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Making Peace with Autism: One Family's Story of Struggle, Discovery, and Unexpected Gifts | 
| Author: Susan Senator
Publisher: Trumpeter
Category: Book
List Price: $22.95
Buy Used: $1.93
You Save: $21.02 (92%)
Rating:  23 reviews
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 240
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.6 x 5.8 x 1
ISBN: 1590302443
Dewey Decimal Number: 362.196858820092
EAN: 9781590302446
ASIN: 1590302443
Publication Date: August 30, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Receiving a diagnosis of autism is a major crisis for parents and families, who often feel as if their world has come to an end. In this insightful narrative, a courageous and inspiring mother explains why a diagnosis of autism doesn't have to shatter a family's dreams of happiness. Senator offers the hard-won, in-the-trenches wisdom of someone who's been there and is still there today—and she demonstrates how families can find courage, contentment, and connection in the shadow of autism.
In Making Peace with Autism , Susan Senator describes her own journey raising a child with a severe autism spectrum disorder, along with two other typically developing boys. Without offering a miracle treatment or cure, Senator offers valuable strategies for coping successfully with the daily struggles of life with an autistic child.
Along the way she models the combination of stamina and courage, openness and humor that has helped her family to survive—and even to thrive. Topics include: the agony of diagnosis, grieving and acceptance, finding the right school program, helping siblings with their struggles and concerns, having fun together, and keeping the marriage strong.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 18 more reviews...
 Inspiring and Effective August 31, 2008
Tanya Savko
The approach of accepting autism would have been enough on its own for me to like the book, but Susan Senator's writing is exceptional, and that is why I love this book. I laughed, I cried, I truly felt she's been through the same trenches I have. She understands. And she exudes a level of empathy through her words that brought me more comfort than any other book about autism I have read.
The book is presented in a mostly chronological format, discussing her son's early years, her reaction to the diagnosis, going into depth about her emotions and listing all the questions that those of us who have been through it also asked. Senator includes a sidebar in this chapter called "Suggestions for Getting Through the Early Days, After Diagnosis," which lists some helpful tips, along with other topics such as "Beginning the Healing Process as a Couple" and "Making Crisis Storybooks for Your Child," known as 'social stories' in some areas. The following chapter describes the various early school programs in which her son was enrolled, and includes tips on preparing for IEP meetings, and what to look for with school placements. This information is invaluable for parents whose child has been recently diagnosed. I found myself wishing this book had been published in the 90s!
The book addresses sibling interactions and traveling, including tips for successful family vacations. Following that is a chapter on sleep problems and the use of medication, with a thoughtful debate on whether to medicate or not. Basically, Senator urges parents to trust their instincts and educate themselves. She also lists strategies for dealing with problem behavior. The remaining chapters deal with more family issues, such as preparing for a new baby in the house and nurturing your marriage. Senator also mentions important information about leaving your child with others and making sure to carve out time to rest.
My favorite part of the book is when Senator discovers that her son is trying to connect with her by laughing. I, too, made this discovery with my own son years ago. My son's sometimes annoying fake laugh is really the way he reaches out, wanting to have fun like everyone he sees around him. He is not completely closed off, in his own world. He has autism, but he is still there with us, interacting. Just on his own terms. It was so affirming to read that other families delight in this discovery as well.
Just starting this journey February 24, 2008
E. Labedz (Chicago, IL United States)
This book was honest and heartfelt. Our family is at the beginning of our journey on the autism spectrum, but there were so many things in this book that we could relate to already. I couldn't put it down when I read it. It was refreshing to read about how another family has coped with this tragedy and how it has survived and even grew stronger without the affected child having necessarily been "cured." It has helped me realize that the most important thing for any family is acceptance.
Sue Senator gets it right March 19, 2007
All Over the Map (New England)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Sue Senator's autism book is not just another parent's story about facing autism. She has something to say, useful information to immpart, and she is not looking to find or share a miracle cure. She is a little ahead of the curve on the autism epidemic - her son is nearly grown - and thus her perspective is very useful for parents with younger children (and typical siblings) wondering about the future and coping with diagnosis and the larger issues of long-term advocacy.
Excellent, uplifting book! February 23, 2007
Busy Mama (Colorado)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
After reading countless books on autism, mostly about theories and treatments, this book is a breath of fresh air! It was so encouraging to read an honest, open life story of a family living with autism on a daily basis. It doesn't give false hope, nor do the family members act like little stoics. They're just real people who are dealing with life every day, and who try to find real happiness in just taking life one day at a time. I admire Susan Senator's positive attitude. She admits that she has a tough time, but picks up the pieces and goes on from there. I thank her for sharing such a personal story; it will help countless families.
 good read for young families February 15, 2007
Aut's mom (Oregon)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a good read for young families first struggling with a new diagnosis of Autism. Also good for families with siblings, with advice about how to care for their needs.
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