Positive Parenting for Autism

Book excerpt: Discover strengths-based strategies to help your child with autism build life skills starting today It can be a challenge to manage life as a special needs parent and feel like you are doing all you can to support your child’s growth and development. Positive Parenting for Autism offers proven techniques for helping your child with autism develop the foundational skills they need to thrive and live a fulfilling life. Using scientifically supported strategies based in applied behavior analysis (ABA), this practical guide provides concrete tools for developing personalized behavior change plans aimed at both increasing your child’s positive behaviors and decreasing unwanted or problem behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorders. Take a deep dive into topics like punishment alternatives, the power of reinforcement, communication and cooperation, and teaching complex behaviors in straightforward ways. All parenting books on autism should include: An introduction to ABA—Learn more about applied behavior analysis, including how and why it’s used to treat people with autism, how you can get your child on board, and what you need to get started. Strengths-based strategies—Explore techniques that are positive and strengths-based, rather than punishing or pathologizing, so your child is empowered to meet, and even exceed, the goals you envision for them. Examples of ABA in practice—Read real-life examples of these techniques in action to help you understand how these new skills and strategies address the everyday situations you and your child with autism face. Support your child with autism as they build necessary social and life skills with help from these practical, evidence-based techniques.