Dos and Don'ts: Autism and Asperger's Advice for Parents and Carers

Was ok. Did not find this book helpful at all. Only tells you what everyone should know.More like a book put together by a child over night.Very poor was not happy waste of money.

An excellent, accessible, thorough guide. This book is much needed. Written from a compassionate parent’s point of view, it’s light and understanding. It will be of much interest to carers, anyone who regularly works with young people as well as those who seek to understand child development with autism and Asperger's Syndrome. The advice is clear, and it’s light to read, especially with the cartoons. However, it’s rigourous too, in that also has pointers to further key educational and developmental research which is really important.It’s obvious Katy Ephinstone has been in all of these situations and has researched, tried and tested many things before giving out this advice! As a teacher and a Forest Schools Practitioner I found it helpful in understanding why commonly taught behaviour systems aren’t not a fit for all for children with austistic tendencies. It helped me to understand behaviours as well as suggested ways to adapt behaviour strategies. It’s positive, unpatronising and a great collaboration. Thank you for sharing and uncovering what can seem like a complex, confusing way of being.

Written with warmth and integrity, this wonderful guide is brimming with practical advice, support and insight not only for parents of autistic or asberger’s children but for all those who wish to care for children more consciously.Drawing on accounts from personal experience, Katy shares not only her passion for parenting but her understanding of the enormity of this job which can all too often go unnoticed by wider society.While there is much practical advice offered in this book, it celebrates more of a creative approach to childcare rather than a set of rules.We are reminded to meet the challenges that face us every day by listening and responding sensitively in ways that are sympathetic to the child’s needs as well as our own in the moment.Above all we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles and that this is an amazing job we do!As a yoga teacher I welcome in particular the suggestions for coping with and resolving overwhelming anxieties and trauma through working with the body, which I see as an instrument for getting to know oneself and for unlocking deep held patterns of behaviour. I was reminded of the value of simplification in meeting challenging situations; slowing down in order to see things clearly and to act according to what is required in the moment.

I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. The list of do's and don'ts is incredibly broad and ranges from advice that is useful for absolutely everyone (surround yourself with nice people, drink water) to more specifically for parents (how to deal with playground conflicts) to parents of children with autism (be mindful of how difficult certain situations might be to your autistic child) The author draws on her own personal experiences as well as several other sources (which are well referenced and signposted for further reading) and demonstrates empathy, compassion and understanding for other parents as well as children with Autism and Asperger's.

This is an invaluable support to anyone who looks after or knows a child with autism. Actually, Katy Elphinstone's suggestions apply to all children, and indeed, everybody.. This is about treating people in a way that enables them to achieve their full potential. It's about acceptance and understanding, and creating a kinder world which includes and appreciates everyone for who they are. It's also realistic. No one can do everything right, and caring for anyone can be tough. Katy Elphinstone knows that - her book is never about failure, it's about doing your best and accepting yourself as well as everyone else. Every carer should read this book.

well done .... well written very useful information worth getting if you have children with issue's helpful hints and tips ............ thank you so much......... any body in the world will find this really easy to read book .... good for both parents carers or any one who deals with our special little children

Having had a child with special needs I found this book really helpful, written by Katy Elphinstone, a parent with a child with autism, who knows what she is talking about. It gives two lists of 'dos' and 'don'ts - things like do 'avoid crowds', or 'don't sit in cafes with strip lighting'. It also has a useful Index. I wish there had been something like this when my son was growing up, written in such a straightforward manner. It also has some great, funny illustrations, by Matt Friedman, who has Asperger's syndrome.

I was looking forward to reading this book, as I too, am a parent of several children on the spectrum. I am also a SEN consultant, working exclusively with autistic students and a doctorate student in Autism and Education. Sadly, I found the book very disappointing and one-sided and I am unable to recommend it to my friends or clients.I found the book a little trite and obvious (eg. Love your child unconditionally) and some advice to be problematic, if not dangerous (eg. Allow your baby/child to sleep with you for as long as they want).The author condemns proven evidence-based strategies, in sweeping, unsubstantiated statements (eg. Never use rewards to reinforce certain behaviours’!?) which highlights her lack of experience and personal opinion. Elphinstone has much more to read on Behaviour Support, rather than one or two biased books by Alfie Kohn.I am an advocate for neourodiversity and opportunity for autistic students, but unfortunately, I found this book has few useful strategies and practical suggestions.