Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum: Overcoming the Challenges and Celebrating the Gifts

Parents of girls on the autism spectrum often wish their daughters were celebrated for their talents, rather than discouraged for their differences. They recognise that their children's unique natures may make them distinctive in some ways, but resent labels such as 'disabled' and 'disorder' being applied to their daughters. This book is a celebration of all the wonderful and unexpected gifts that having daughters on the autism spectrum can bring to your life. Each chapter explores a topic of concern, offering encouragement and guidance on common issues such as school, friendships, meltdowns, special gifts, family relationships, therapies and interventions. Having daughters on the spectrum presents unique and rewarding challenges and this book is packed with friendly advice and real life examples from a mother who has experienced it all first hand. The hopeful perspective given in this book is guaranteed to offer much appreciated comfort to parents, grandparents and family members. It will provide educators and anyone who cares for girls on the spectrum with an insight into what life is like for these extraordinary girls and their parents.

Eileen Riley-Hall is the mother of two teenage girls.  She is a high school English teacher at an inclusive public school in New York State and has worked with special needs students from preschool through to high school, in various settings, for over 25 years.