Parenting ASD Teens: A Guide to Making it Up As You Go

This straight-talking and accessible guide for parents of teenagers on the autism spectrum provides down-to-earth advice on coping with the more difficult issues that can arise at home and school during the adolescent years. Andrew Schlegelmilch discusses common parenting challenges and offers advice drawn from his extensive experience working with teenagers with autism and their families as Head Psychologist at a college preparatory school. He offers parents professional guidance on what to do about falling grades, how to handle adolescent tantrums, how to talk about sex and sexuality with your child, how to help your child with peer relationships, how to keep your child safe online, and what to do if you suspect your child has mental health problems. Integral to the discussion is how to set realistic expectations and encourage independence in ways that work for both your child with autism and the rest of the family, as well as how to make the best use of the help professionals can offer.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements. Preface. Section A: Getting to Know Your Teen. 1. What are Autism Spectrum Disorders? 2. Assessing Strengths and Deficits. 3. Why Your Brilliant Child is Struggling in High School. 4. What Should You Expect from Your ASD Teen? Section B: Growth and Development. 5. What Happens When a Child Becomes an Adolescent (Who is Bigger than You)? 6. Rules, Justice, and the Search for Peace. 7. Morality and Being a Good Person. 8. The Adolescent Fixation, Being Stuck, and the Freeze Response. Section C: Relationships: 9. Sex, Sexuality, and Romantic Relationships. 10. Vertical Relationship Management. 11. Peers, Friends, and Enemies (Lateral Relationship Management). 12. Social Media and Text-Based Communication. Section D: Parents and Professionals. 13. Mental Health. 14. Transitions. References.

About the Author :
Andrew Schlegelmilch, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and consultant in private practice who specializes in working with children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. He previously worked as Head Psychologist at Orion Academy in Moraga, California, a college preparatory high school for adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome, Non-verbal Learning Disability, and other related neurocognitive disorders. He has completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Applewood Centers, Cleveland, Ohio, an urban community mental health center where he did individual and group therapy and diagnostic assessments. He lives in San Francisco, California.

Review :
The strength of Schlegelmilch's writing is in his not-the-typical-autism-professional voice-one that is no-nonsense, down-to-earth, and clear as a bell. Mix that in with his deep understanding of ASD and the whole teenage "thing", seasoned with wry asides and warmed with compassion, and you have a highly useful, compelling and unusual book. Andrew Schlegelmilch's new book, Parenting ASD Teens is a clear, detailed, and a much-needed look at parenting of teens on the spectrum. His years of experience with ASD teens and their parents at Orion Academy come through in the realistic information and the thoughtful, professional discussion. This is a must-read book for both parents and clinicians living and working with this population. While the title of Dr Schlegelmilch's book is Parenting ASD Teens, this volume is a wealth of information and advice useful to any parent or professional who works with teens or adults. He is extremely knowledgeable and obviously cares for these kids. I would recommend the book as a preparation for parents for the many challenges and changes that life will bring. It covers a breadth of topics, both outside and inside of the classroom. This is stuff we as parents and professionals need to know. He has a subtle sense of humor that will hit home with any parent or teacher. Educational, insightful, and encouraging. In Parenting ASD Teens, Dr Schlegelmilch gives valuable information regarding the challenges facing adolescent ASD teens and young adults. Dr. Schlegelmilch offers practical advice about how ASD teens learn and grow towards independence. I would strongly recommend this book to parents. ...for any parent of a teen on the Autism Spectrum and comes from a psychologist who offers guidance on difficult issues that go beyond adolescent rebellion and include ASD special concerns. From behavior problems and school struggles to helping a child develop social consideration, this is a 'must' for any who have an ASD child and are looking ahead to the turbulent teen years and how to cope with an Autism child entering these years. This book is full of advice on raising a teen with autism. The author acknowledges how difficult it can be for a parent to get it right...This can be very helpful for a parent who wants to understand what is being said about their son or daughter...Different terms for Autism are explained... This book is full of practical advise for parents and carers of autistic teens. With Andrew Schlegelmilch's book I found he gave a brilliant insight into the whys and wherefores of children's behaviours who were both ASD and Neurotypical... It clarified many things for me... This book is relevant to anybody who would like a better understanding of teenagers with ASD.