Over half a million people in Britain are somewhere on the Autistic Spectrum, which ranges from severe autism to Asperger's syndrome. It can be devastating to discover that your child has an ASD (autistic spectrum disorder), and even tougher helping them to cope with life. Many books will tell you the latest theories about what causes ASD, but what you really want to know is how to get a decent night's sleep, or stop your child flapping their arms, or find some time for your other children. Jackie Brealy understands the problems from both a parent's and a teacher's perspective. She was concerned at the lack of down-to-earth, practical help for parents, so she teamed up with journalist, Beverly Davies to write "How to Help Your Autistic Spectrum Child". Together with input from Matt and other parents of ASD children, Jackie and Bev have written this totally practical guide to help parents with all those day-to-day problems that make life so tough for them and their ASD child.

2007-01-22 At last!

In the two years since my 10 year old daughter's ASD has been recognised by her teachers, I have read many many books on the subject, in an attempt to understand and deal with the condition. This is by far and away the best of those books. Written by a parent with first-hand experience, it is clear and practical without being patronising, and certainly does not read like a medical manual in the way that many books of this type can (and do!). For much of the first part of the book I found myself thinking "Yes - at last!" since so much of what I was reading related to my daily life with my daughter; giving valuable insight into how she may be seeing the world, together with useful tips on how we can both cope with and manage difficult situations. I am now at the stage of seeking a formal diagnosis and have found this book great for helping to know the right questions to ask the doctors and specialists in order to get the best help and support for all of us. If you, like me, sometimes feel that coping with an ASD child is just too hard, then please please read this book - it may just be the answer you've been looking for!