The Autism Sourcebook. Everything You Need to Know About Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping, and Healing from a Mother Whose Child Recovered

Editorial Review
Practical advice and information from the world's foremost experts on autism -- and a mother's own hard-won lessons from helping her son recover from the disorder

When Karen Siff Exkorn's son, Jake, was diagnosed with autism, she struggled to pull together comprehensive information about the disorder. Fortunately, she was able to educate herself quickly, and her extensive at-home treatment of her son led to his amazing full recovery. But the journey wasn't easy, and now, in The Autism Sourcebook, Siff Exkorn offers parents the wisdom she wishes she'd had at the beginning.

Recent studies show that there is a worldwide epidemic of autism. More than 1.5 million people are affected in the United States alone, with one in every 166 children diagnosed. Early detection and early intervention are two of the key factors in improving prognosis -- but too often, writes Siff Exkorn, parents get bogged down in denial or confusion about the still mysterious disorder, and are unable to take the necessary steps. Providing accessible medical information gleaned from the world's foremost experts, Siff Exkorn offers an inside look at families with children who have autism, and ties in her own firsthand experience as a parent. The author shares valuable knowledge about the following:

What the diagnosis really means

Understanding and accessing treatment options

Knowing your child's rights in the school system

Coping with common marital and familial stress

Making the stigma of autism a thing of the past

With extensive appendices, including the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Diagnostic Criteria for the Five Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and carefully selected lists of Internet resources, recommended readings, and top autism organizations worldwide, The Autism Sourcebook is the single most comprehensive, practical resource available to parents and loved ones of children with autism.

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Customer Reviews

A wonderful resource

2008-03-26
I stumbled on to this book when trying to understand what a friends of a recently diagnosed autistic child were going through. It helped me tremendously...and, it has helped them too as they start this difficult journey. This is a valuable contribution and tool.

A good place to begin

2007-09-03
This book is an excellent place to begin learning about Autism for any parent of a newly diagnosed child. It is also an excellent resource for teachers, family memebers or anyone else whose life will be touched because of Autism.

Helpful

2007-06-10
This book was a great help to me as the mother of a two year old who is possibly autistic...waiting for our appointment at Kennedy Krieger...not only did it deal with facts and info but it also tackled the tough issues of how we feel as parents of a developmentally delayed child....everyday is a struggle and she lets us know that we are human too.

I am glad I read this book first as it talks about all the different therapies available and gives lots of info to think about...

Now a paperback with heart!

2006-09-20
I have a loved one (nephew) that has been challenged with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I felt that reading this book would be informative as well as showing my support for the family. Well it was, and then some.

What surprises me is that it is not a dry and tedious read. Author Karen Siff Exkorn manages to explain technical, diagnostic and therapeutic terms and processes in intelligent and uncomplicated English. Make no mistake - this is not a dim-witted "Autism for Dummies" style book either.

It is clear that she has been through much, for only the voice of experience could have this veracity. I was intrigued to read about her family's personal experiences. Her stories and examples involving her son, Jake, are understated and not drenched in sentimentality. It added a very real and human dimension to the book.

The book has four sections:
-Diagnosis
-Treatment
-Coping
-Healing

It also includes a large and pragmatic appendix; covering areas such as diagnostic criteria, organizations, resources, recommended reading, and a glossary.

At the end of each section are questions and answers. I found myself reading the questions and thinking to myself "Hey, now there is a good one!" No stone was left unturned.

I think many parents and guardians will also appreciate chapter 7: "You Have the Power: Advocating for Your Child's Legal Rights". It is clear and practical information, loaded with parent's experiences and helpful tips on how to "work the system". There are a variety of programs and Siff Exkorn explains how to jump the hurdles and stay on top of it all.

There is an aspect often neglected by other books and articles regarding ASD: the emotional impact on the care-givers and the family. Siff Exkorn devoted much of the last two chapters to this very subject matter. Here she advocates taking care of ourselves, and ways to do it, so that we remain effective care-givers and create a content family life that includes a child with an ASD. It was reassuring to read that others have gone through similar experiences.

I am most grateful to Karen Siff Exkorn for authoring this much needed book, and would recommend it to anyone who has interest in the Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

By the way, her son is completely mainstreamed and it is obvious that some reviewers (of the hardcover) have not read the book.