Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum

Maureen F. Morrell and Ann Palmer are raising two very different children: Justin, a whirlwind of activity and mood swings, who is supervised in a residential farm community, and Eric, quiet and passive, who lives independently at college. The authors give an account of the striking similarities as well as the stark differences in their experiences of parenting children at opposite extremes of the autism spectrum.

The two mothers speak openly about their children's diagnosis and early childhood through to adolescence, young adulthood and the day they leave home. They give a moving account of the challenges they faced and the surprising consolations they found along their sons' very different paths in life. Through their friendship and two decades of shared experiences of parenting an ASD child, each has gained a clear understanding of her own strengths and limitations, as well as those of her child.

Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum offers a personal perspective and practical guidance for parents at the start of their journey with autism, especially those whose children are newly diagnosed. It also provides useful insights for professionals working with individuals across the autism spectrum and their families. The book was elected the 2007 Autism Society of America's Outstanding Literary Work of the Year.

Auteur
Maureen F. Morrell is married with three sons; Justin, the oldest at 28, has autism and lives and works in a residential farm community. Maureen has a background in nursing and public health, and has been active in advocacy for individuals with ASD and their families for over 20 years. She has served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) and in 1998 received ASNC's Parent of the Year Award. Ann Palmer is married with three children, one of whom, Eric, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. He is now 24. She has 13 years' experience working with families of individuals with autism at Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children). Ann coordinated a volunteer parent mentor program that provided support to over 800 families in North Carolina. In her current role as Director of Chapter Relations for the Autism Society of NC, she coordinates over 40 parent support groups throughout the state. She is also the author of Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Résumé
The authors are raising two very different children: Justin, a whirlwind of activity and mood swings, who is supervised in a residential farm community, and Eric, quiet and passive, who lives independently at college. This book is an account of their experiences of parenting children at opposite extremes of the autism spectrum.

Contenu
Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. Rebuilding life after autism: Ann's story. 2. Rebuilding life after autism: Maureen's story. 3. Balancing family life: The siblings. 4. Balancing family life: Marriage and extended family. 5. Advocating for our children. 6. Taking care of ourselves. 7. Finding our way. 8. Dealing with the public. 9. Accepting our children and ourselves. 10. Letting go: Ann's story. 11. Letting go: Maureen's story. Appendix A: Positive student profile. Appendix B: Student information sheet. Appendix C: Books that made a difference. References.