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The 10 Best Parenting Books for Kids with Autism

Parenting books for kids with autism can offer insight and advice for raising a child on the spectrum.

By Stephanie GladwellPublished 5 years ago 7 min read
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Photo by Bethany Laird

Many of us do not fully comprehend Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Asperger Syndrome. Even if we are surrounded by individuals who land on the autistic spectrum or have children with special needs, it is difficult to understand the thought process and perspective that they have on the world. You see, kids with autism have a unique way of thinking. This perspective can make life either incredibly interesting or incredibly difficult for those who have been diagnosed with the disorder. For those of you who are raising children with autism, you know the type of parenting that comes with it, but most of the time, that doesn't mean you're an expert by any means.

One way to better help you interpret and understand ASD and Asperger's is through books, which cover a range of questions you feel you may need answered as you continue along this journey. Fortunately, if you are looking for ways to educate yourself about autism or Asperger's, need tips on raising your children with these special needs, or would like suggestions for special education to ensure your child gets the opportunities they will need down the road, parenting books for kids with autism will become exceptionally valuable to your everyday routine.

Parents and professionals alike come together to create a better world for children with autism by creating a better overall understanding of the condition. In this book, Dr. Barry Prizant unveils his groundbreaking discoveries within the autistic spectrum.

Instead of labeling this phenomenon as a “disorder,” Prizant classifies autistic behaviors as, “a wide range of coping mechanisms for a world that seems dysfunctional and uncomfortable.” Throughout his time in this field, Prizant uses his experiences to offer inspiring stories to its readers, and gives advice on how to enhance good behavior and social skills for children on the autism spectrum.

For parents raising a child with either autism or Asperger's, they must try and relate to their children in order to better understand them. In the book Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, Ellen Notbohm opens up about her own personal experiences with her autistic children, which makes it personable and relatable.

The book is written in the first person perspective from a children’s mind, so you can easily grab the ideas straight from the child themselves about what they may be thinking or feeling. It is not so much a parent’s guide, but a way into the mind of a child with autism. The book has won multiple awards, and is a must read book for raising kids with autism.

To get more in depth and have a full understanding of the syndrome itself, read The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood. This book covers everything from neurological causes of the syndrome, symptoms, and effects related to life at home. Read through case studies and become informed about certain approaches to this condition. The more you know now, the better you will be able to raise and care for your child.

Nobody ever expects to have a child with special needs, which makes it a difficult thing to prepare for. You will face challenges and struggles that most other parent don't have to undergo, and will ultimately have to resort to different parenting methods as a result. However, you are not alone. Thousands of other parents are going through the same or a similar situation, and have learned from their children with autism.

Through this book, the authors share stories about raising both of their special needs children, and how they overcame many obstacles in the process. Not only do they offer advice, but also words of encouragement. Whether you are dealing with a newly diagnosed child or a matured one, this book may lead you to a path of discovery and fulfillment.

In the US, one out of every 50 boys have autism, and the number continues to rise. If you talk to another parent, any of them will assure you that raising a boy is much more different than raising a girl. When it comes to children on the autistic spectrum, this fact remains true.

Parenting books for kids with autism are usually inclusive of every child; but if you wish to get more specific with your son or sons, then this title might be exactly what you need. Following countless hours of studying, Ken Siri has compiled a list of what he learned about boys with autism. He navigates through topics of puberty, personal hygiene, and countless unique problems that may come about when you are facing this exact situation.

The daily struggles with autism may seem unbearable at times, but just as the title suggests, don’t freak out. If you are a parent who has children with special needs, you are not alone. There are countless amounts of books that offer advice and tips about raising your children, and this book is among the top. If you have ever had to deal with a situation that seems out of your control, this book will guide you through a simple process that will allow you to show you a new way to relate to your child, and help you become a leader in your child’s life.

The earlier you treat your child with autism, the easier it will become along the way. Parents play a huge role in helping children with ASD and Sensory Processing Disorder live up to their full potential.

The researchers who wrote this book share combined knowledge about practical strategies that you can incorporate into your everyday parenting routine for your child or children with special needs. Turn daily routines into learning experiences for your children and help them to create developmental skills in the process. Early techniques will assist children in promoting play, language development, and engagement.

Autism–A Family Journey was written in the perspective of parents with two autistic children. It serves as a parent's guide to teach adults how to navigate their search in finding support and services that their children need when they are affected by this disorder.

Not only is this an emotional, true story, but it offers insight into the lives of parents and the trials they face having to live with autism on a daily basis. The author describes how to cope with early tantrums and other dangerous behaviors with this title. If you are a parent of an autistic child, this is a must read.

Contrary to raising a boy with special needs, girls have their own troubles as well. Through this award winning book, parents describe the journey they took with their special needs daughter, and how she undergoes everyday scenarios such as getting a job, birth control, friendships, and so on.

The author is honest about the challenges of home life when raising a child with autism from childhood to adulthood. Her honesty leads readers to fully understand the intellectual disabilities of their children and how to appreciate and love them so that they reach their full potential.

Parenting on the autism spectrum comes with many setbacks and challenges, which is why it is easy for parents to lose themselves along the way. Susan Senator does an excellent job in weaving in the autistic mindset with parents, teachers, and researchers to create a parents guide that offers encouragement on how to find happiness and fulfillment with your child. Topics within the book include: how to handle feelings, finding fun with your autistic child, and finding life balance when your child is seeking new treatments.

The list of titles goes on and on when it comes to parenting books for kids with autism. While some books offer stories of personal journeys with their special needs children, others are strictly informational. Decide which book is best for your and your child at the moment, and educate yourself on the matter at hand. It will only get better from here.

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About the Creator

Stephanie Gladwell

Mother of two, educator of many. Teaches middle-school biology and chemistry. Always interested in exploring the unknown.

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