Reviewed by Siobhan Johnson on 09-Apr-2018

When someone can write something that you instantly completely relate to it's a very calming , reassuring and refreshing. It’s not that often i pick up a book autistic people experiences and actually completely agree with the advice given. Emma has given fantastic advice in in this book it's honest, its real i really appreciate at that. When we can open up who we are on the level she has this book is when we can be open and honest with ourselves and our children as the beautiful individuals we are. 10/10

Reviewed by Michael Page on 17-Mar-2018

This is a beautifully written book which gives the parents of autistic children the tools to hear their children's voices. It will turn despair into pride and confusion into understanding. I'm an autistic adult - this book says what I wanted to say as a child.

Reviewed by Joana Mateus on 08-Jan-2018

Absolutely love this book. I get back to it time and again! Emma Dalmayne has done an amazing job translating the issues those on the spectrum often grapple with and also offers a healthy, loving approach towards making these more manageable. It's a must have for any parent of autistic children. It's also a real bonus that it is written by an autistic person who is also a mother of autistic children herself.

Reviewed by Jeannie ONeill on 09-May-2017

I love this book. As a parent of neurodiverse children understanding my children is extremely important. I want them all to be happy and understanding their needs and wants is not an easy task. Emma shines a light to help guide your own path or your path along side your child.😍

Reviewed by Michelle Druitt on 07-May-2017

This book is a GODSEND to the Parents and caregivers of autistic people. Ms Emma, has provided insight and understanding where there was none. She's answered questions that will keep us in touch with what most Autistic people experience on a daily basis. Im an TRULY GRATEFUL to her for writing this book.

Reviewed by Dawn Pickles on 26-Jul-2016

Simple, clear and concise, this book is invaluable for anyone who wants more information about supporting autistic children or adults. I was a little surprised when I received it, to see how short it was - it's only 36 pages. However, it soon became apparent that this makes the book very easy to read and understand, whilst packing in a lot of very useful information. Each of the 10 chapters look at a different issue - meltdowns, stimming, transitions etc and it is broken down into sections - My Experiences, Information and Advice. This gives you a good understanding of what happens, why it happens and what you can do to help. It’s written in clear unambiguous language. It’s presented in an easy to read format. It doesn’t explore things in vast amounts of detail, it doesn’t cover everything, it just focuses on the absolute basics and does that very well. Not everything will be applicable to everyone and there were a couple of bits that I didn't agree with, but the advice is enough to be able to generalise it and adapt it to suit your own family. I have been working with parents of autistic children for 15 years and am a parent myself. This book joins my list of highly recommended books for parents.

Reviewed by Kath Baker on 15-May-2016

A friend showed me this book when I was at a low ebb. It is TRUE and valuable, respectful and eye-opening. I don't recommend many books to new friends and colleagues - but this is one I do!

Reviewed by Jo Harris on 13-May-2016

A little book with a huge impact. Life-changing, not only for parents of autistics but for autistic adults like me who were never taught how to take care of their own sensory needs. It taught me so much i never knew about myself and I'm the one experiencing it!

Reviewed by David Greis on 06-May-2016

Emma, I wanted to tell you that I purchased and read your book You've put words to what I found indescribable; there are so few who could do that I am going to recommend this book to my professors, and I am going to suggest it be included in the curriculum I have read too many 'Autism Help' guides written by NTs who are so cold and clinical, and reading them made me feel hurt, and degraded And I questioned my professors about them The response is always the same, 'These works are the industry standard' Please keep fighting; you could change everything

