Learning to Live with High Functioning Autism

When the author's son, Matthew, was finally diagnosed with autism at 12 years old, they thought the diagnosis marked the end of their troubles. In fact, despite the increase in reported levels of autism, appropriate support and clear information were hard to find. The author points out that parents, who could be a valuable source of information and help to busy professionals, are seldom involved in the educational process, and are often made to feel guilty about their children's autism. In this book, the author provides an explanation of the autistic specturm and dissects and dispels some of the myths about autistic behaviour and various types of autism. Intended for the professionals who work with autistic people and their families and friends, this book draws on the Stanton family's experiences, and the experiences of other families, to offer a portrayal of what living with autism is actually like for all those involved and to argue that learning to live with autism is a two-way process.