Books

Parenting while Autistic: Raising Kids When You’re Neurodivergent

Parenting while Autistic: Raising Kids When You’re Neurodivergent

By Wendela Whitcomb Marsh
If anyone suggests that autistic people should not have children, in the mistaken belief that they would not be good parents because of their neurodiversity, they are wrong. Completely wrong. This is not to say that every autistic person should have a child, any more than every neuro-majority person should. People usually know for themselves whether or not they want to become parents, and if they don’t, they shouldn’t. It’s as simple as that. Of course, that doesn’t mean that every moment will be sunshine, rainbows, and cute, cuddly babies who sleep all night and never throw their oatmeal on the floor. Babies are just teenagers on hold, and teenagers are adults in waiting. At every step in the growing up process there will be hard times, and there will be joyful times. Parents have made this same journey since people began peopling, and the journey will continue after our children’s children have grandchildren of their own. We’re part of a huge spectrum of parenting through the ages. Isn’t it a wonder and a privilege to be a link in this chain? Having a different brain as autists, ADHDers, and AuDHDers do, does not mean that you shouldn’t be part of this link, if your heart leads you to parenting. You’ll be amazing! You and I both know, though, that being neurodivergent in a neuro-majority world is not easy. Parenting isn’t easy, either, but you can do difficult things. You’ve been doing them all along, haven’t you? Parenting is just one more challenge you can manage, and it’s worth it. This book is here to help you navigate the unique aspects of parenting while autistic. Throughout the book you’ll find side trips to focus on various aspects of parenting while autistic. Here’s a description of each one. Sensory Smarts In this section we’ll discuss some of the sensory issues related to different stages of the parenting journey. You’ll find strategies for coping with heightened sensory reactions. Make Family Meetings Fun Your family’s need for Family Meetings, and what you will focus on in these meetings, will change as your children grow. Keep up with their needs, and yours, while making it fun for everyone. Weekends That Work You deserve a break at the end of a busy week, and so do your kids. How can you create the kind of weekend that works for all of you? You’ll find tips in this section. Fictional Families Throughout the book the topics and challenges at your child’s developmental stages will be illustrated by fictional families who, like you, are parenting while autistic. Follow them on their journeys, and see what you may have in common with them. Parent To Parent It’s important to listen to the authentic voices of actually autistic parents. Here you will find words of wisdom from neurodivergent moms and dads who have walked the ND parenting path before you, and who want you to succeed, too. You’ve got this. Let’s go
$19.95
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Payton Is Afraid of Dirt

Payton Is Afraid of Dirt

By Shanna Simpson
Payton is scared of being dirty. He washes in the kitchen for a long time. He washes in the bathtub for a long time. He rubs…and he scrubs. Payton can't stop cleaning. He told his family, "I can’t stop thinking about how dirty everything is. What's happening to me?" Payton’s family was worried. Dad told Payton they were taking him to a psychiatrist, a special doctor for the brain. Payton met Doctor LaBock, who said, "I heard there’s somebody in your head bossing you around."   After a thorough exam, Doctor LaBock said, "Payton, I think you might have OCD. Do you know what that means?" Payton shook his head. "Well," said the doctor, "OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It’s something a lot of people have. OCD makes them worry about all different things." "I challenge you, Payton," said the doctor, "to come up with something of your own that makes your OCD get a little bit smaller." Doctor LaBock gave Payton a workbook to follow. That night, the whole family read the workbook. The book taught Payton more ways to fight OCD. Payton kept reading and saw Doctor LaBock every week. Then, he had an idea. The next time it came around, he’d "ROAR it away!"   Payton learned how to scare and shrink OCD whenever it bugged him. He fought OCD every way he could. After a while, he got good at it!
$9.95
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Peer Play and the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition: The Art of Guiding Children’s Socialization and Imagination

Peer Play and the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition: The Art of Guiding Children’s Socialization and Imagination

By Pamela J. Wolfberg
Many children on the autism spectrum spend inordinate amounts of time alone. Without appropriate intervention, they are especially vulnerable to being excluded from their peer group and leading impoverished play lives. This practical guide, Peer Play and the Autism Spectrum: The Art of Guiding Children's Socialization and Imagination, offers an introduction to the basic principles, tools, and techniques that comprise the integrated play groups model. Pamela Wolfberg essentially translates theory into effective and meaningful practice, giving practitioners, parents and other caregivers the tools to initiate peer play groups for children in school, home, and community settings. Teach children with autism to play using this evidence-based curriculum!
$34.95
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Perfectly Clear: Buying Diamonds for Pleasure and Profit

Perfectly Clear: Buying Diamonds for Pleasure and Profit

By Karen Simmons
Plot a path to brilliant gemstone wealth! Modern day, sophisticated buyers of fine gems, such as diamonds, navigate a complex world of purchasing options that only an expert gemologist can tame. Important factors to consider for any buyer are the four C's, color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Increasingly, what's most important is the origin of the gem. Investing in a "clean" diamond ensures goodwill towards our planetary environment and securing the best value and appreciation potential at the same time. Included in this spectacular handy guide is information about rough diamonds, sources of diamonds, white diamonds and naturally colored diamonds. Also, Canadian diamonds, political issues surrounding diamonds, Hollywood's impact on diamond sales, global economy and diamonds, popular diamond shapes, determining factors of diamond evaluation, synthetic, imitation and treated diamonds and the criminal aspect of diamonds that has captured global attention. You'll also appreciate a special section on gems and their ties to superstition, medicinal uses, and spiritual beliefs. Diamonds easily accentuate any colored gem in a piece of jewelry, bringing out the best in both worlds. As in the very beginning and still today, diamonds are magical! Buy Hardcover Book $34.95
$21.95
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Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Diagnosis, Options, and Answers

Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Diagnosis, Options, and Answers

By Mitzi Waltz
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder (autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, or PDD-NOS), this book is for you. In an informative style, weaved with personal stories from parents, the book covers various topics, including:
  • Getting a diagnosis (including preparing for a diagnostic interview in a medical, psychiatric, or school setting, with descriptions of all diagnostic tests and checklists/questions used by professionals)
  • Treatment options (such as medications/supplements, sensory integration, occupational/physical/speech therapy, behavior modification, floor time, and more
  • Coping with diagnosis and treatment (including emotions and support systems, insurance, and educational plans).
$34.95
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Picky, Picky Pete – A Boy and His Sensory Challenges

Picky, Picky Pete – A Boy and His Sensory Challenges

By Michele Griffin
My oh My - why are you so picky? Because this shirt is really itchy! Pete finds his clothes uncomfortable and can't stand "paint, soap, and things with lumps." He explains this to his mother and the reader in this fun children's book, as he and mom navigate a difficult, but typical, morning in the life of a young boy with sensory issues. Written by an occupational therapist, this picture book is a must-have for any child with sensory processing disorder. Michele Griffin is a pediatric occupational therapist. While working as a therapist, she was intrigued by the children who were 'extra-sensitive'. They often demonstrated strong dislikes for haircuts, loud noises, tags in shirts, seams on socks and food with lumps. Sensitive children, or those with sensory issues, are challenging for parents to rear! These children and their parents are the inspiration for this book, which helps foster communication, tolerance and understanding between parent and child.
$12.95
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Picturing Gratitude

Picturing Gratitude

By Susan Simmons, M.A., B.F.A.
By reading Picturing Gratitude, you will gain the experience of awakening your soul with appreciation through the artist's eyes. Over 50 years of the artist's work, paired with poetry helps readers truly appreciate the profound benefits gratitude can bring to one's journey through life. Get a copy through the link below.
$35.00
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Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger’s

Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger’s

By Jed Baker
Typically, ASD high school graduates are unprepared for the transition to independence. Early, ongoing training in the social skills crucial to establishing successful adult relationships--in college, vocational school, residential living, or on the job--can help. Preparing for Life guides readers through the legal, financial, educational, vocational, and community resources available after graduation. The essence of the book lies in the 73 "Skill Lessons" targeting:
  • Nonverbal communication
  • Empathy
  • Anger/anxiety management
  • Conversational skills
  • Employment-related skills
--which can be taught by parents, teachers, or professionals. This easy-to-follow resource offers a complete toolbox of social skills and the means to attain them.
$34.95
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Reaching the Child with Autism Through Art: Practical, Fun Activities to Enhance Sensory Motor Skills and Improve Tactile and Concept Awareness

Reaching the Child with Autism Through Art: Practical, Fun Activities to Enhance Sensory Motor Skills and Improve Tactile and Concept Awareness

By Toni Flowers
It is no secret that the arts are often underestimated when it comes to education. But author Toni Flowers knows better. Art encourages communication, positive self-image, concept development, spatial relationships, fine-motor skills, and many more facets of healthy child development. In this book, she provides dozens of artistic activities (called “experiences") that will delight children with autism. Notes on each activity page offer helpful dos and don’ts, along with many real-life experiences Toni encountered while working with children on each activity. Give the children in your life the opportunity to express themselves!
$19.95
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Relating While Autistic: Fixed Signals for Neurodivergent Couples

Relating While Autistic: Fixed Signals for Neurodivergent Couples

By Wendela Whitcomb Marsh
Are you in a neurodivergent (ND) relationship? One thing ND couples have in common is a tendency to get their signals mixed up. You want to communicate clearly, but miss the mark time and time again. How can you turn mixed signals into fixed signals? You’ll find answers in Relating while Autistic: Fixed Signals for Neurodivergent Couples, the third book of the series, Adulting While Autistic. Nowhere is communication more important than in a marriage or committed relationship. You may be in a ND relationship, wondering why it seems so hard to communicate with the one you love. Maybe you’re not in a relationship yet, and you know you need some solid communication skills in place before you find the right one so you can make it work. This book is for you. Relating while Autistic offers practical tips, evidence-based strategies, and the keys couples need to unlock their best relationship. It’s built on the science of human behavior, relationship research, and what the author has learned from her own twenty seven years in love in a brilliant and enduring ND marriage.   Through "Red Lights/Green Lights" you’ll learn effective communication strategies as well as what to avoid. The "What Shall We Talk About?" section has conversation starters for Family Meetings that open the gates to discussions about what’s important to the two of you. "Date Night Themes" offer creative ideas to refresh and revive your relationship.   Another way you'll learn to turn mixed signals into fixed signals is through the stories of four fictional couples. Each chapter also includes "They Say," stories shared by actual ND couples about what has worked in their relationships. This much needed resource is a delightful "how-to" relationship guide for autistic individuals and those who love them.
$21.95
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Rules and Tools for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders: Changing Behavior One Step at a Time

Rules and Tools for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders: Changing Behavior One Step at a Time

By Judith Coucouvanis
Parents are their child's best teachers. National Parenting Publications Award Winner Step by step, Rules and Tools for Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders will guide parents throughout their journey toward understanding their child and solving behavior challenges. Parents can use one, some, or all of the 119 rules and tools presented in their Parenting Toolbox, to help their child reach their unlimited potential. Using checklists, forms, and other practical tools, parents can also develop their child’s personal MAP – Master Action Plan to help their child succeed in school!
$29.95
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