The Bottom Line
Pros
- Lisa's book is written based on her 18 years of experience parenting an autistic son.
- The book is written by a parent for parents, but teachers can benefit as well.
- Lisa's ideas have been tested in her own family and are practical for most.
- Every Community Based Instruction or Job Coach should read this book.
Cons
- Lisa is clear that her suggestions will require significant work.
- You will be challenged, and you will be exhausted at times, but the benefits are worth it.
Description
- Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun! is a paperback edition.
- The book includes many ideas and considerations to help parents plan greater community interaction.
- Lisa's book will help parents build important social skills that will benefit children for a lifetime.
Guide Review - A Book for Parents of Autistic Children on Having Fun as a Family
Lisa knows firsthand how intimidating and unaccommodating public places can be to autistic children. She also knows the reluctance parents sometimes feel because of their bad experiences or fears of what could go wrong if they try to participate in activities that many "typical" families take for granted. Lisa's practical advice and sharing of experiences will inspire parents to begin expanding their boundaries with their autistic children. Her ideas can be adapted to meet the needs of families with children with both high and low functioning abilities.
Lisa's approach in coaching parents to become more active in the public is both honest and realistic. Her suggestions are tried and true, and she shares both positives and negatives in various social situations. Lisa readily points out that increased social interaction will be hard work, and challenges will always be a factor. However, the experiences are worth the effort, she says. Further, she indicates that pushing the boundaries today can benefit your child in the future, possibly leading him or her to greater independence in life and important social experiences and circles of acquaintances.
