The Autism Mom's Survival Guide (for Dads, too!): Creating a Balanced and Happy Life While Raising a Child with Autism Paperback – March 30, 2010

I bought this book for my daughter - my grandson is autistic. Mothers of special needs kids need psychological support and most importantly some recognition that the quality of their own lives is important. My son has Aspergers syndrome so I know how difficult it is to maintain a positive outlook on life and a little relief from the inevitable guilt that comes with trying to be happy while raising a special needs child. (this was probably worse in the 60's and 70's than it is today) The title of the book is encouraging in itself. Parents of autistic children need all the help they can get, not only for the child but for themselves.

The Autism Mom's Survival Guide is a necessary book for parents who are struggling to cope with how to function at anything resembling normal where there is an autistic child in the house.Upbeat and honest, but never condescending or perky. The book manages to be very supportive but keeps an arms length from the dark places autism can take a family. It does offer real, balanced advice from someone who has been and will always be there. She and her husband have three children, one of whom is autistic. Susan is a great guide to have as she leads you through some effective methods of handling the day to day activities with a special needs child.This is Susan's second book on autism. This is not a sequel though. Her first, Making Peace with Autism, is also worth seeking out.I found the book to be geared mainly toward autism moms, (although there is plenty for fathers to get from this) who are the true heroes in the struggle to understand this condition.If you have a child with autism in your life, you may find yourself nodding your head with many of the stories Susan and the parents she writes about have experienced. If you're new, you will find out very quickly what it is like to be a part of an autistic child's family.Full disclosure: I'm one of the autism parents that were interviewed for this book.

This book is excellent and SHOULD be a manual for all parents that have children on the autism spectrum. You can relate to the author, but she also includes other people's worlds, and you find yourself in many of the parents. GREAT ADVICE columns. Teaches you acceptance for your child and how to manage others. It really helped me heal wasted anger feelings and create some sort of balance in our lives....which was lacking...When your child gets diagnosed, or labeled, the doctor should hand you this book too!!!

Oh, bless her level-headed, kind-hearted, soul! A real book by a real person with a real voice, even if she has more financial resources than most.Truly moving and honest.

Perfect for everyone involved in an autistic childs life and not just for beginners but it is great for them as well. Susan Senator is amazing, I have a more in depth review on my blog post at coltonsmama2011.blogspot.com

It provides autism parents with different ways to deal with embarrassing situations caused by their autistic children in public places and it reads the hearts of autism parents.

We need all the help we can get.