This is a post in the weekly Autism Hopes series by Lisa Quinones-Fontanez, a mom who blogs over at AutismWonderland.
Your child isn’t born with a guide book (that would be too easy) and when your child is diagnosed with autism – there isn’t a go-to book that will tell you exactly what you need to do. But there are many books that will help. Here are a few that have helped me in the past, that are helping me now and preparing me for the future. Most importantly, they will help your child gain confidence and as much independence as possible.
From potty training to puberty to personal space to life beyond the home and classroom – there is something on this list for any parent raising a child with special needs.
Toilet Training for Individuals with Autism or Other Developmental Issues by Maria Wheeler M.Ed. Back in April, I shared 6 Tips For Potty Training Your Kid With Autism. Potty training a special needs child is a process and it takes time but before I started, I used the Toilet Training book as a guide. What’s helpful is that this book has multiple approaches so that you may find the one that suits your child best.
“Off We Go” book series by Averil Webster. There are several books in the series to help your special needs child through social situations (to the dentist, hairdresser, supermarket, on a plane and more). Webster offers suggestions on how the series may be used and encourages parents/caregivers to “change the text as you read aloud to reflect the language that you use in your home” and to “bring the book to the actual event.” The series, above all else, is a guide to help your child to cope with and successfully navigate a potentially stressful situation. I think it’s a series that may be used by parents, caregivers, therapists, teachers and siblings.
The Girls’ Guide to Growing Up and The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up by Terri Couwenhoven, M.S.. Written in clear and simple language (3rd grade reading level) and paired with age-appropriate facts, realistic illustrations and photos, the Guide to Growing Up books, explains in detail the many changes that come with puberty. The illustrations and photos are even presented in such a way that they may be created into a picture schedule. The books also discuss feelings and discretion while emphasizing personal safety and privacy. And they conclude with a Q&A to prompt conversation.
Body Talk: Teaching Students with Disabilities About Body Language by Pat Chrissey. What I appreciate about Body Talk is that it really goes step by step and breaks down all forms of body language: emotions, facial expressions, posture, body orientation and eye gaze, personal space and touching and gestures. By using activities and games, it makes learning about body language fun. It’s simple enough to be done at home one on one or in a group setting at school. What’s especially helpful about this book is that it comes with a CD so you can easily print out all the activities. The activities vary in age and functioning levels and you can easily modify activities to suit your needs.
The Sensory Child Gets Organized by Carolyn Dalgliesh. This book provides a clear sense of what a “sensory child” looks like and helps parents assess and understand how their child learns best. Through objective observation and journaling behaviors, parents can determine their child’s learning preference: Visual, Auditory or Tactile. Dalgliesh breaks down how to design a room based on your child’s needs. Also, check out the Parents.com Q&A with Carolyn Dalgliesh HERE.