Having a child on the autism spectrum can feel like a full-time power struggle due to communication difficulties that leave both parent and child feeling defeated. This collection of life-changing strategies and solutions will enable even the most flagging parents to work towards a positive relationship that fosters cooperation and mutual respect and will keep everybody happy. The author has dedicated over 20 years to studying, observing and implementing communication strategies that help him, his wife, their three children and his clients experience positive relationships. His immediate family are all on the autism spectrum and they work together to understand one another, resolve misunderstandings, and help each other feel important, loved and respected. Sharing their inspirational personal experiences and interweaving every chapter with practical hints and tips, the book looks at how communication works, emphasizing the importance of building confidence and laying down ground rules. Each chapter contains dialogue that shows how the strategies really work, and how to get communication working for everyone. This book will be essential reading for all parents of children on the autism spectrum, regardless of whether or not they are on the spectrum themselves. It will also be of interest to everybody else looking to facilitate and improve relationships with young people.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements. Foreword by Liane Holliday Willey. Foreword by Susan Giurleo. Introduction. Part I. What It Feels Like to Be on the Autism Spectrum.; 1. We Have Autism.; 2. I Made Myself a Promise.; 3. It's all about Calm and Focus.; 4. It Takes Strength to Connect with You.; 5. My Senses Don't Play Well with Others, Including Me.; 6. Coming to Your Senses.; Part II. Creating Relationships That Work for Both of Us.; 7. How to Build Self-Confidence in One Step.; 8. Meeting Halfway.; 9. Clarify, Clarify, Clarify.; 10. The Art of Negotiation.; 11. Asking for Help and Getting It.; 12. From Rejection to Resilience. Glossary. References.

About the Author

Brian R. King is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an international consultant on the Autism Spectrum. Brian is the father of three sons on the Autism Spectrum, and his social work practice focuses exclusively on working with the Autism community. He and his wife are also on the Autism Spectrum. He resides in Chicago, IL.

Reviews

This is one book I shall be highly recommending and one that I shall be dipping into regularly for its wisdom and truth. Coping with autism is often likened to a roller coaster ride. Let's Relate provides a model communication highway on which to travel the autism journey and as the mother of a son with ASD, I can certainly relate to that.A" -- K.I. Al-Ghani, special educational needs teacher and author of Learning About Friendship and From Home to School with Autism, UK, and The Red Beast.