Adolescents on the Autism
Spectrum: A Parents Guide to the
Cognitive, Social, Physical, and
Transition Needs ofTeenagers with
Autism Spectrum Disorders by
Chantal Sicile-Kira
Book Review
From the award-winning author of Autism Spectrum Disorders, comes
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, a complete guide to the cognitive,
emotional, social, and physical needs of preteens and teenagers with
autistic disorders, ranging from the relatively mild Aspergers Syndrome to
more severe ability impairment. Using clear examples, practical advice,
and supportive insights, this book covers:

- Health risks such as seizures and depression
- Treatments, therapies, and teaching strategies
- Teaching skills to cope with puberty, self-care, and social skills
- Teenage emotions, sexuality, appropriate relationships, and dating
- Middle school, high school, and developing an Individual Educational
Program
- Preparing for life after high school
Personal Review: Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A
Parents Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition
Needs ofTeenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Chantal
Sicile-Kira
I don't think that anyone in my family is on the autism spectrum, but it is a
part of life nonetheless. We all know people on the spectrum. My children
know kids at school and at church, etc., who have Aspergers. Autism is
here to stay, and it is only left to us to learn to understand it better.
Throughout the ages, great minds have reminded us to understand
humanity, from Lao-tzu to Alexander Pope and beyond. You may be
familiar with this concept in the quote, "The true science and the true
study of man is man" (Pope).
All this to say, it's not only the parents and teachers of AS children who
could do to read up on the subject. We all could use the insights. For
some people, a simple overview is sufficient, such as is found in one of the
newer books written for children. For others, if we are curious and
compassionate, perhaps, the subject becomes more interesting the more
we learn - and the field is young and growing fast.
Chantal Sicile-Kira is already an authority in this field. I have not read her
other book, Autism Spectrum Disorders, but I probably will eventually. I
am especially interested in the teen-aged individual right now, as we are
on the cusp of those years, and the people we will be encountering will be
the mainstreamed or mostly high functioning ones. One of the things that
makes this book so handy is the way it is laid out. There are many
sections and sub-sections, and variations in type face (not so much as to
be too busy on the page), and a generous amount of white space. It is
easy to read the parts that make sense, as well as to skim or skip entirely
the bits that may not be helpful at the moment. There is room for notes,
both penciled and sticky-paper. There is a rich and up-to-date bibliography
and an equally healthy index.

Puberty and the teen years can be a difficult and awkward period for
anyone. There are things that make it different for the AS child and his or
her family - and this book addresses a lot of those things, simply and
clearly. It also talks about planning for beyond high school, for recognizing
and fighting for a life and career where the AS individual can market and
use their particular skills, and not be relegated to low-paying, unsatisfying
jobs because of our general cultural impression of AS people as deficient
and untrainable. So many parents are so exhausted by the school and
socialization process that we forget to remember about life after high
school. We cannot afford to do that.
I have scanned a few more pages of the book to add to those that amazon
has up for viewing, and hope that you may find them helpful.
I have this book from the public library, on inter-library loan, but I could
easily see it becoming the pick on the subject - the title that one ends up
electing to purchase and have for a home copy.
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Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parents Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical,
and Transition Needs ofTeenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Chantal Sicile-
Kira 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price!