Understanding and Navigating Autism : A Practical Guide for Families, Educators, and Individuals

• This book provides a comprehensive guide to autism, covering its understanding, practical strategies for living with it, and pathways to thriving.

• It's structured in three parts: understanding autism (definition, brain differences, causes, diagnosis), living with autism (communication, sensory sensitivities, behavior management, education, daily living skills, family support), and thriving with autism (adulthood, neurodiversity, self-advocacy, resources).

• The book emphasizes a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach.

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, and restricted/repetitive behaviors.

• These differences vary widely, impacting daily life to different degrees.

• The autistic brain processes information uniquely, often involving sensory sensitivities (hyper- or hyposensitivity).

• Communication challenges in autism are not deficits but different ways of expressing oneself, aided by visual supports like schedules, social stories, and AAC systems.