Integration and inclusion - the least restrictive
        environment Getting it right
        Friendship circles and buddy systems Transition to secondary school
        Diversity and choice Flexi-schooling The range of available interventions
16   Conclusion


REFERENCES AND RESOURCES