Hello Everyone,
This month’s BLOG will continue the opportunity to view my slideshow GALLERY of Books and focus on the offered Extended Book Reviews. The slideshow shows the book covers, divided into the following categories ~
AMAZING ADVENTURES
DIAGNOSIS, DOCTORS, DENIAL
SAVVY SOLUTIONS
SCHOOL ON THE SHORT BUS
Hopefully, these stories will help parents, clinicians, academics, and all people #Autism, in connecting with those who have gone before us on their Autism Journey. This April's 2025 BLOG will continue to give snippets of my Extended Book Reviews; find full Extended Book Reviews on the website MENU; along with a LINK to purchase the eBook. You will find each Autism story to be engaging, compelling, and as different as each family's Autism journey.
From the Category – SAVVY SOLUTIONS. Read my full Extended Book Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; plus, LINKs to eBooks, on this website, www.sarasautismsite.com.
This month’s BLOG will continue the opportunity to view my slideshow GALLERY of Books and focus on the offered Extended Book Reviews. The slideshow shows the book covers, divided into the following categories ~
AMAZING ADVENTURES
DIAGNOSIS, DOCTORS, DENIAL
SAVVY SOLUTIONS
SCHOOL ON THE SHORT BUS
Hopefully, these stories will help parents, clinicians, academics, and all people #Autism, in connecting with those who have gone before us on their Autism Journey. This April's 2025 BLOG will continue to give snippets of my Extended Book Reviews; find full Extended Book Reviews on the website MENU; along with a LINK to purchase the eBook. You will find each Autism story to be engaging, compelling, and as different as each family's Autism journey.
From the Category – SAVVY SOLUTIONS. Read my full Extended Book Review, with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker; plus, LINKs to eBooks, on this website, www.sarasautismsite.com.
The Aspie Parent, the First Two Years A Collection of Posts from the Aspie Parent Blog by Liz Cademy (2013). Extended Book Review with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker.
Excerpts from the book – (5% indicates location in the Kindle version of the book, instead of page numbers).
Excerpts from Liz Cademy’s book with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
5% This eBook is a collection of blog posts from the first three years of my blog: The Aspie Parent.
< My Thoughts > “…collection of blog posts…”
Besides an informative collection of blog posts, Liz has developed a wonderful 'Alphabet Soup.' She defines topics, in the hopes of clarifying the meanings you may hear here and there in the ‘autism’ conversation.
5% You will see some references to my children, Ocelot and Climber. These are not their real names, but pseudonyms.
Ocelot is a girl, and was in high school when I wrote these blog posts. She’s both highly gifted and has “something” on the spectrum, though not Asperger’s.
6% Climber was in elementary school, and is also highly gifted, but NT (neurotypical)…
7% I am a parent, and I have Asperger’s. One of my kids (who has the pseudonym Ocelot online) has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS, Asperger’s’ cousin.
…I realize I have a lot of tips for other parents of kids who are either on the mild end of the autism spectrum or have similar learning differences.
As a parent with Asperger’s, I also have stories of times when my AS made being a good mom difficult.
16% Labels, Part 1. I am not a fan of labels, for many reasons.
Holding too close to a precise label can hurt our kids. Too many school districts will only provide services for students with conditions listed in the DSM - 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).
DSM -5 includes specifying in the diagnostic criteria, such as –
‘Severity specifiers’ are given for social communication impairments (Criterion A) and restricted repetitive patterns of behavior (Criterion B). Severity for both Criterion A and B are listed at three different levels:
• Level 1 – requiring support
• Level 2 – requiring substantial support
• Level 3 – requiring very substantial support
< My Thoughts > "...diagnostic criteria..."
The confusion may come in when, for instance, someone is 'labeled' as 'high-functioning' meaning that they require very little support. Or, 'low-functioning' meaning that they require very substantial support. When in actuality, the individual's degrees of 'strengths' & 'weaknesses' in areas of symptoms concerned can vary greatly. Perhaps that person is needing very little support in 'cognitive' areas, but much more support in the area of 'social skills'.
Note: For further information on ‘DSM-5 levels of support’, go to MENU for Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker. Read online here, under UNIT 2 – Why Is It Autism? CHAPTER 1, Diagnosis & DSM-5.
17% Labels, Part 2. Another thing that bothers me about labels – some people identify too strongly with the label. What can you do if your school is like this, and your child is affected? I hate to say it, but you and your diagnosing profession should lie. If you (all) know your child will need Spectrum accommodations, have the pro write a “diagnosis” of Asperger’s or HFA (High-Functioning Autism). This will get your kid the help s/he needs.
And school records are destroyed upon graduation, and are not released outside the school, so the misdiagnosis won’t haunt your child in later life.
We want our kids to be multi-talented, productive, interesting human beings, who, incidentally, have some additional challenges related to a learning disability.
< My Thoughts > “...labels.”
Labels can be scary, but usually your child’s ASD label can be removed from records when they reach a certain age. Check the laws for your state on this, if you are concerned about early labeling.
