Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home And Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family Paperback – June 1, 2005

Still reading through and marking notable points. Very enlightening as written from a mother’s exoerience. Helping to understand some of the complexities of Aspergers.

"Finding Our Way" by Kristi Sakai in an excellent book for parents about raising an Asperger's child. She offers experiences from her own life and her three (yes three!) Asperger kids with a great sense of humor. Mrs. Sakai answers a lot of questions that parents who have Asperger's ask themselves about Why did this happened? and Am I a bad parent?. She covers all areas of the family life such as:Chapter 1: Who Are You? Tools for Navigating the Inner World of the Asperger ParentChapter 2: Don't Leave Home Without It! The Asperger's Parent Survival Kit: Tools for Effective ParentingChapter 3: One Pie, Too Many Slices! Tools for Meeting Everyone's NeedsChapter 4: Reaching Out: Tools for Building a Community of SupportChapter 5: A Marriage of Inconvenience: Tools for Building a Relationship with the SchoolChapter 6: Sanctuary: Tools for Creating a Comfortable Home EnvironmentI especially liked that Mrs. Sakai talks about the grief period when a parent gets the diagnosis. As she so elegantly states: "Mourning the loss of the dreams you had for your child doesn't mean you will be frozen in grief. It means you are facing your fears and the significance of what has happened to you and your family before moving on to the next step."While reading the book I felt that Mrs. Sakai was holding my hand, but also making me chuckle and letting me know that everything will be okay. I think it is a must read for all people regardless of whether they have an Asperger child or not. It would definitely help those who don't have a peek into the world of those who do and maybe be a little more patient and understanding.

This is a must read for anyone who loves or cares for a child with asperger syndrome, be they parent, teacher, paraprofessional, babysitter, grandparent, Sunday School teacher or doctor. Written by one who has been down in the trenches and knows, this book is packed full of logical, doable and compassionate systems which parents can easily master in order to facilitate a more enjoyable existence for the whole family. You will feel like you have a found a new friend as you laugh at her poignant insights and find comfort in the shared experiences of aspergers. Evaluators and doctors would do well to hand this one out to parents of newly diagnosed children to serve as a soft cushion to ease the fall from what can be a devastating diagnosis. Ms. Sakai is a true friend who will help light a path to a way through what can be a dark time and find solace on the other side. Bravo!

Wonderful book stuffed full of easy and practical advice. I couldn't put it down. It's fun writing style makes turning each page a treat in itself. It's obvious why this book won the 06 ASA Literary Work of the Year. It's a gem! If you like books on autism, this is a very practical book. ENJOY!!

As a parent of 2 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a Councilor/Commissioner for several organizations I found this to be the most helpful and pleasant book I have read. The practical ideas for daily living are very doable. This book offers hope and humor for parents, professionals and those who care about people with ASD's and their families. Even my husband, who has an Asperger's DX says that he has learned something about himself by reading this book. And I learned that my husband can actually read a book cover to cover when he really wants too. I already own two copies of this book and both are already loaned out to others. I recommend this book as a staple to every Autism/Asperger library.

What a wonderful and insightful book. Kristi Sakai brings the reader into the world of the family with Asperger Syndrome. She makes you laugh and cry as she shares her experiences and ideas in the home. This is a must have for families so they can see that they are not alone and teachers need to read this so they can better understand what they family is going through and how they can support each other.

It takes a wise person to see the good news in the great struggles of living and Kristi Sakai has done it. Without offering any pat answers or any new "isms" she is able to show families with children with Asperger Syndrome what it means to not only survive but thrive. There is nothing in this book but good news and authentic observations. Obviously adept in the clinical and psychological issues affecting persons with AS, Mrs. Sakai takes you into her home and her heart and wants you to know that there is genuine hope and real help for you. Get it while you can. It's going fast, folks!

At times this book filled my eyes with tears. I felt like "this is a person that really understands what parents go through." Most books for parents are intervention centered. Although this book has many useful interventions for the home, it really lifts your soul at the same time. Parents really need encouragement from other parents from time to time. This book is also funny. The author included many stories that will make you laugh. I will pass along this book title to all parents I meet dealing with Asperger syndrome in their family!! I promise that you will not want to put it down!