A Friend’s and Relative’s Guide to Supporting the Family with Autism

The issue of "How can I help?" is a poignant one, however through her own exp0eriences and that of other families, Palmer has produced a thoughtful and supportive guide that tackles a sensitive issue in a practical manner... As a guide to the type of support to offer parents of children with Autism, this book works well... This book is successful in providing guidance and support around emotional wellbeing... this book may be an ideal recommendation for clinicians to make to parents of children recently diagnosed on the spectrum.

Essential reading to help families cope with the stress of parenting a child with autism. Friends and relatives often do not know how to be supportive. This book will provide many insights into the complex emotions of receiving a diagnosis. Insights gained from reading this book will help maintain relationships between friends and relatives of a family with a child with autism.

Palmer (Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum: Unexpected Lessons We Have Learned), the parent of an adult with autism, provides a good explanation of what autism is and what it's like to live with someone on the autism spectrum. She then discusses what parents, siblings, grandparents, and extended family members may be experiencing and how they can more positively influence and help one another. The work includes a guide to more books and websites on understanding autism spectrum disorders and its impact on a family. VERDICT: A useful tool for extended family members and friends of anyone, helping them gain perspective on their daily challenges; recommended for anyone who knows a family dealing with autism.

This book could be a valuable resource for those struggling to come to terms with a diagnosis of autism for their child.

Kudos to Palmer, she has written a book which covers extremely sensitive ground without judging, causing guilt, offence or being unrealistic... It is simple, highly intelligent, unencumbered, straight, honest, clear and balanced... This book is an easy and worthwhile read for all parents seeking validation of their experiences. It educates family and friends in a kind, gentle way and gives pointers about how to open up communication and how to offer the support that is needed, rather than offering the support that they think is needed. Professionals could learn a thing or two about how to approach families and how damaging judgements and so-called supportive clichés can be. I love the honesty and realism of this book which makes such a refreshing change from our usual diet of super up-beat books which all to often seem to be hell bent on denying the truth. It gently guides us through a process whereby the ultimate acceptance of all our children and family as they are is the reward, after all acceptance is the true measure of love. However, it is not naïve and 'happy-ever- after', Palmer understands that life may also be more of a struggle for those of us living with an ASD or living with those on the spectrum. This reality needs facing and then we can all be prepared for the ups and downs without being taken by surprise.

Receiving a diagnosis of autism for a child can be overwhelming to a parent. As well, friends and relatives the family relies on are often at a loss as to how they can best support their friend in this time of need. In this resourceful book, Ann Palmer provides clear examples of the complex emotions families face at this time, providing greater insight to extended family and friends. The practical tips on the types of help that may be needed most are very useful. Palmer has written a thoughtful and supportive book that will help strengthen relationships and create invaluable, on-going, and mutually beneficial support systems.

Expertly combining scientific research with what the families themselves have experienced, Ann provides an efficient, complete pathway to understanding mealtimes, sleep schedules, going out in public, finances, intra- and inter-family relationships, to name just a few of the facets of life that can be affected when a family has a child with autism… In this book is all the information you need to begin the first step in walking hand in hand alongside your friends and family as you join their journey in living with, providing meaningful support for, and making the world a better place for the autism community.