The problem is that without labeling the insurance companies, educational programs, benefits for children of U.S. military veterans, and many other state and/or federal services will not be available to your child without serious 'label' documentation and certification. This puts the burden of proof on you, without it you will be expected to pay, out of pocket, possibly thousands of dollars for services.
64% <From the blog> Here’s a question Cathy asked: “I’m curious about RTM (Remember the Milk), as my 10th grader really struggles with organization and remembering to turn in his work.
65% He currently uses Google Calendar RTM. The RTM webpage says RTM works with Google Calendar. Can you explain the Benefits of using RTM…
I’ll try to explain this quickly… If you look at the things you need to do, you can divide them into tasks and events.
Events are linked to a specific time/date, such as Math Class or Daniel’s Party. Tasks may have deadlines, but you can do them at any time before (maybe after) the deadline, such as Chapter 8 History Homework, due Friday.
Google Calendar is great for events, Remember the Milk (RTM) is designed for tasks. I like keeping the two separate, so I use both programs.
< My Thoughts > “I use both programs.”
The 'App', Remember the Milk (RTM) is a visual part of the calendar seen as a sidebar portion on the screen. Liz’s book gives names or books to read on how to use both.
82% Can Autism be Cured? Every so often, I read about some herbal preparation, nutritional supplement, or alternative therapy that is supposed to cure autism.
< My Thoughts > “...alternative therapy...”
Every so often, I too read about some herbal preparation, nutritional supplement, or alternative therapy that is supposed to 'cure' autism. The goal is finding the right ‘intervention’, regardless of what it’s called – treatments aka services, aka programs, aka therapies, aka interventions.
Start where you are. In other words, where you live, the age and stage of your child, your resources, and your support system. Don’t forget to ask – How long before we can expect to see results? What ‘target behaviors’ are we focusing on? How much money should we budget for your program?
Always try FREE programs first. Explore and keep notes on what you find and how you feel this service will ‘fit’ with your child and your family. Again, prioritizing your wants and needs, and your child’s wants and needs are a necessary ‘first’. Try asking for a ‘trial period’.
Note: For further information on ‘alternative therapy’ go to MENU for Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker. Read online here, under UNIT 7 – 0 Who May Help? CHAPTER 1 – INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS & TREATMENTS, CHAPTER 2 – THERAPIES, CHAPTER 3 – OTHER THERAPIES, UNIT 7 – 4 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAMs), Section 4: CAMs.
End of excerpts from this book by Liz Cademy.
Thank you for reading and sharing my BLOGs. Comments are welcomed, to be viewed and answered privately. My goal is to assist families, clinicians, educators, and all people ‘autism’, to continue their journey on the Autism Highway. At the end of each website Extended Book Review, please find a source to have the whole book to read.
Regards,
Sara Luker
Paid Link Disclosure -
These Extended Book Reviews have an Amazon Link for actual book purchases. Please read this Paid Link Disclosure AKA Affiliate Links Disclosure:
Sometimes there are paid links, also known as affiliate links, used on this site. My website, www.sarasautismsite.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I may earn or receive a small paid commission from referrals for book purchases made through posts, pages, and links on this site. But I try to remain unbiased and I do not accept paid reviews. All opinions expressed here are my own.
There is no extra cost to you when purchases are made using the provided links. By using the links I provide you agree that you’ve read this paid link disclosure statement.
Thank you!
Sara Luker
Excerpts from the book – (5% indicates location in the Kindle version of the book, instead of page numbers).
Excerpts from Liz Cademy’s book with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker
5% This eBook is a collection of blog posts from the first three years of my blog: The Aspie Parent.
< My Thoughts > “…collection of blog posts…”
Besides an informative collection of blog posts, Liz has developed a wonderful 'Alphabet Soup.' She defines topics, in the hopes of clarifying the meanings you may hear here and there in the ‘autism’ conversation.
5% You will see some references to my children, Ocelot and Climber. These are not their real names, but pseudonyms.
Ocelot is a girl, and was in high school when I wrote these blog posts. She’s both highly gifted and has “something” on the spectrum, though not Asperger’s.
6% Climber was in elementary school, and is also highly gifted, but NT (neurotypical)…
7% I am a parent, and I have Asperger’s. One of my kids (who has the pseudonym Ocelot online) has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS, Asperger’s’ cousin.
…I realize I have a lot of tips for other parents of kids who are either on the mild end of the autism spectrum or have similar learning differences.
As a parent with Asperger’s, I also have stories of times when my AS made being a good mom difficult.
16% Labels, Part 1. I am not a fan of labels, for many reasons.
Holding too close to a precise label can hurt our kids. Too many school districts will only provide services for students with conditions listed in the DSM - 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).
DSM -5 includes specifying in the diagnostic criteria, such as –
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Social (Pragmatic) Communication Disorder
- Severity Levels for Autism Spectrum Disorder
‘Severity specifiers’ are given for social communication impairments (Criterion A) and restricted repetitive patterns of behavior (Criterion B). Severity for both Criterion A and B are listed at three different levels:
• Level 1 – requiring support
• Level 2 – requiring substantial support
• Level 3 – requiring very substantial support
< My Thoughts > "...diagnostic criteria..."
