Customer Reviews
Exceptional, easy to read, practical book! 
2008-07-01
Dr. Thompson's book, Straight Talk on Autism, is an exceptional, well written book. Although Dr. Thompson addresses many complex issues, his easy-to-read style of writing can fully inform and capture a wide audience. He pulls together his extensive knowledge of neuroscience, behavior analysis, psychology, developmental disabilities (and more!) and combines it with true compassion and understanding for families who are living with autism. He gives practical advice and examples for families that address issues such as mealtime, daily living skills, and self injurious behavior; all of which are common concerns of parents who have a child with autism. This book is invaluable for anyone who knows someone with autism, whether is be a parent, professional, or family member.
An up-to-date, comprehensive, well-balanced, totally readable treatise 2008-06-26
This medium-size book (260 pages) is absolutely jam-packed with helpful insights and practical information, all readily accessible, thanks to the down-to-earth writing style of the author, to every intelligent reader who wishes to avail him- or herself of it. Effective communication to the general public about complex technical issues is an art form in its own right, and Dr. Thompson is clearly a master of the craft. He is also the award-winning master of a number of other crafts (scientific and clinical disciplines, actually), including psychology, pharmacology, neuroscience, behavior analysis, developmental disabilities and special education, and the benefit of his over 40 years of high-level professional activity in these fields is fully reflected in this book. And as the grandfather of a boy with autism, his writing also reflects a genuine understanding of the personal impact autism has on families. Dr. Thompson has the rare ability to convey the scientific complexity of an issue without making it sound scientific or complex and without talking down to the reader. He skillfully avoids jargon and esoteric technical terms while leaving no stone unturned in what is an unusually thorough coverage of autism spectrum disorders and everything that pertains to them. In its entirety, the content of this highly readable book is the equivalent of an advanced course in autism spectrum disorders, but it is all presented in such an easily absorbed form that one never feels like one is "studying". Although written specifically for parents and direct caregivers, research and treatment professionals also have much to gain from reading this book, and professional educators would be well advised to consider it as a textbook in their courses on autism. Thompson's discussion of self-injurious behavior (SIB) is especially insightful and helpful. SIB is without a doubt the most distressing behavior an individual with autism may exhibit. Dr. Thompson has treated scores of SIB cases over the course of his career and offers the benefit of all that experience to the reader. He explains the likely origin of this paradoxical phenomenon, the factors underlying its frustrating recalcitrance and obstinate persistence, the steps that can be taken to treat it effectively, and what to watch for to prevent it from developing in the first place. The wise insights and practical advice he gives on this problem alone are worth many times the price of the book. But SIB is just one example. The book covers the whole domain of issues that concern families of individuals with autism. Although dedicated to the special challenges faced by parents of children with autism, the book is actually also an excellent practical guide to parenting in general. This is especially true of the chapter on Daily Freedoms and Responsibilities. For example, the "rules" he enumerates for mealtime are good advice for any young family, as too are his other recommendations for teaching daily living skills and personal responsibility, and his extended treatments of the importance of leisure and the art of community participation. The wide scope of Thompson's academic credentials cited above is paralleled in this book by the comprehensive coverage he gives to absolutely all aspects of the lives of individuals with autism. A more complete, intelligent, practical, and sympathetic understanding of autism simply does not exist. This book is a masterpiece of scholarly, literary, and humanistic craftsmanship. I recommend it to anyone who wants an up-to-date, clear-headed, sensible, thoroughgoing, critical, totally understandable treatment of this important topic.
Practical user's guide to any of the daily autism issues. 2008-06-11
As a mother of a 6 year old with autism, I find it very challenging to know the most effective approaches when teaching my child. The myriad of therapies available overwhelm all but the most educated practitioners, and once we chose a path, determining the best strategise for each child can be overwhelming. Often it is a miracle to find the proper balance of therapy techniques for your child. In his book, Dr. Thompson's Straight Talk on Autism, Dr. Thompson has addressed these issues. Straight Talk on Autism is a practical user's guide to many of the daily autism issues we strive to conquer.
In addition to be a leading expert on data-based strategies and techniques for individuals with autism, Dr. Thompson is also a caring grandfather to a child on the spectrum. It is this unique background that makes his perspective truly valuable. He combines his academic knowledge, research and clinical experience and first person stories to outline comprehensive behavioral treatment strategies that are accessible to many audiences, both parents and educators alike. His compelling stories and unparalleled passion to help families affected by Autism makes reading this book a delight.
This easy to read book is a must have for all caregivers and parents that need strategies and techniques for implementing behavioral treatment for their own children. Dr. Thompson outlines nicely how to structure visual schedules and what steps to take to curb challenging behaviors. There is also an informative chapter on tips to make community outings a success. This hands on book gives you the confidence and ideas to help people on the spectrum with their social and behavioral issues.
Keep this book and the ideas enclosed close at hand. It will undoubtedly help with the daily issues that we all experience with our children on the spectrum. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.
Great Family Resource! 2008-05-31
This book is a terrific resource for our family! Our autistic son will be entering middle school in the fall and our main concern is the need for him to continue working on his social and communication skills. In particular, Chapter 4, "Once Upon a Time" (Discovering the Mystery of Words) was invaluable in helping us frame the discussion in his spring IEP meeting regarding practical workable methods for integrating social and communication training into his school day across situations.
We also love the chapter on the "Need for Control". Our son's "control" issues are not a problem at school because of the structured setting. But this chapter helped us a great deal in creating structure for him within our busy, sometimes chaotic lives at home. Dr. Thompson's straightforward writing style and insight into how the mind of an autistic child works makes it easy to understand what needs to be done, and how to do it.
Highly recommended for parents and caregivers. Even older siblings!
