Finding Your Child's Way on the Autism Spectrum: Discovering Unique Strengths, Mastering Behavior Challenges »

LAURA HENDRICKSON is a biblical counselor, former psychiatrist, and the mother of an adult son who is recovered from autism. She is a member of the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors, and the author of two books on biblical counseling issues, as well as co-author of Will Medicine Stop the Pain?

It seems that nearly everyone knows a family with an autism spectrum child. Most recent figures suggest that the prevalence of all autism spectrum disorders in the United States is an astonishing 1% of the population in the United States, translating to twelve million parents and grandparents that are seeking answers.

There are many books available on how to “cure” an autistic preschooler, but none on how to raise one to adulthood. These promised cures raise parents’ hopes, but most parents will find that they are dealing with a lifelong challenge no matter what they do. Dr. Laura Hendrickson is a trained psychiatrist, biblical counselor¬—and the mother of an autistic child. She understands the struggles parents face as they try to communicate with their autism spectrum child and manage behavior challenges.

Building on Dr. Hendrickson’s medical background as well as her practical experience, Finding Your Child’s Way on the Autism Spectrum presents autism spectrum disorders as a different developmental pathway rather than a disability. Dr. Hendrickson has seen that those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders can make significant contributions to their world. And as a parent of an autistic child, she is able to offer practical solutions to the problems parents face. Dr. Hendrickson does not deny that autism is a serious challenge, but addresses specific ways to work with a child according to his developmental differences, or “way”, to raise his level of function. With an approach that is grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges those caring for autism spectrum children face, Finding YourChild’s Way on the Autism Spectrum gives the reader sound, practical tools for understanding how to guide an autism spectrum child to function more fully as the person God created them to be.

Foreword 9

Chapter 1 In His Way 11

Chapter 2 First Steps in the Way 21

Chapter 3 Shepherding the Heart of Your Child 33

Chapter 4 Educating the Mind of Your Child 45

Chapter 5 Stims, Rituals, and Obessions 57

Chapter 6 Managing Emotions 67

Chapter 7 The Relationship Puzzle 79

Chapter 8 Mad Elephants and Maturity 91

Chapter 9 For This Child I Prayed 103

Appendix A "Is My Child on the Autism Spectrum?" 113

Appendix B Selecting a Treatment Program 121

Appendix C Eric's Valedictorian Speech 127

Glossary of Terms 131

Notes 137