Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew
by Ellen Notbohm
2004, Future Horizons, Inc. (800) 489-0727
ISBN 1-932565-30-2

Succinct and informative, framed with both humor and compassion, Ten Things defines the primary characteristics that illuminate the minds and hearts of children with autism. Ellen's personal experiences as a parent, an autism columnist, and a contributor to numerous parenting magazines combine to create a guide for all who come in contact with a child on the autism spectrum.

Chapter headings tell the story:

1. I am first and foremost a child

2. My sensory perceptions are disordered

3. Distinguish between won't (I choose not to) and can't (I am not able to)

4. I am a concrete thinker. I interpret language literally

5. Be patient with my limited vocabulary

6. I am visually oriented

7. Focus and build on what I can do rather than what I can't do

8. Help me with social interactions

9. Identify what triggers my meltdowns

10. Love me unconditionally

The Ten Things are signposts along the way on a journey towards a productive, independent adulthood for the child with autism. But they also inform anyone around a child with autism about its most basic elements. A true gift of understanding.

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At Healing, we're always looking for new resources of information that would be useful to those who care for, treat and teach kids. This section gives "high fives" to sources that we feel would be beneficial to kids and those who care for them.

This book is an amazing personal look at the joys and challenges of parenting a child with autism. Ellen gives concrete examples for each of her "Ten Things..." and educates her readers about how the world is experienced by both the autistic child and his or her parents. She is upbeat and inspiring, and her love and support show through in every word she writes. She places great emphasis on making readers understand the difference between can't and won't in terms of autistic children and explaining how the world bombards the senses of a child with autism. She stresses the potential of each and every child, and describes her own son's journey to adolescence with love and pride. Notbohm has learned a great deal from her son and speaks to the world from his perspective in hopes of fostering tolerance, understanding and parent advocacy on behalf of autistic children everywhere. From explaining possible triggers to "meltdowns" to focusing on communication methods that will have meaning to an autistic child, Notbohm covers a wide range of topics in clear, concise language that will help parents, other family members, teachers and friends understand the world through the senses of an autistic child.

-- High Fives, Spring | Summer 2006

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"This book should be in the hands of every parent, caregiver, teacher, aide, bus driver, administrator, law officer, who works with a child diagnosed with autism. It is by far the best resource for learning to understand and work with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. I am a pediatric occupational therapist and I have worked with children on this spectrum for over 23 years. I also have a 5-year-old son diagnosed with ASD. Ms. Notbohm describes the important issues in a clear and easy to understand way and provides examples and practical ideas to help deal with these issues. This book has the potential to change lives, as it will increase understanding and acceptance. With acceptance, these children can blossom and show the amazing gifts they have locked inside."

-- Anna Nierenberg, pediatric occupational therapist

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"Buy this book for everyone who interacts with your child, including moms, dads, grandparents, brothers, sisters, friends, teachers/special education service providers, babysitters, pediatricians, and the next person you meet whose child is newly diagnosed with ASD... This is the book I wish I'd had when our son was diagnosed with ASD years ago. I laughed and cried, and mostly didn't want the book to end. An important book that will make a positive difference in the lives of people living with autism."

-- Lacee Jones

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"What I particularly liked about the book was its very down-to-earth style. It takes an intimidating topic and brings it back to a level that any parent can read, feel comfortable with and absorb... Instead of trying to cover everything, Ellen looks at life from the child's perspective and covers only the most vital priorities in four fundamental areas:

1. Sensory processing challenges
2. Speech/language delays and impairments
3. Social interaction skills
4. Whole child/self-esteem issues

Within each area, she offers sound explanations to help parents understand the issue plus a wide range of practical ideas to help the family not only survive, but thrive. Because Ellen focuses on what's truly important, her book becomes the perfect solution for families new to autism. It offers practical information, in a style that will be very comforting to families reeling from a new diagnosis and looking for someone to guide their steps."

Lisa Simmons, Ideal Lives Advocacy & Inclusion Center

Purchase this book now at Amazon.com