How to Teach Life Skills to Kids with Autism or Asperger's

I'm an OT, who works with all kids be it with diagnosis or not.This is an email I wrote to my list of contacts which included OTs, teachers, parents, aides, sisters, brothers, and other DIS providers (Behaviorists, SLP, PT):I'm actually emailing you all today not only because I wanted to check in, but also because I have been reading this book, the title being in the subject line of this email. It is written by Jennifer McILwee. She is, as she claims to be, an "Aspie at Large" who also has a brother diagnosed with Autism. She has PLENTY of experience with both sides of the spectrum. I've been enjoying this book because not only does it confirm all that I have been doing in my sessions, but it also provides an insider's view to understanding the world of a person on the Autism spectrum. She writes it in a manner that is easy reading - it's not filled with mumbo jumbo to impress the English critics (and she states so herself). It's written as if she was having a realistic and humorous conversation with you, which is a much easier and pleasurable read especially for someone that is not used to populations of people with Autism or Aspergers. She provides personal experiences (visuals) to explain herself more in depth. PLUS, it gives you ideas to experiment with your kiddos at school, at home, or even yourselves. ;)I HAD to share this book with you. I know a lot of you have very busy schedules to manage, but I am telling you! It's an easy read. I also do not think this book is only limited to those diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. It can also be used on those kids that just need that extra little push to get things going.As the back of the book states:Jennifer can show you how to:- Create opportunities for children to learn in natural settings and situations- Teach vital skills such as everyday domestic tasks, choosing appropriate attire, and being polite- Help individuals on the spectrum develop good habits that will help them be more fit and healthy- Improve time management skills such as punctuality and task-switching- And much more!Jennifer's straightforward and humorous delivery will keep you eagerly turning the page for her next creative solution!

This is a great book! I purchased it to gain a bit more insight into my autistic son, but I actually gained more insight into myself. I am also on the spectrum, but he and I are on opposite ends of it. I'm hoping that as I continue to read, that I will be able to empathize more with him and acquire ways of helping him learn vital life skills.

I wanted to get a book on teaching life skills to accompany my writing Social Stories. I could not have found a more perfect match! I enjoyed the bigger print in this book and the style of writing which is not as verbose as most teaching books. I got so many new ideas and new information on skill teaching that I found myself highlighting most of the book! Teaching life skills is so important to boost the competence of the child that is struggling to be like 'everyone else'. You have to buy this book it's so well written and you come away taking a totally different approach to teaching life skills. You begin to really listen and tune in to the person's individual needs rather than just teaching a task. A most enjoyable and exciting read for both teachers and parents. What a wonderful Author!

EVERYONE who is raising or working with children on the spectum should read this book I am a clinical psychologist who works with children on the autism spectum. I have him highly suggested it to every one of my families. Jennifer Mcilwee Myers has written about one of the most important topics I can possibly think of with this population. It is a guide to how to approach raising a child on he spectrum and hits all of the most important topics. Thank you Temple Grandin for insisting that she write this. I look forward to reading more by this author. (And no I am not being paid to write this)

I'm a single mom and my daughter was diagnosed at 15 years old with ASD. I didn't know what to do. How to handle things. This book AMAZING. It helped me understand the way my daughter sees things and how she might acct the way she does. This book is written by a woman who had been diagnosed ASD and she's extremely well versed on explaining everything too help you understand. So a huge THANK YOU to Jennifer McIlwee Meyers. This book has helped me so much. I will be forever grateful.

This book turned out to be really helpful in teaching me how to use gentle, but wise, ways to handle and teach kids. I initially bought it to "deal" with a grandchild, but what I learned can be applied to all kids and people, not just special needs. Jennifer has a no-nonsense approach which is delightfully written so that even I learned some new skills. I am the 4th of nine kids, the mother of four, and grandmother of six. I thought I knew a lot about raising positive kids, but this book has added even more. I highly reccomend this book for anyone who works with children on or off the spectrum.

Some good advice from someone with first hand experience but a bit repetitive and much of the advice is obvious. In some ways that's reassuring but when you have a child diagnosed with ASD you want to get to the heart of the matter as quickly as possible so that you can begin to improve your approach and no time to waste in getting there. I don't feel that this book has given me much more than I already knew in the way of helping my child. Just my opinion but because her views and experiences are not fully limited but nearly all about her and her family's experiences, it does seem more autobiographical and less based on large sample than I'd prefer.

I bought this book because my son's therapist suggested it. It is a good and easy read told through the eyes of someone who lives with Autism/Aspergers everyday. It's a better perspective on our daily lives even those who like I've told my son -- "you are normal in your own way, and we all have quirks". I haven't finished the book so that's why the rating is only 4 out of 5 stars. Enjoy.

Great book for those starting out down the road of learning about Autism and Aspergers. I have just inherited 2 kids on the spectrum with my new partner. I have recommended he reads it too, even though he has lived with them all their lives.

I am not good at reading books and would always abandon books unfinished! However, this book is quite fascinating, practical and can relate the stories to my autistic son.

Good as its written by a person with aspergers

Good

Invaluable for anyone who has a child with ASD.