A workbook for children to understand the strengths and challenges of a parent with AS

Growing up with a parent on the autism spectrum can be difficult, and children and teens may struggle to understand why their parent is different from others. It can be equally difficult for parents with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to explain their unique set of strengths and challenges to their child in a sensitive and positive manner, and any adult faced with this situation will be in need of a helping hand.

This supportive workbook has been designed with precisely this purpose in mind. In child-friendly language, the author describes the common characteristics of ASD, and encourages children to think about how the world might look from their parent's perspective. Topics covered include social and emotional difficulties, communication differences, sensory issues, body language, special interests, and how the child might go about explaining their parent's differences to other children, taking into account that some parents may not wish for their diagnosis to be known beyond the family. Each chapter concludes with a worksheet for the parent and child to complete together, helping them to understand each other better and to develop strategies together for dealing with particular areas of difficulty.

This workbook is an essential tool for any family with a parent on the autism spectrum, and is suitable for children and teens of all ages, whether or not they are on the autism spectrum. It will also be a useful resource for professionals who work with such families.

"The book is written in an easy relaxed style suitable for all... This book is a practical hands-on workbook for children, teens and their families. It is recommended for children and teens with a parent who has ASD although no specific age range is given. It is a useful book for parents to explore with a younger child to prompt discussion and explore possible worries, concerns or experiences and to aid understanding of their ASD parent. Older children, teens and young adults would also find the book most helpful for gaining understanding, insight and for problem solving. Equally I think this book would be a useful tool for children and teens themselves who have ASD. There are worksheets primarily designed for families to complete together (often just a few pertinent questions) at the end of each chapter. The worksheets are fantastic and would significantly aid individual parent-child relationships through greater understanding and communication. They would also assist the whole family as they are individually encouraged to share their experience of ASD, how they see the world and identify where their differences lie...It will be a useful tool for those who have a parent (or other family member) with ASD or who experience ASD themselves." - Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work