The Book Club selection on the Autism Spectrum Disorders site for February, 2006 will be Making Peace with Autism by Susan Senator.

This was released in 2005 based on the family's daily struggle raising their son who has autism along with two other male siblings. Readers will gain insight into the joys, struggles, school issues, doctor visits, family disputes, vacations, holidays and family gatherings that arise through the years - from childhood into the pre-teenage period.

You will be reminded of your own family experiences when first learning of the diagnosis, visiting schools, informing family members, daily errands, learning new terminology, deciding on medication, behavior issues and sibling rivalry.

This will also enable couples to glean from another perspective on dealing with feelings about the diagnosis, taking turns, supporting one another, encouraging hobbies and seeking help through a therapist.

The chapters cover:

The First School Programs
Hitting Bottom
A New Baby in the Family
Building a Strong Marriage within autism's turmoil
Just a Family

There is an appendix that contains a brief overview of treatments and interventions. Also a glossary with key terms used within the special education system. Resources include books and websites for futher assistance.

You will not be swayed to try one form of therapy over another, or learn of any cures to persue. The basis of Making Peace with Autism is giving parents tips for keeping the family intact, while reading how one family survives and manages to thrive having a member who is on the Autism Spectrum.


Within the chapters of Making Peace with Autism are charts summarizing how to achieve success with the following:

Preparing your child for the arrival of a New Baby
Deciding whether to use Medication
Beginning the Healing process as a Couple
How to set up Tutoring Sessions in your home
Tips on Leaving your Child with others
Strategies for the Hard and Hopeless days
Helping Siblings cope with their Feelings
Helpful Hints for Having an Effective School Evaluation


Susan Senator has a Blog for readers to keep up with the family and how life is going for the teenage years. Her husband, Ned also has a Blog that covers an aray of topics, including their son Nat, who is the one on the Autism Spectrum. Upcoming Events for Susan Senator

February, 2006