“Even though autism is now a household word, many people do not understand the first thing about it.” ~Dr. B “Stars in Her Eyes”
I have always had a love for working with children with autism and other severe and profound delays/disorders. I love that each child is incredibly unique and incredible in their own special way. I currently work with 16 children who are diagnosed with autism. Each of these children are incredibly special to me and the reason why my job as a Speech-Language Pathologist is so unique and why each day brings a new adventure.
In the relatively few years that I have been a practicing Speech-Language Pathologist, I have worked with and met people of every degree of knowledge on the subject of autism from knowing it in term only to having spent their entire careers working with individuals with the diagnosis of autism. Parents, teachers, therapists, family members, and the public have a different view of and comfort level with these individuals. I have seen first-hand what a well-informed parent or teacher can do for a child with autism. I have also seen what damage a person without this knowledge level can do.
While I was in college, I had the extreme privilege of having Dr. Linda Barboa as a professor. Today she releases her book, “Stars in Her Eyes: Navigating the Maze of Childhood Autism” with contributing author Elizabeth Obrey. It is described as a book designed to help parents and teachers navigate the dizzying maze of autism. This book includes narratives from four contributing authors who have “been there and done that”: a speech-language pathologist, a teacher, a parent with 2 children on the spectrum, and a psychologist with children on the spectrum. These contributors are very honest and direct in explaining their opinions, advice, and unique views of many areas. This book discusses the following areas:
- Red Flags: Communication, Sensory Issues, & Social Skills
- You are Not Alone – Know Your Team Members: Educational Professionals, Medical Professionals, Community, The Parents’ Role
- Interventions: Behavioral, Programs Based on Learning Theories, & Biomedical
- Schools: Choosing & Programming
- Resources: Your Rights, Respite Care, Camps, Funding
- Home Life: Self-Care, Disruptive Behaviors, Family Life, & Relationships.
- Final Thoughts, Suggested Readings, and more!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Stars in Her Eyes is a book which makes you feel as if you’ve been invited to chat with the authors and contributors over a cup of coffee about all of the ins and outs of having or working with a child with autism. Throughout the pages I saw bits and pieces of the students that I work with each day. I felt, as a therapist, that I better understand the point of view of parents after reading this book. I don’t believe that I have found another book which marries all viewpoints of therapists, parents, and educators as well as this does. It is a book that should be read by and shared with anybody who knows a person who has been diagnosed with autism. It will most definitely be one that I recommend to parents of newly-diagnosed children with autism as well as seasoned therapists and educators.
“For the larger community, education is the only avenue to autism awareness. Understanding does not come quickly, as it is a complex disorder. It falls to those of us who live in a world touched by autism to enlighten those on the outside peeking in. Whether you are a parent, teacher, student or friend, you can spread the information that will educate the world about autism.”~Dr. B, Stars in Her Eyes
To read more about this book, including excerpts, visit Tate Publishing.
Stars in Her Eyes can be purchased at Amazon:
Dr. Barboa has offered a copy of this incredible new book for a giveaway! Enter below for a chance to win a copy of Stars in Her Eyes: Navigating the Maze of Childhood Autism!
Disclosure: A copy of this book was provided for review. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are that of the blog author.
I think my husband could benefit from reading this book. He’s a high school teacher and sometimes needs to be reminded about special education and the issues students and parents face.
I would benefit from reading it because it has been a number of years since I have worked with children with autism on a regular basis.
All educators should read this, they will all encounter these students.
awesome
I’ve started teaching a Social Thinking group this year. This would be interesting and helpful to read.
My SLP grad student daughter:)