Section I: Parenting children on the autism spectrum. Meltdowns -- Outings -- Childcare and respite -- Doctor visits -- "Invisible" autism: the unique isolation of "high functioning" -- Parenting your child's strengths (Children with autism spectrum disorder) -- Educational decisions -- Sleeplessness -- Extended family -- Bullying -- Stuck spots -- Section II: Parenting neurotypical siblings. Asymmetrical development -- "Autism-free" zones -- Parenting your child's strengths (neurotypical children) -- Fairness -- Message from a grown sibling -- Section III: Parent care and long-term health. Comparison -- Finding your parent-strengths -- Parent care -- What fills your tank? -- "I'm a dad, what can I do?" -- Marriage building -- For husbands -- Single parenting -- Laugh a little -- Appendix I: Note to grandparents -- Appendix 2: Parent checklist: "ready for a coach?" -- Appendix 3: Checklist for choosing a coach -- Appendix 4: "How can I help?" (a brief coaching exercise for friends and family).
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Parenting a child with autism can be isolating, draining, and stressful. Parenting a neurotypical child alongside them is even more complicated and confusing. Coach Yourself through the Autism Spectrum offers an opportunity to access your inner creativity, resourcefulness, strengths, and abilities in order to create positive change in your family. Short sections on common problems such as visits to the doctor, community outings, bullying and child care make this book easy to read from start to finish, or dip into as needed. There are tips for taking care of your own physical and emotional heal.