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Revision as of 17:40, 27 June 2007 by 66.208.17.34 (talk) (→External Links)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Overcoming Autism is a book that novelist Claire Scovell LaZebnik co-wrote with therapist Lynn Koegel in 2004. Lynn has helpful strategies for children with autism, and Claire writes about her experience about her autistic son.
Summary
With a 300 percent increase in the incidence of autism and autism spectrum disorders, and one in 150 children being diagnosed with the disorder, autism is now an epidemic. Fortunately, there have been huge advances in our ability to diagnose autism at younger ages and in the development of effective interventions that can change children's lives.
OVERCOMING AUTISM combines the groundbreaking research and clinical work of Lynn Kern Koegel, PhD--conducted at the Autism Research Center at the University of California at Santa Barbara--with the practical everyday perspective of Claire LaZebnik, a writer whose experience as the mother of a son with autism provides insight into the daily life of parents coping with the disorder.
Together, Koegel and LaZebnik have created a warm, nurturing, positive guide that offers concrete ways to immediately begin improving the symptoms of autism and the emotional struggles that surround it. From the shock of the diagnosis to the major challenges of verbal communication, social interaction, self-stimulation, meltdowns, and fears, OVERCOMING AUTISM helps readers understand their child and their options for intervention. Based on the breakthrough "pivotal response" methods developed at the Center, a complete program of family-centered strategies can be tailored to any child's specific needs. Filled with reassurance, solace, and advice, this definitive and inspiring book gives hope and practical solutions to families, therapists, and educators everywhere. And throughout, it reminds readers never to lose sight of the humor that lurks in the quirkiness of the disability or the importance of enjoying and loving your child.
Quotes
"What an outstanding book. OVERCOMING AUTISM is comprehensive, calm, poignant, and surprisingly funny. The author's advice is so astute that I will recommend this book not only to families with autistic children but also to those with children struggling with a wide range of other behavioral problems." - Wendy Mogel, author of THE BLESSING OF A SKINNED KNEE
"As a parent of a child with autism, I certainly relate to Lynn and Claire's statement that 'everything you do will make a difference.' I found their book OVERCOMING AUTISM to be an invaluable guide to many of those 'everythings'." -Joe Mantega, actor
"As someone who has always been an advocate for children, I highly recommend this book as an invaluable tool for families and professionals taclkings the syptoms and stress of autism spectrum disorders."
- Rob Reiner, film director
"All children and adults with autism deserve a Koegel program, based on the brilliant child- and family-friendly work of Bob and Lynn Koegel. This book brings us closer to the day when they will have it. Coauthor LaZebnik may not be a 'mother tigress', but she is a mother-savant who has listened faithfully and successfully to her child and to her own instincts. This book is a gift."
-Catherine Johnson, coauthor of "Shadow Syndromes"
"A truly remarkable book, OVERCOMING AUTISM represents the inspired collaboration of a parent and a researcher and shows what can be accomplished through early intervention. It provides helpful, practical interventions, and its organization around symptoms will be particularly helpful for parents. I recommend it highly."
-Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., Irving B. Harris Professor, Child Study Center, Yale University
"An excellent guide that comes at a much needed time. There are few clinical resources out there for autism and PDD spectrum children and their families. OVERCOMING AUTISM fills this gap and provides solid information and a practical head start toward understanding children's needs and managing their behavior effectively and to productive ends. I will be recommending it to students, colleages, and parents."
-Bruce J. Masek, Ph.D., ABPP, clinical director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, and associate professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School