Research Participants Wanted for Impact of Dog Ownership on Autism

Adult parents, whose family has children living with autism, with or without dogs, are sought for a 30-60 minutes interview about impact of dog ownership on physical activity in families. This study will examine the effect of dog ownership on the physical activity levels of family living with autism.Barriers and facilitators of owning a dog in family will also be studied. If you are interested in this study or have any questions regarding of the research,please contact one of the researchers at:
Hai Yan (haiyan2@illinois.edu, 217-333-2461
Yan Yang yanyang5@illinois.edu, 217-607-6667
Zezhao Chen zchen106@illinois.edu, 217-974-0749

Top Ten Tips: A Survival Guide for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum

top ten tipsTop Ten Tips: A Survival Guide for Families with Children on the Autism Spectrum by Teresa A. Cardon, M.A., CCC-SLP.

(XFM Cardo 2008)

I get by with a little help… Do you ever feel like you’re in this parenting thing alone? Like no one understands what you’re going through? Parenting children on the autism spectrum is an adventure with countless twists and turns. However, with a little help from 44 fellow parents and professionals your daily journey can be a little less bumpy. Top Ten Tips offers 520 practical, tried-and-true tips. The book is organized so that you don’t have to read through theories or lengthy descriptions – it is all practical; short and sweet. The stuff you want to know NOW! The book is broken down into nine chapters with topics ranging from family outings, holidays, and frequent activities (bath time, meal time, etc.). This at-your-fingertips tool will help families with a child on the autism spectrum navigate their way through everyday activities and occurrences in. Contributors include speech language therapists, occupational therapists, autism experts, parents, and individuals on the spectrum.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Something Different About Dad: How to Live With Your Asperger’s Parent

something different about dadSomething Different About Dad: How to Live With Your Asperger’s Parent by John Swogger.

XBM Evans 2011

Growing up with a parent on the autistic spectrum can be difficult, and children may often feel confused and worried by the fact that their parent is different thanothers. This positive book takes an honest look at how Asperger’s Syndrome can affect a family when a parent is on the spectrum, and reassures young people that it’s ok to have a parent who is different. Following the story of Sophie and Daniel whose dad, Mark, has Asperger Syndrome, the book reveals the family’s journey from initial diagnosis to gradual acceptance of the fact that there is something different about Dad. Sophie and Daniel learn the reasons behind their dad’s problems with communication, his social and emotional difficulties, and the issues caused by his inflexibility of thought, sensory and motor skills, and anxiety. They also come to recognize his positive attributes, including his loyalty, punctuality, and his ability to help with homework. The warm, funny story emphasizes how love within a family can overcome all difficulties, looking at sensitive issues in a lighthearted, yet reassuring manner.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

My Parent Has an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Workbook for Children & Teens

my parent has an autism spectrum disorderMy Parent Has an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Workbook for Children & Teens by Barbara R. Lester.

XFM Leste 2011

The workbook has been designed with precisely this purpose in mind. It will strengthen relationships between parents with ASDs and their children by facilitating understanding of behavior and situations that all the family will previously have noticed but not understood, and shows how to develop effective problem solving strategies. Chapters of this book cover everything from dealing with the initial diagnosis to understanding special interests, difficulties with social skills and figures of speech, and the need for rules and routines. Every chapter concludes with a worksheet for parent and child to complete together, which encourages mutual understanding and fosters healthy relationships.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents)

survivalguideforkidswithautismThe Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders (And Their Parents) by Elizabeth Verdick and Elizabeth Reeve M.D.

XBC Verdi 2012

This positive, straightforward book offers kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Some children with ASDs are gifted; others struggle academically. Some are more introverted, while others try to be social. Some get “stuck” on things, have limited interests, or experience repeated motor movements like flapping or pacing (“stims”). The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders 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’s an ASD?” “Why me?”) and provides strategies for communicating, 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, resources, and a glossary. Sections for parents offer more detailed information.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

French Fries: The Forgotten Children of Autism

french friesFrench Fries: The Forgotten Children of Autism by Lilli Z. Mayerson

XBC Mayer 2009

One in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. This is a sibling’s story about disappointment and excitement, frustration and genuine love. A book to use as a tool to discuss their feelings and give comfort to siblings affected with autism.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Parenting with Love and Logic

parenting with love and logicParenting with Love and Logic by Foster Cline, MD and Jim Fay.

