I read an article by an old friend this weekend that made me sad.  She, like me, is the parent of an autistic child.  Unfortunately, her experience has been the complete opposite of mine.  There is no doubt in my mind that she loves her boy and wants the best for him, but it is coming from a very dark place.  She kept using words like “poisoned” and “sick” when describing her perfectly beautiful son.   Maybe, just maybe if she had the Thinking Person's Guide to Autism's book back then instead of the anti-vaxer handbooks that get so much attention, she (and her son) might be in a better place.  Enough depressing stuff—onwards.

Shannon Des Roches Rosa, Jennifer Byde Myers, Liz Ditz, Emily Willingham, and Carol Greenburg have compiled a thought-provoking and essential collection of essays in their blog-turned-book, the Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism (TPGA).

Parents of newly diagnosed children need to come to their own conclusions about how they are going to raise their child.  Unfortunately, there are too many books out there that give parents unrealistic expectations or scare them into trying potentially dangerous therapies.   TPGA cuts through all the pseudoscience and misinformation and provides thoughtful, informative and relevant words to anyone looking to learn more about autism.  Instead of chapters named “Detox, Chelation, and Trying Everything Under the Sun to Cure Your Kid” TPGA offers “Feeding Issues and Picky Eaters”,  “Identifying and Avoiding Autism Cults”, and “Coming to Terms”.  

There is an entire section devoted to essays from autistic adults.  Yes folks, it’s true.  Your little babies grow up to be adults and have a voice of their own. I highly suggest concentrating on this section that includes a wonderful piece written by Corina Lynn Becker: “What I Want People to Know.”   

TPGA is the most comprehensive collection of essays that offers a realistic view of the autism landscape.  As a parent, educator, caregiver, advocate or friend, you owe it to yourself to get informed.  Don’t just take my word for it, see what the professionals are saying about Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism and pick up a copy while you’re at it.