Synopsis:
Your Road Map to Rediscovering Joy, Fun, and Togetherness
Having a child with an autism spectrum disorder may mean that you have to change your life. It can seem as though there are so many things you just can't do. But there are adventures-large and small-that kids with autism love, and they are waiting for your whole family! Just think outside of the ordinary, look for reachable sensory experiences, come prepared, and keep an open mind, and everyone in your family can go along for a great ride. This book is packed with exciting ideas for families living with autism, with everything you need to know to make them a reality. Including:
- Unconventional backyard fun: zip lines, trampolines, tree stumps, and even exercise bikes!
- Easy ways to adapt public places such as bowling alleys, ice skating rinks, and swimming pools into stress-free outings
- Surprising activities that can lead to lifelong interests
- Dreaming big: there's a world of amusement parks, water slides, camping, and other family getaways that are truly within reach
- Special activities for grandparents and extended family members
- How to team up with other parents to maximize the fun
With tips and advice from dozens of creative families who have found fun with autism and want you to do the same!
About the Author: After a 15-year career in magazine and book publishing, she began a new career as a parent and advocate to the special needs community in Northern California. Susan Walton is a different kind of autism mom. She and her family tried the diets, the therapy, and even some of the voodoo, but came to know that this stuff alone wasn't going to take her family where they wanted to go. Cherry picking the parts that were helpful but then striking out for new territory, she dedicated herself to finding fun and adventure not just for her own family, but for a thousand families in the San Francisco Bay Area who are part of the group (PPSNK (Peninsula Parents of Special Needs Kids), she founded. She wants to spread the word: Life is not over after diagnosis! Learn more at susanwaltonbooks.com.
Review: This is not only a great book for families with Autistic children, but for all families to think outside the box on activities. The author really gives you different ideas for family fun, and alot of great advice of dealing with any small child on the road. her tips of bringing a favorite bowl and spoon and to eat meals about the same time, are good advice for any family on a roadtrip, but VERY necessary for families with an Autistic child, to help stave off meltdowns.
For families with Autistic children, Susan offers wonderful resources and ideas to help make your life better- like talking about getting a handicapped sticker for your car, so you don;t have to take as long to get in and out of the car, when shopping with your child. Or speaking with amusement park, museum or aquarium personnel about special needs passes for your child and family, so that it can help you avoid long lines (and waiting), loud antechambers or allow access to elevators that are less crowded. All of which can make for a better experience for the Autistic child, and their families.
I highly recommend this book for any family with an Autistic child. Buy it for your family members who do, if you don't. They will love you for it!
Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, for review purposes, from Source Books. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it.
- ISBN-10: 1402241208
- ISBN-13: 978-1402241208
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