Making Peace with Autism: One Family's Story of Struggle, Discovery, and Unexpected Gifts

Receiving a diagnosis of autism is a major crisis for parents and families, who often feel as if their world has come to an end. In this insightful narrative, a courageous and inspiring mother explains why a diagnosis of autism doesn't have to shatter a family's dreams of happiness. Senator offers the hard-won, in-the-trenches wisdom of someone who's been there and is still there today—and she demonstrates how families can find courage, contentment, and connection in the shadow of autism.



In Making Peace with Autism, Susan Senator describes her own journey raising a child with a severe autism spectrum disorder, along with two other typically developing boys. Without offering a miracle treatment or cure, Senator offers valuable strategies for coping successfully with the daily struggles of life with an autistic child.



Along the way she models the combination of stamina and courage, openness, and humor that has helped her family to survive—and even to thrive. Topics include: the agony of diagnosis, grieving and acceptance, finding the right school program, helping siblings with their struggles and concerns, having fun together, and keeping the marriage strong.

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• No Longer A SECRET: Unique Common Sense Strategies for Children with Sensory or Motor Challenges
• Case-Smith's Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents
• Play in Occupational Therapy for Children
• Best Practices for Occupational Therapy in Schools, 2nd Ed.
• What Color Is Your Brain? When Caring for Patients: An Easy Approach for Understanding Your Personality Type and Your Patient's Perspective
• The Autism Mom's Survival Guide (for Dads, too!): Creating a Balanced and Happy Life While Raising a Child with Autism
• Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents (Case Review)
• Best Practices for Occupational Therapy in Schools
• Infant and Child Feeding and Swallowing: Occupational Therapy Assessment and Intervention