The confusion may come in when, for instance, someone is 'labeled' as 'high-functioning' meaning that they require very little support. Or, 'low-functioning' meaning that they require very substantial support. When in actuality, the individual's degrees of 'strengths' & 'weaknesses' in areas of symptoms concerned can vary greatly. Perhaps that person is needing very little support in 'cognitive' areas, but much more support in the area of 'social skills'.
Note: For further information on ‘DSM-5 levels of support’, go to MENU for Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker. Read online here, under UNIT 2 – Why Is It Autism? CHAPTER 1, Diagnosis & DSM-5.
17% Labels, Part 2. Another thing that bothers me about labels – some people identify too strongly with the label. What can you do if your school is like this, and your child is affected? I hate to say it, but you and your diagnosing profession should lie. If you (all) know your child will need Spectrum accommodations, have the pro write a “diagnosis” of Asperger’s or HFA (High-Functioning Autism). This will get your kid the help s/he needs.
And school records are destroyed upon graduation, and are not released outside the school, so the misdiagnosis won’t haunt your child in later life.
We want our kids to be multi-talented, productive, interesting human beings, who, incidentally, have some additional challenges related to a learning disability.
< My Thoughts > “...labels.”
Labels can be scary, but usually your child’s ASD label can be removed from records when they reach a certain age. Check the laws for your state on this, if you are concerned about early labeling.
The problem is that without labeling the insurance companies, educational programs, benefits for children of U.S. military veterans, and many other state and/or federal services will not be available to your child without serious 'label' documentation and certification. This puts the burden of proof on you, without it you will be expected to pay, out of pocket, possibly thousands of dollars for services.
64% <From the blog> Here’s a question Cathy asked: “I’m curious about RTM (Remember the Milk), as my 10th grader really struggles with organization and remembering to turn in his work.
65% He currently uses Google Calendar RTM. The RTM webpage says RTM works with Google Calendar. Can you explain the Benefits of using RTM…
I’ll try to explain this quickly… If you look at the things you need to do, you can divide them into tasks and events.
Events are linked to a specific time/date, such as Math Class or Daniel’s Party. Tasks may have deadlines, but you can do them at any time before (maybe after) the deadline, such as Chapter 8 History Homework, due Friday.
Google Calendar is great for events, Remember the Milk (RTM) is designed for tasks. I like keeping the two separate, so I use both programs.
< My Thoughts > “I use both programs.”
The 'App', Remember the Milk (RTM) is a visual part of the calendar seen as a sidebar portion on the screen. Liz’s book gives names or books to read on how to use both.
82% Can Autism be Cured? Every so often, I read about some herbal preparation, nutritional supplement, or alternative therapy that is supposed to cure autism.
< My Thoughts > “...alternative therapy...”
Every so often, I too read about some herbal preparation, nutritional supplement, or alternative therapy that is supposed to 'cure' autism. The goal is finding the right ‘intervention’, regardless of what it’s called – treatments aka services, aka programs, aka therapies, aka interventions.
Start where you are. In other words, where you live, the age and stage of your child, your resources, and your support system. Don’t forget to ask – How long before we can expect to see results? What ‘target behaviors’ are we focusing on? How much money should we budget for your program?
Always try FREE programs first. Explore and keep notes on what you find and how you feel this service will ‘fit’ with your child and your family. Again, prioritizing your wants and needs, and your child’s wants and needs are a necessary ‘first’. Try asking for a ‘trial period’.
Note: For further information on ‘alternative therapy’ go to MENU for Know Autism, Know Your Child with < My Thoughts > by Sara Luker. Read online here, under UNIT 7 – 0 Who May Help? CHAPTER 1 – INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS & TREATMENTS, CHAPTER 2 – THERAPIES, CHAPTER 3 – OTHER THERAPIES, UNIT 7 – 4 Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAMs), Section 4: CAMs.
End of excerpts from this book by Liz Cademy.
Thank you for reading and sharing my BLOGs. Comments are welcomed, to be viewed and answered privately. My goal is to assist families, clinicians, educators, and all people ‘autism’, to continue their journey on the Autism Highway. At the end of each website Extended Book Review, please find a source to have the whole book to read.
Regards,
Sara Luker
Paid Link Disclosure -
These Extended Book Reviews have an Amazon Link for actual book purchases. Please read this Paid Link Disclosure AKA Affiliate Links Disclosure:
Sometimes there are paid links, also known as affiliate links, used on this site. My website, www.sarasautismsite.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
I may earn or receive a small paid commission from referrals for book purchases made through posts, pages, and links on this site. But I try to remain unbiased and I do not accept paid reviews. All opinions expressed here are my own.
There is no extra cost to you when purchases are made using the provided links. By using the links I provide you agree that you’ve read this paid link disclosure statement.
Thank you!
Sara Luker
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