The Everything Parent's Guide To Children With Asperger's Syndrome by William Stillman Summary

This practical handbook helps parents navigate Asperger's Syndrome diagnoses, manage sensory triggers, prevent meltdowns, and advocate for their child's needs. It combines clinical insights with actionable strategies for school success, family education, and accessing support networks, with updated content on social interactions and educational planning.

Parents of children aged 5-12 newly diagnosed with Asperger's, educators working with neurodivergent students, and family members seeking to understand ASD. The book is particularly valuable for those needing step-by-step guidance on school advocacy and daily routine management.

Yes – it’s praised for transforming clinical terminology into relatable advice, with 87% of Goodreads reviewers rating it 4+ stars. Parents appreciate its emphasis on reframing "disabilities" as unique abilities and its actionable checklists for IEP meetings.

It provides templates for communicating with teachers, strategies for managing classroom sensory overload, and guidance on securing accommodations. Specific sections address homework routines, recess challenges, and transitioning between classrooms.

The book identifies common triggers like fluorescent lighting or sudden schedule changes and offers prevention plans using visual schedules, "quiet zone" setups, and precursor identification. Case studies show how to de-escalate situations without punishment.

As founder of Pennsylvania’s Autism Self Advocacy Coalition and a developmental disabilities consultant, Stillman combines 20+ years of professional expertise with firsthand insights from neurodivergent individuals.

While focused on elementary-age children, revised editions include brief sections on puberty, high school transitions, and college preparation. Readers note supplemental resources are needed for older teens.

It lists national advocacy organizations, therapy options (OT, speech), and how to evaluate local support groups. The “Educating Family and Friends” chapter includes scripts for explaining ASD to siblings.

Unlike sensory-focused Out-of-Sync Child or gender-specific Aspergirls, Stillman’s guide emphasizes practical parent advocacy and reframing ASD traits as strengths. It’s often paired with Tony Attwood’s clinical manuals.

Key concepts include “emotional thermometers” for self-regulation and “social scripting” for interactions. The “Ability vs Disability” reframing technique helps parents identify their child’s learning superpowers.

Some reviewers note limited coverage of co-occurring conditions like ADHD or anxiety. The 2010 revision added content but still focuses heavily on elementary-school scenarios.

It includes a trigger identification checklist, DIY sensory toolkit ideas (weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones), and environment modification tips for homes/classrooms. Real-life examples show successful implementation.