(XFM Cline 2006)

This parenting book shows you how to raise self-confident, motivated children who are ready for the real world. Learn how to parent effectively while teaching your children responsibility and growing their character. Establish healthy control through easy-to-implement steps without anger, threats, nagging, or power struggles.
If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid

shut up about your perfect kidShut Up About Your Perfect Kid by Gina Gallagher and Patricia Konjoian.

(XFM Galla 2010)

A survival guide for ordinary parents of special children. Pp. 267.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Raising Resilient Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Strategies for Maximizing Their Strengths, Coping with Adversity, and Developing a Social Mindset

raising resilient children with autismRaising Resilient Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Strategies for Maximizing Their Strengths, Coping with Adversity, and Developing a Social Mindset by Dr. Robert Brooks, Sam Goldstein.

(XFM Brook 2012)

In this book, noted psychologists and bestselling authors Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Brooks teach you the strategies and mindset necessary to help your child develop strength, hope, and optimism. This is the first approach for autism spectrum disorders based in the extremely popular field of positive psychology.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

The Sibling Slam Book

the sibling slam bookThe Sibling Slam Book (2006) by Don Meyer.

Don Meyer invited together a group of 80 teenagers, from all over the United States and abroad, to talk about what it’s like to have a brother or sister with special needs. Their unedited words are found in The Sibling Slam Book, a brutally honest, non-PC look at the lives, experiences, and opinions of siblings without disabilities. Pp. 152.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Views from Our Shoes

views from our shoesViews from Our Shoes edited by Donald Meyer.

(XFM Meyer 1997)

In this book, 45 siblings share their experiences as the brother or sister of someone with a disability. Their personal tales introduce young siblings to others like them and allow them to compare experiences. A glossary of disabilities provides easy-to-understand definitions of many of the conditions mentioned. Pp. 114.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Autism Tomorrow to Help Your Child Thrive in the Real World

autism tomorrowAutism Tomorrow to Help Your Child Thrive in the Real World by Karen L Simmons and Bill Davis.

(XFM Simmo 2010)

In this book you will learn  about estate planning, independent living, nutrition, fitness, employment, safety, sexuality, puberty, dating, bullying, reading, social skills, and communication. Pp. 225.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Autism & the Grandparent Connection

autism and the grandparent connectionAutism & the Grandparent Connection by Jennifer Krumins.

(XFM Krumi 2010)

This book provides practical ways to understand and help your grandchildren with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pp. 234.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Family Routines to Make Your Household Run Smoothly

IMG_1151Family Routines to Make Your Household Run Smoothly

(XFM Famil 2010)

This book discusses routines, their importance and how to start them.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Embarrassed Often, Ashamed Never

embarassed often ashamed neverEmbarrassed Often, Ashamed Never by Lisa B. Eilliot.

(XFM Ellio 2002)

The author, the mother of a young boy with Asperger Syndrome, gives us a rare glimpse of the ups and downs of family life with an individual who has autism spectrum disorder. From swim meets to Chinese restaurants, from school to church, to birthday parties, and everything in between, the reader is let into the everyday lives of the Elliott family. The episodes in the book all illustrate the basic tenet of this charming book – while living with a child with autism spectrum disorder often leads to embarrassing moments, nobody ever needs to be ashamed. Pp. 148.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.

Helping Your Anxious Child

helping your anxious childHelping Your Anxious Child by Ronald M. Rapee, Ann Wignall, Susan H. Spence, Vanessa Cobham, and Heidi Lynedham.

(XFM Rapee 2008)

10 percent of children have excessive fears and worries–phobias, separation anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder–that can hold them back and keep them from fully enjoying childhood. If your child suffers from any of these forms of anxiety, the program in this book offers practical, scientifically proven tools that can help. Pp 238.

If available, item can be checked out from the resource room at no cost.