According to the MayoClinic.com, autism, a serious developmental problem that usually appears before children are 3 years old, affects the way children communicate and interact with others, including their parents. Along with utilizing school and community resources, reading books can provide parents with ideas on how to best understand and support their children.

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

In her book, “Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew” (Future Horizons 2005), Ellen Notbohn provides parents with specific, practical suggestions and positive encouragement based on her research, as well as her personal experience in raising a child with autism. She aims to help parents understand the world from the perspective of their child. Focusing on the idea that meltdowns and other difficult behaviors often spring from sensory causes, she explains how parents can use that knowledge to help their children. The book also concentrates on recognizing kids’ potential. Notbohn has also written several other books on autism, including, with Veronica Zysk, “1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger’s” (Future Horizons 2010).

The Autism Answer Book

For parents who want a ready reference for quickly accessing information on autism, William Stillman’s book, “The Autism Answer Book: More Than 300 of the Top Questions Parents Ask” (Sourcebooks, Inc. 2007), will fulfill that function. Along with other topics, the book, written in a question-and-answer format, discusses such issues as receiving the diagnosis, understanding sensory issues, valuing passions, making social connections, maintaining both mental and physical well being and achieving success in school. As an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning state on the autism spectrum, Stillman brings a unique perspective to the topic.

Playing, Laughing and Learning With Children on the Autism Spectrum

Subtitled, “A Practical Resource of Play Ideas for Parents and Carers,” Julia Moor’s book, “Playing, Laughing and Learning with Children on the Autism Spectrum” (Jessica Kingsley 2008) discusses the reasons why playing is such a vital developmental activity, yet such a difficult activity for children with autism. Intended for parents of young children, Moor includes ideas that might be used with kids of any age. The book is organized around chapter themes such as outdoor play, music, physical activities and art. Moor discusses ways to use technology, with ideas on making the most of TV, using the computer, accessing the Internet and utilizing a digital camera.