Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum: 101 Inspirational Stories for Parents of Children with Autism and Asperger's

I have only read 8 stories in the book so far but I have already shed tears. The fact that these stories can be so relatable yet ASD is such a wide range is amazing. As a mother with an autistic boy it has been such a struggle as I had him at the young age of 19. He’s now 13 and has come so far. He was diagnosed at the age of 2 and was completely non verbal (he had some words at 1 year but lost them all and would just high pitch scream) it was very hard being a young mom and hearing those words “your son has Autism” I was working as a CNA, I was going to school to become an MA and his dad was working on the road for weeks at a time. I muddled through getting the support I needed for him but it was hard. He went to a developmental school which couldn’t handle his behaviors. He ended up in a school that specializes in Autism and within 8 months he was talking in sentences. I never thought my child would be able to tell me about his day, ride a four wheeler, play soccer and today we are there. All I can say is being the parent of an autistic child is a blessing. He has taught me so many things and has changed my perspective on the world. God knew I needed him. This book is amazing, just to know I am not alone and doing the best I can makes the world of a difference.

As a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I appreciate many of the stories but found it somewhat limited. It was a great start but, I would love to read more of the very real and deep peaks and valley's of the autism experience. Maybe, I'll just contact Jack Canfield myself and share my ideas, ha ha. Very heart warming book though, I just thought it left out the more difficult aspects of raising a child on the spectrum which always disappoints me because, there are stories of the most heart wrenching behaviors (e.g., self injurious, perseveration, meltdowns) that children and their families have overcome and could spread hope to many that have none. Overall, the book is pleasant but unrealistic for the majority, I know this because, I am not only a mother, but also a professional advocate for special education. I have seen amazing things happen over time, and would love to start hearing those stories, because for most, the autism experience is anything but light hearted. However, the love and connection that can be found is profound.

Having a child on the autism spectrum is a shock to any parent. Here those parents tell you how they coped, and how they found hope in dealing with a child who does not fit the usual mold. These parents relate real life experiences with their children and do not gloss over the reality of their child being "different". . If you are a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, you will likely see your own life mirrored here. You will laugh and cry, and most important of all, you will come away knowing you are not alone in dealing with this situation. I recommend this book for parents of children with autism, and their extended family and friends. Family situations are warmly presented. Because this is a collection of many short stories , generally one or two pages long, busy parents can pick up and put down the book as time permits, another plus.

When it comes to ASD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, the key word that strikes me is spectrum. Such a huge range of stories and experiences! The Chicken Soup series is designed to be inspirational and uplifting, so it is no surprise that while many of the stories include pain, frustration, grief, and challenges, they tend to end in a positive way. I'm a "neuro-typical" mother, with an adult son who is also neuro-typical. However, there are ASD kids and parents of ASD kids, all around me, including four of my blog and Twitter friends who have stories in this anthology. My son has an adult half-brother on the spectrum, and my son talks with love, even excitement, about someday becoming his brother's literal "keeper," since it is unlikely his brother will ever be able to live on his own. While many of the heartwarming stories were things most parents could relate to, clearly, raising a child on the spectrum brings with it many special challenges as well as rewards. I applaud the parents, siblings, teachers, and others who have a beloved family member on the spectrum, who focus on the silver linings instead of the dark clouds. Still, I cannot help but be troubled by a) the growing percentage of the population with these disorders, and b) the support system that isn't, really - great in some places, almost totally missing in others. While with therapy and assistance many children on the spectrum grow up to be independent, self-sufficient adults who are a HUGE asset to their communities, others will never be able to live independently - and then what? Since parents generally die before their children, and grow infirm sometime before that, what are we planning to DO with these people? They don't all have siblings or other relatives willing and able to bring them into their homes. This is something we as a society need to think about, talk about, and plan for, sooner, rather than later. I think for parents, siblings, teachers, and others with an ASD family member, this book will be a treasured "We Are Not Alone" collection of stories that will be read and reread. As someone touched by ASD in a less direct way, I still enjoyed the anthology, and hope many others will pick it up for a deeper understanding of these men, women, and children on the spectrum who are part of our world.

My son is on the spectrum. He is 4 now. I recommend this book to EVERYONE. Weather your a parent, family member, caregiver or just want to know what it's like to be in the shoes of someone who has a child one the spectrum. This book has stories that every parent can relate to no matter the severity of the diagnosis. And help you understand more of what other may be going through. Also give some tips and insight if you are discouraged. It is wonderful.

Good book so far

I am thoroughly enjoying this book! Having an autistic daughter the short stories are making me smile and think "I've been there and done that!" It is useful to know that other parents are struggling in the same way that I did and I know that there is light at the end of the tunnel for them. So many of the examples are similar to my experiences with my daughter. So ... for families with autistic children it is a super book to help as a reminder of their special attributes. For other people who are interested in autism then it is a fantastic insight into how families have to cope with their children.

A great read! I have a son with ASD and this book gave me a few tips and more hope for him!

Not quite what I was expecting from Chicken Soup For The Soul - took be right back to the unbelievably emotional harsh beginning, guided me through to the often confusing and fustrating realities of the present and will no doubt help me also into the future.

Great book!