Sensory processing difficulties are
often present with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Poor sensory
processing can affect oral motor development in children with ASD.Oral motor difficulties have an impact on eating
and speech. If a child has a limited diet, gags easily, doesn’t like having
their teeth brushed, produces a limited number of speech sounds or does not
consistently imitate or initiate words or phrases then an oral motor treatment
program is necessary.
Motivation is a key tool for wanting to acquire new information and attending to a task. Most of us will devote more time and energy to something that interests us rather than a task that we are told to do. We are more apt to pursue or stay with something that interests us.
Reviewed by Maureen Bennie
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc.
Parents of children with autism or other special needs frequently
struggle with toilet training their child. Toileting a child with
special needs is more difficult because there are often additional
challenges such as communication difficulties, sensory issues,
behavioral concerns, resistance to change, inability to generalize a
newly learned skill, and the need for routine. Using traditional toilet
training books and methods are not always helpful because the autism
population does not think the same way a neurotypical child does. The
child with autism may not care about pleasing parents or receiving
verbal praise. Because there may be significant developmental delays,
the toileting process may not be started until after the age of 4.
Using a diaper to eliminate has been the routine for several years and
this can be hard to change. Children’s books to introducing toilet
training may not be appropriate because the child is too big for a
potty chair or using the potty chair then transitioning to the toilet
becomes yet another change and obstacle in this process.
Publishing Info: Softcover 306 pages/ September 2000
Reviewed by Maureen Bennie
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc.
Asperger’s…What Does It Mean to Me? written by TEACCH therapist
Catherine Faherty is a supportive, self-awareness program for young
people ages 8 – 14 with high functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger
Syndrome. The workbook format of this book, designed to be written in,
creates a framework to assist the individual in thinking about
themselves, who they are, and what makes them unique.
Publishing Info: Paperback 241 pages / August 2007
Reviewed by Maureen Bennie
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc.
There is an abundance of literature available on a variety of topics
about autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, most of these materials
are written with males in mind since they comprise most of population
diagnosed with ASD. There are some excellent personal perspective
stories written by women on the spectrum such as Dr. Temple Grandin,
Donna Williams, and Liane Willey, but there are almost no books written
about working or living with females with ASD. Girls Under the Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders
fills this gap well by highlighting issues for females from the early
years to young adulthood. Author Dr. Lori Ernsperger, an autism and
behavioral specialist, provides the issues and strategies information
while mother Danielle Wendell gives us the important parent perspective
and what parents experience on the life journey of raising a daughter.
Publishing Info: Softcover 59 pages / September 2007
Reviewed by Maureen Bennie
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc.
Starting Points is a handy guide designed to help anyone who is
new to the diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. Educators, therapists, and
parents will learn strategies to work effectively with that individual.
Constructed in an easy-to-follow format complete with icons, charts,
and other visual supports, this book will lessen the feeling of being
overwhelmed when assisting someone with Asperger Syndrome.
Author Leslie Broun has been presenting Visual Strategies for Teaching
Reading and Math for the Autism Awareness Centre across Canada for the
past 3 years. Leslie has teamed with Patricia Oelwein, author of
Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome, to write Literacy Skill Development for Students with Special Learning Needs: A Strength-Based Approach.
This excellent book, designed to assist special learners with reading,
comprehension and composition, is the product of 30 years of experience
the authors have working with students who have special needs. Those
who have seen Leslie’s reading presentation will see her workshop has
been expanded upon in this book with an emphasis on teaching to the
strengths of the student.
Parents of children with a recent diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) often feel overwhelmed, scared and anxious. Early intervention is
the key to aid in the development of these children and for providing
support for families dealing with a child’s social, communication, and
behavioral problems. Lengthy waiting lists for services or a lack of
full services in rural areas can leave parents feeling helpless and
unable to meet their child’s needs.
Author: Ellen Notbohm and Veronica Zysk
Publishing Info: 2004 Reviewed by Maureen Bennie
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc.
1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
is just what the title says – a book rich with ideas on how to enhance
skills and further the development of children with autism. Written for
both parents and professionals, this resource contains an arsenal of
ideas for home, school and therapy sessions. Authors Veronica Zysk,
managing editor of Autism Asperger’s Digest magazine, and Ellen
Notbohm, mother of a son with autism, have compiled information bytes –
strategies and considerations on virtually every topic in autism one
can think of. Many of the strategies mentioned can be expanded upon
with suggested readings. Websites listed throughout the book give
places to go for further information on strategies. Suggested
children’s book titles provide added support for concepts. Highlighted
areas draw attention to additional information to consider.
Author: Eustacia Cutler
Publishing Info: October 2004
Reviewed by Maureen Bennie
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc.
The role of mother is a complex one laced with emotion, struggles,
happiness and disappointment. The journey of mothering a child with an
autism spectrum disorder is a road full of trials, guilt, quests and
fear of the unknown. Most mothers of ASD children share similar
experiences and feelings no matter what their age or background.
Eustacia Cutler, mother of Temple Grandin and arguably the most famous
woman in the world with autism, takes us through her personal journey
of raising a daughter with autism during a time where little was known
about the disorder. Ms. Cutler shares with us her self doubt and search
for answers amidst an environment that offered little support.
Authors:
Authors: Paula Kluth and Patrick Schwarz
Authors: Judith Coucouvanis, AAPC 2008
Author: Catherine Faherty
Author: Ellen Notbohm and Veronica Zysk
