The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (and Their Parents) - Paperback

by Elizabeth Verdick (Author), Elizabeth Reeve (Author), Nick Kobyluch (Illustrator)

Help autistic kids understand their unique gifts and needs and learn strategies for daily living in a neurotypical world.

This positive, straightforward reference book offers kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Freshly updated, the content reflects changes in the understanding of ASD since the book was first released, including clarification that Asperger's syndrome is no longer a specific diagnosis and what this means for readers. The book also features new stories of young people with autism and an added chapter, "Tech Talk."

Some children with ASD are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others want to be social. Some get "stuck" on things, have intense interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing ("stims"). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder covers all of these areas, with an emphasis on helping children gain new self-understanding and self-acceptance.

Meant to be read with a parent, the book addresses questions ("What is ASD?" "Why me?") and provides strategies for communicating, staying safe and smart online, making and keeping friends, and succeeding in school. Body and brain basics highlight symptom management, exercise, diet, hygiene, relaxation, sleep, and toileting. Emphasis is placed on helping kids handle intense emotions and behaviors and get support from family and their team of helpers when needed. The book includes stories from real kids, fact boxes, helpful checklists, and resources. Sections for parents offer additional information.

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Straightforward, friendly, and loaded with practical advice, the Free Spirit Survival Guides for Kids give kids the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive. With plenty of realistic examples and bright illustrations, they are accessible, encouraging, kid-friendly, and even life-changing.

Author Biography

Elizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth edited books for children and parents.

These days she writes books for babies, toddlers, teens, and every age in between. She especially loves creating new board books. The Happy Healthy Baby(R) series is designed to capture the interest of the littlest readers. Elizabeth's Toddler Tools(R) series helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). In the Best Behavior(R) series, she helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behavior.

Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn(R) series, which helps kids ages 8-13 get a handle on the social-emotional skills they're developing throughout the elementary and middle school years. She's also coauthor of The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (And Their Parents), which offers kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day.

Elizabeth lives and writes near St. Paul, Minnesota.

Elizabeth Reeve, M.D., is a child psychiatrist at HealthPartners in Minnesota, and her clinical work focuses primarily on children and adults with developmental disabilities.

In addition to her research and patient care, Elizabeth is involved in teaching, speaks in the community to educate others in the field of developmental disabilities, and helps young adults with ASD transition into college and the work force. Elizabeth was named 2012 Psychiatrist of the Year by the Minnesota Psychiatric Society for her dedication to sharing her expertise as a teacher and a mentor.

She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.