Autism: Becoming A Professional Parent: Exploring the Sensory World of Autism

“I find the book one of the best I have read, it does not “explain” autism, but rather aims for parents to “understand” autism. Olga focuses on issues of great relevance to autistic individuals and provide great advice to parents or caretakers.”
Manuel Casanova (Professor of Biomedical Sciences, State Endowed Chair in Childhood Translational Neurotherapeutics at Prisma Health and at University Of South Carolina School of Medicine.)

The first part of this series (“Exploring the Sensory World of Autism”) covers a range of sensory perceptual issues, provides ideas and tips (how to help the child) and will help those who live with and/or work with autistic children. The author (both a parent and a professional) uses examples from her own life and combining with research to be able to give parents the know-how and relevant knowledge when it comes to sensory issues.

There are 12 chapters in the book. Each chapter is in two parts:

1. A personal story, illustrating one or two sensory problems, that are common in autism
2. Explanation of these phenomena, practical implications and ‘what and how to do’ sections:

• Notes in the Margin: explanation and additional information
• There is always a ‘but’: what else should be also taken into account
• Do’s and Don’t’s: Practical advice and tips (what can be done to help the child/ what should be avoided)
• Pause for Thought: Another personal story or an essay/blog to make the reader reflect on their own experiences.

Sharing her personal experiences (as a mother) with her son and (as a professional), Bogdashina takes each of sensory phenomena and shows how the ‘symptoms’ can be explained and what can be done to make the world comfortable for these very special children – thus, providing new ways to understand the sensory world of autism.

The book will be of interest not only to parents of children with autism, but also teachers, social workers and other specialists working with autistic individuals – they will benefit from learning about the parents’ experiences, problems and inspirations, and will benefit from the tips and suggestions to try in the classroom, respite care, etc.

Besides, those who want to know more about autism because they are interested in this condition or have friends who have a child with autism and want to understand and support them will also find many insights that shed light on what their friends experience in their everyday life.