Good book on autism: recommendations please

[Bubblebrush]

My about-to-turn-3 year old hasn't been diagnosed (yet) but all the relevant healthcare professionals (development specialists, audiologist, speech therapist, HV) are hinting strongly that there'll be an autism diagnosis soon.

I don't know anyone with an autistic child and would like to do some reading, particularly about how I can help with development.

Could anyone recommend some decent reading?

How to Raise a Happy Autistic Child is fairly easy to read and informative, I've found some books to be really inaccessible because of complex terms but this one isn't.

www.amazon.co.uk/Autism-raise-happy-autistic-child/dp/1409176282/ref=asc_df_1409176282/?hvlocphy=1006956&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&psc=1&psc=1&hvnetw=g&hvadid=310831412334&hvpone&hvlocint&th=1&hvpos=1o1&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=pla-522390385089&hvrand=7099256388887861578

Also, if you have any behavioural issues, The Explosive Child is good. It works on the theory that if they could do better then they would do better and then uses that as a starting point for tackling negative behaviours.

Does he have any sensory processing issues? If so then The Out of Synch Child is worth a read too.

I'd also recommended looking up what support services are in your area, there are quite often parent/family support groups set up by families in similar circumstances to your own and speaking to people who 'get it' is invaluable.

I second The Explosive Child, it’s really helpful, regardless of diagnosis.

This book isn't about kids and it is a difficult read but my DH is recommending

NeuroTribes by Steve Silberman

to everyone he knows who wants to know about autism.

DH was diagnosed at 33 and says that this really describes what goes on his head. Our 3 year old is at the start of the assessment path so I got the book on Audible as I don't have a lot of time to read. It is harrowing in parts but I am finding it good.

I’d second all of the above and there are also some great blogs by autistic advocates. I really like Chris Bonnello’s website Autistic Not Weird, Agony Autie and Not Raingirl on Facebook. Rosie Weldon’s blog is worth a look too and I have heard good things about Purple Ella on You tube.

www.amazon.co.uk/Fifteen-Things-Forgot-About-Autism/dp/1785924389?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Also check out the Aukids magazine at www.aukids.co.uk/

I enjoyed www.amazon.co.uk/My-Sons-Not-Rainman-Adventures/dp/1782433880?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Remember, whatever book you get, this is just one parent's experience of autism. No two autistic children are alike.

Also - the Facebook group "Autism Parents Chat"

"The Reason I Jump" - might be a useful book, (although bear in mind that my child is older), I found it to be a quick read and great to hear the autistic child's point of view. I got it from the library, read it in a day.