Author: Catherine Faherty

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.

Author: Dr. Lori Ernsperger and Danielle Wendel
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.

Author: Brenda Smith Myles and Jill Hudson
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 and Patricia Oelwein
Publishing Info: Paperback / 2007
Reviewed by Maureen Bennie
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

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.

Author: Teresa A. Cardon
Publishing Info: Paperback / 2007
Reviewed by Maureen Bennie
Director Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

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.

Par: Eustacia Cutler
Publishing Info: October 2004
Revu par Maureen Bennie
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

Le rôle d'une mère, dans lequel s'entremêlent émotions, luttes, bonheur et déceptions, est complexe. Le parcours d'une mère dont l'enfant a un trouble envahissant du développement (TED) est semé d'épreuves, de culpabilité, de quêtes et de crainte de l'inconnu. La plupart des femmes ayant un enfant qui a un TED vivent les mêmes expériences et les mêmes sentiments, peu importe leur âge ou leur milieu socio-culturel. Eustacia Cutler est la mère de Temple Grandin, sans doute la femme autiste la plus connue au monde. Elle nous décrit son vécu personnel, ayant élevé sa fille autiste à une époque où l'on ne connaissait pas grand chose de ce trouble. Mme Cutler nous fait part des doutes qu'elle a éprouvés et des réponses qu'elle a cherchées dans un univers qui lui a offert très peu de soutien.

Author: Amy V. Jaffe and Luci Gardner
Publishing Info: 2006
Reviewed by Yu-Chi Chou, University of Kansas & Maureen Bennie
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc.

Author: Kirby Lentz
Publishing Info: 2004
Reviewed by Maureen Bennie
Director, Autism Awareness Centre Inc. 

Author Kirby Lentz brings over 30 years of experience in education and administration for persons with developmental disabilities to this book which guides both parents and educators through the Individualized Educational Program (IEP) process. The guide, written primarily for parents, is a tool for building a relationship between parents and educators to share relevant information to construct an effective IEP. It also encourages collaboration between home, school, and the community for the life span success of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.