Foreword xvii
Introduction 1
About This Book 1
Foolish Assumptions 2
Icons Used in This Book 3
Beyond the Book 4
Where to Go from Here 4
Part 1: Understanding Autism 5
Chapter 1: What Is Autism? 7
Understanding Neurodiversity 8
Expanding Our Understanding of Autism 9
Being an Autistic Person 11
Understanding How Autism Develops 15
Clarifying What Doesn't Cause Autism 23
Exploring the Autistic Brain 24
Understanding Related Conditions 27
Talking about Autism 29
Chapter 2: Someone You Know Is Autistic 33
Recognizing Autism's History 34
Appreciating Autism's Benefits 36
Chapter 3: Diagnosing Autism 39
Understanding the Diagnostic Process 40
Understanding Diagnostic Criteria 40
Understanding Assessment Methods 43
Benefiting from Early Diagnosis 45
Addressing Diagnostic Barriers 47
When a Diagnosis Isn't Possible 51
Chapter 4: Understanding Autistic Traits 53
Understanding Spectrum Conditions 54
Appreciating Autistic Traits 55
How the Autistic Brain Thinks 57
How the Autistic Brain Uses Focus 59
How the Autistic Brain Organizes Thoughts 61
How the Autistic Brain Uses Senses 64
How the Autistic Brain Feels Emotions 67
How the Autistic Brain Communicates 68
How the Autistic Brain Socializes 72
How Autistic Bodies Respond 75
Part 2: Raising Autistic Kids 79
Chapter 5: Understanding and Being Understood 81
Exploring Autistic Communication 82
Recognizing Early Signs of Differences 83
Supporting Autistic Communication 84
Helping Your Child Communicate 88
Exploring Strategies for Growth 89
Chapter 6: Understanding Sensory Experiences 95
Understanding Sensory Differences 95
Supporting Sensory Differences 100
Practicing Effective Strategies 102
Building Sensory Awareness 105
Chapter 7: Responding to Behavior and Stress 107
Understanding Behavior and Stress 107
Coping with Meltdowns 110
Coping with Shutdowns 113
Addressing Wandering 115
Dealing with Social Isolation 117
Chapter 8: Raising Kids with Complex Needs 119
Embracing the Journey 120
Developing Daily Living Skills 122
Navigating the School System 124
Ensuring Health and Medical Care 127
Self-Care for Parents and Caregivers 129
Planning for the Future 132
Part 3: Supporting the Growth Of Autistic Kids 139
Chapter 9: Growing Cognitive Skills 141
Supporting How Autistic Kids Think 141
Improving Executive Functioning 144
Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills 146
Fostering Creative and Abstract Thinking 147
Using Technology and Multimedia 149
Chapter 10: Navigating the School System 151
Understanding How Your Child Learns 151
Navigating Educational Approaches 156
Navigating Educational Services 158
Seeking Support 161
Chapter 11: Helping Autistic Children Socialize 165
Supporting Autistic Socialization 165
Facilitating Social Interaction 170
Encouraging Self-Advocacy 175
Chapter 12: Empowering Autistic Teens 179
Understanding Your Teenager 179
Nurturing Emotional Growth 181
Fostering Social Growth 183
Guiding Your Teen into Adulthood 186
Teaching Life Skills 188
Part 4: Thriving as An Autistic Adult 193
Chapter 13: Empowering Yourself 195
Developing Self-Awareness 195
Exploring Your Autistic Identity 196
Embracing Your Total Identity 206
Understanding Yourself as Normal 206
Developing Self-Acceptance 207
Exercising Self-Advocacy 210
Nurturing Your Health and Wellness 212
Chapter 14: Navigating Higher Education 213
Understanding Your Options 214
Choosing the Right Path 217
Accessing Support 219
Chapter 15: Finding Work and Growing Your Career 221
Landing a Good Job 222
Thriving in Your Job 229
Securing Supported Employment 233
Advancing Your Career 234
Chapter 16: Nurturing Relationships 237
Key Things for Healthy Relationships 237
Navigating Family Dynamics 238
Building Friendships 241
Navigating Romantic Relationships 246
Navigating Sexual Relationships 248
Participating In Community Life 251
Part 5: Empowering Autistic Individuals 255
Chapter 17: Universal Principles for Empowerment 257
Shifting Our Perspective 257
Adopting an Empowering Mindset 261
A Civic and Spiritual Calling 266
Encouraging Autistic Inclusion 267
Chapter 18: How Service Providers Can Empower Autistic People 271
Adopting Core Service Principles 272
Providing Effective Services 276
Empowering as Medical Professionals 279
Empowering as Therapists 282
Chapter 19: How Educators Can Empower Autistic People 285
Creating an Inclusive Classroom 286
Working with Parents and Caregivers 296
Using Strategies by Educational Level 297
Becoming a Better Educator 300
Chapter 20: How the Workplace Can Empower Autistic Individuals 303
Understanding Autistic Employees 304
Understanding Accommodations 310
Creating an Inclusive Workplace 313
Part 6: Building An Autism-inclusive Future 321
Chapter 21: Working Together for a Better Future 323
Moving Forward Together in Unity 324
Bridging Perspectives and Experiences 325
Collaborating Effectively 329
Building Alliances 332
Chapter 22: Turning Vision into Reality 335
Shaping Public Policy 335
Ensuring Accurate News Reporting 340
Portraying Autism in Creative Media 344
Modernizing Autism Research 346
Building Effective Accommodations 354
Chapter 23: Voices from the Spectrum 357
Centering Autistic Voices 357
Respecting Complex Needs 360
Listening to Nonspeaking Voices 362
Amplifying Voices of Color 364
Parenting Autistic Kids 366
Living as an Autistic Adult 369
Part 7: the Part of Tens 375
Chapter 24: Ten Key Concepts About Autism 377
Autism Is a Natural Part of Life 377
Every Autistic Person Is Unique 378
Acceptance Is Better Than "Fitting In" 379
Communication Can Happen Through Various Means 380
Socialization May Look Different 380
Autistic People Think in Unique Ways 382
Sensory Experiences Can Be Vivid 383
Intense Interests Are Strengths 383
Stimming Is Normal and Important 383
Routine and Predictability Are Comforting 384
Chapter 25: Ten Ways to Help Autistic People Thrive 385
Embrace Neurodiversity 385
Understand Autistic People as Normal 386
Center Autistic Voices 386
Practice Compassionate Curiosity 387
Provide Clear and Consistent Support 387
Foster Independence 388
Reduce Barriers That People Face 390
Include Autistic People in Activities 390
Respect Boundaries 391
Provide Tools for Self-Advocacy 391
Index 393
