Autism For Dummies

John Marble is the founder of Pivot Neurodiversity and a trainer with Neurodiversity Pathways. Khushboo Chabria is a neurodiversity specialist and career coach at Neurodiversity Pathways. Ranga Jayaraman is Director of Neurodiversity Pathways. All three are authors of Neurodiversity For Dummies.

• Foreword xviiIntroduction 1About This Book 1Foolish Assumptions 2Icons Used in This Book 3Beyond the Book 4Where to Go from Here 4Part 1: Understanding Autism 5Chapter 1: What Is Autism? 7Understanding Neurodiversity 8Expanding Our Understanding of Autism 9Being an Autistic Person 11Understanding How Autism Develops 15Clarifying What Doesn’t Cause Autism 23Exploring the Autistic Brain 24Understanding Related Conditions 27Talking about Autism 29Chapter 2: Someone You Know Is Autistic 33Recognizing Autism’s History 34Appreciating Autism’s Benefits 36Chapter 3: Diagnosing Autism 39Understanding the Diagnostic Process 40Understanding Diagnostic Criteria 40Understanding Assessment Methods 43Benefiting from Early Diagnosis 45Addressing Diagnostic Barriers 47When a Diagnosis Isn’t Possible 51Chapter 4: Understanding Autistic Traits 53Understanding Spectrum Conditions 54Appreciating Autistic Traits 55How the Autistic Brain Thinks 57How the Autistic Brain Uses Focus 59How the Autistic Brain Organizes Thoughts 61How the Autistic Brain Uses Senses 64How the Autistic Brain Feels Emotions 67How the Autistic Brain Communicates 68How the Autistic Brain Socializes 72How Autistic Bodies Respond 75Part 2: Raising Autistic Kids 79Chapter 5: Understanding and Being Understood 81Exploring Autistic Communication 82Recognizing Early Signs of Differences 83Supporting Autistic Communication 84Helping Your Child Communicate 88Exploring Strategies for Growth 89Chapter 6: Understanding Sensory Experiences 95Understanding Sensory Differences 95Supporting Sensory Differences 100Practicing Effective Strategies 102Building Sensory Awareness 105Chapter 7: Responding to Behavior and Stress 107Understanding Behavior and Stress 107Coping with Meltdowns 110Coping with Shutdowns 113Addressing Wandering 115Dealing with Social Isolation 117Chapter 8: Raising Kids with Complex Needs 119Embracing the Journey 120Developing Daily Living Skills 122Navigating the School System 124Ensuring Health and Medical Care 127Self-Care for Parents and Caregivers 129Planning for the Future 132Part 3: Supporting the Growth Of Autistic Kids 139Chapter 9: Growing Cognitive Skills 141Supporting How Autistic Kids Think 141Improving Executive Functioning 144Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills 146Fostering Creative and Abstract Thinking 147Using Technology and Multimedia 149Chapter 10: Navigating the School System 151Understanding How Your Child Learns 151Navigating Educational Approaches 156Navigating Educational Services 158Seeking Support 161Chapter 11: Helping Autistic Children Socialize 165Supporting Autistic Socialization 165Facilitating Social Interaction 170Encouraging Self-Advocacy 175Chapter 12: Empowering Autistic Teens 179Understanding Your Teenager 179Nurturing Emotional Growth 181Fostering Social Growth 183Guiding Your Teen into Adulthood 186Teaching Life Skills 188Part 4: Thriving as An Autistic Adult 193Chapter 13: Empowering Yourself 195Developing Self-Awareness 195Exploring Your Autistic Identity 196Embracing Your Total Identity 206Understanding Yourself as Normal 206Developing Self-Acceptance 207Exercising Self-Advocacy 210Nurturing Your Health and Wellness 212Chapter 14: Navigating Higher Education 213Understanding Your Options 214Choosing the Right Path 217Accessing Support 219Chapter 15: Finding Work and Growing Your Career 221Landing a Good Job 222Thriving in Your Job 229Securing Supported Employment 233Advancing Your Career 234Chapter 16: Nurturing Relationships 237Key Things for Healthy Relationships 237Navigating Family Dynamics 238Building Friendships 241Navigating Romantic Relationships 246Navigating Sexual Relationships 248Participating In Community Life 251Part 5: Empowering Autistic Individuals 255Chapter 17: Universal Principles for Empowerment 257Shifting Our Perspective 257Adopting an Empowering Mindset 261A Civic and Spiritual Calling 266Encouraging Autistic Inclusion 267Chapter 18: How Service Providers Can Empower Autistic People 271Adopting Core Service Principles 272Providing Effective Services 276Empowering as Medical Professionals 279Empowering as Therapists 282Chapter 19: How Educators Can Empower Autistic People 285Creating an Inclusive Classroom 286Working with Parents and Caregivers 296Using Strategies by Educational Level 297Becoming a Better Educator 300Chapter 20: How the Workplace Can Empower Autistic Individuals 303Understanding Autistic Employees 304Understanding Accommodations 310Creating an Inclusive Workplace 313Part 6: Building An Autism-inclusive Future 321Chapter 21: Working Together for a Better Future 323Moving Forward Together in Unity 324Bridging Perspectives and Experiences 325Collaborating Effectively 329Building Alliances 332Chapter 22: Turning Vision into Reality 335Shaping Public Policy 335Ensuring Accurate News Reporting 340Portraying Autism in Creative Media 344Modernizing Autism Research 346Building Effective Accommodations 354Chapter 23: Voices from the Spectrum 357Centering Autistic Voices 357Respecting Complex Needs 360Listening to Nonspeaking Voices 362Amplifying Voices of Color 364Parenting Autistic Kids 366Living as an Autistic Adult 369Part 7: the Part of Tens 375Chapter 24: Ten Key Concepts About Autism 377Autism Is a Natural Part of Life 377Every Autistic Person Is Unique 378Acceptance Is Better Than “Fitting In” 379Communication Can Happen Through Various Means 380Socialization May Look Different 380Autistic People Think in Unique Ways 382Sensory Experiences Can Be Vivid 383Intense Interests Are Strengths 383Stimming Is Normal and Important 383Routine and Predictability Are Comforting 384Chapter 25: Ten Ways to Help Autistic People Thrive 385Embrace Neurodiversity 385Understand Autistic People as Normal 386Center Autistic Voices 386Practice Compassionate Curiosity 387Provide Clear and Consistent Support 387Foster Independence 388Reduce Barriers That People Face 390Include Autistic People in Activities 390Respect Boundaries 391Provide Tools for Self-Advocacy 391Index 393