Parenting Across the Autism Spectrum: Unexpected Lessons We Have Learned

Morrell and Palmer met two decades ago in a support group for mothers of autistic children. Their sons are on opposite ends of the autism spectrum; one is highly active and requires constant supervision at the residential farm community where he lives, the other is quiet and passive and is living independently at college. The authors take advantage of their "empty nest" time to reflect on the challenges of raising their autistic sons. Discussion includes life after diagnosis; specific challenges to marriage, siblings, and extended family; the importance of self-care; and thoughts on dealing with the public and advocating for the children, among other topics. The authors extract lessons from their narratives to be of use to parents of recently diagnosed autistic children. Both women are associated with the Autism Society of North Carolina. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Maureen F. Morrell is married with three sons; Justin, the oldest at 28, has autism and lives and works in a residential farm community. Maureen has a background in nursing and public health, and has been active in advocacy for individuals with ASD and their families for over 20 years. She has served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) and in 1998 received ASNC's Parent of the Year Award. Ann Palmer is married with three children, one of whom, Eric, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. He is now 24. She has 13 years' experience working with families of individuals with autism at Division TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children). Ann coordinated a volunteer parent mentor program that provided support to over 800 families in North Carolina. In her current role as Director of Chapter Relations for the Autism Society of NC, she coordinates over 40 parent support groups throughout the state. She is also the author of Realizing the College Dream with Autism or Asperger Syndrome, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.