Autism and Your Teen: Tips and Strategies for the Journey to Adulthood

Learning specialist Grossberg (Asperger's Rules, Asperger's Teens; Asperger's and Adulthood) has written a little gem of a book for parents of adolescents and young adults (11–21) on the autism spectrum that should be in every collection. Packed with information in spite of its small size, it offers a wealth of knowledge on everything from braces and hygiene to mindfulness and a website for young people who want to learn to cook. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), social stories, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy are (briefly) explained, with each chapter concluding with a list of helpful parenting strategies. The author's hopeful, nonjudgmental voice urges readers to trust their own instincts and emphasizes the importance of self-care, a topic usually neglected but vital owing to the stressful parenting demands. Grossman also recognizes how different cultures and types of family units may influence the ways parents feel about the diagnosis and the treatment they receive. A useful section touches on autism in the African American community and resources. Includes additional websites, books, and video.