From my Reading List: Parenting a Child with Autism by Richard Bass

Parenting a Child with Autism

by Richard Bass

This book moved around my house as I prioritized reading it during spare moments throughout the weeks. I adopted a new strategy: whenever I spotted it, I chose to read a few pages instead of falling into the social media scrolling trap. It worked! Within a few weeks, I finished the book, eager to apply what I learned both in my daily life and on this blog.

And then, as he often does, Dawson surprised me.

One day, while driving, he asked about “that book I had on the table—the one about having kids with autism.” I hadn’t expected him to notice, so it took me a moment to process his question. When I asked if he was okay with me reading it, he replied that he was happy I was. He even shared that he had read a few sentences and thought, “It sounded like they really knew what they were talking about!” I’m not sure what he read, but it opened my eyes to something I hadn’t considered: when Dawson sees me investing in learning about how his brain and body work, he feels special, treasured, and prioritized.

Overview

As someone who isn’t a strong reader, I typically avoid calling a book “an easy read,” as that term often frustrates me. However, I found this book engaging and paced in a way that kept my interest.

Bass thoughtfully explores the foundational aspects of autism spectrum disorder while intertwining the realities of raising a child on the spectrum. This book affirmed much of what I had previously learned and introduced me to new concepts and strategies. If you’re working with individuals on the spectrum, whether as a parent or educator, I highly recommend this book to enhance your understanding and strategies.

Top Five Reasons to Read This Book

1. Understanding the Types of Autism: This book breaks down the five types of autism, which I wasn’t aware existed. Bass reaffirms the reality of the spectrum while explaining the traits of each type—fascinating information! For reference, Dawson would best be defined as Level 1 ASD (previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome).

2. Insightful Perspectives: Starting on page 14, Bass shares insights on “What It’s Really Like for a Child with Autism.” He effectively describes many experiences I’ve encountered while supporting children on the spectrum. My favorite part of this section is on page 19, where Bass presents scenarios that encourage readers to consider the perspectives of both the parent and the child.

3. Sensory Processing: As someone particularly fascinated by sensory processing, I appreciated the detailed breakdown of how sensory experiences impact behavior in Chapter 5. Even with my background knowledge in this area, I found myself underlining and tagging many pages. Bass has a gift for explaining complex systems in an accessible way.

4. Addressing Anxiety: A relatable topic for our family is anxiety. Bass does a commendable job outlining coexisting conditions, such as anxiety, providing basic overviews and practical support strategies for autistic individuals facing these challenges.

5. Targeted Guidance for Parents: It’s evident that this book is aimed at the average parent wanting to better understand their autistic child’s needs. Bass structures the content to help readers build a foundational understanding of autism and practical strategies for supporting their children in various settings.

On the back cover, Bass promotes the book with the phrase, “Discover how to make a difference in your child’s life and help them cope with daily life in a healthy way.” I wholeheartedly agree—not only does this book deliver on that promise, but it also deepens understanding to guide parents as their children grow and develop.

You can access your copy of Parenting a Child with Autism by Richard Bass here.

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