Reviewed by Maxine Groves (Booklover Catlady Reviews) on 14-Apr-2016

I read this book from two perspectives. One as an adult with Aspergers and also as a parent of a teenage son with Aspergers. I have also had lots of experience training young adults on the Autism Spectrum in relation to employment and life skills. Emma's book is very uncomplicated which in my opinion is what a lot of parents and educators are looking for. The book breaks down different aspects of life with Autism and explains how that can be for the Autistic person also offering helpful tips and information along the way. Challenges faced as an Autistic person are tackled and some of those issues can be the same and some can change as the Autistic person changes from childhood to adulthood. Emma has certainly been able to draw on her own life experiences as an Autistic woman and also a parent of children on the Autism Spectrum. I champion books like Emma's as what better insight can you get into the world of Autism than from someone who lives with it everyday? I love her non-fuss writing style and lack of psycho-babble that can really put parents and educators off a lot of books as it just gets too confusing. Five stars for this great book! I wish I had this one when my son first got diagnosed at age 7 (he is now 16), it would have been invaluable. I will be recommending this book to the many Facebook groups I run for Autistic adults and parents. As a top ranked book reviewer you can find more of my book reviews at: www.facebook.com/BookloverCatlady

Reviewed by Paul Wady on 10-Apr-2016

A cleverly written book which works as much for adults as it does children. The most explicit and helpful breakdown I have yet found that is so succinct, on so many issues all of us on the spectrum have faced. Very detailed and effective in the way it describes meltdown, sensory issues and everything you will find in it. Well done Emma.

Reviewed by sarah james on 05-Apr-2016

Absolutely fantastic a great resource for us to share with friends and family thank you Emma Dalmayne and family and friends! Has opened my eyes to a few things for not only why my little man does things but also perhaps why I do too! Thank you x

Reviewed by Camilla Hagstroem on 05-Apr-2016

A very very good little book! Easy to read, and filled with great and helpful information for any person involved with autistic individuals, or a person who are sensing they might be on the spectrum. I would love to help translate it to Danish and Swedish, so it can be a great handbook for schools, kindergartens and parents, relatives and others in these two countries as well. Great job Emma on also using personal experience! Also: love the pictures. This book is really a positive addition to help us understand it!

Reviewed by Jules Curtis Akers on 09-Mar-2016

This is an exceptional and vital addition to the body of work on autism and it is for this reason: It is written by a women who has 'been there and done that' as an autistic person and mother of autistic children- without a shred of self pity or resentment. We desperately need more writers like this: writers who celebrate their identity and have a passion for spreading knowledge and acceptance. It is perhaps the best and certainly the most readable of the 'easy reference' works on the subject. As an autistic person, parent, nurse and teacher I recommend this without reservation.

Reviewed by Olympia Ellinas on 04-Mar-2016

Very clear descriptions on different aspects of autism. I understood myself better as well (I'm autistic) by reading this book. Also concise and to the point.

Reviewed by Steve Silberman, author of "NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and How to Think Smarter About People Who Think Differently" on 25-Feb-2016

A sensible, earnest, succinct, and compassionate book from the autistic mom of neurodivergent kids. Dalmayne's easy-to-grasp explanations cast light into complex behaviors like meltdowns and sensory play from the inside, allowing even neurotypical parents to understand what's going on in the minds of their kids on the spectrum as they face the challenges of daily life. With endearing illustrations by Dalmayne's son Raphelle.

Reviewed by Kerry Timbrell on 17-Feb-2016

I love this book. It's very well written & the author offers a true insight into how to understand autism. Great illustrations too. I'd recommend this book for parents, schools & workplaces to understand autism.

Reviewed by Donna Armitage on 17-Feb-2016

Amazingly insightful and very helpful, written with love and care towards our special kiddos

Reviewed by Cathy Withnell on 16-Feb-2016

This amazing book is full of essential information, from an Autistic perspective. It is laid out in clear, easy to read chapters, nicely illustrated and has real user friendly appeal. The info and solutions are based on real life experiences and give very good insight into the lives of the Autistic person. Its things that everyone should know, but of particular importance for parents, carers and family who are directly involved in the well-being of those on the Spectrum. In fact, I would also imagine it would be useful for the professional services , because lots of the info in this book will not be in the training manuals for the simple reason that they are not written by Autistics!! Some Autists do not have forms of communication - this book speaks for them, and offers a wealth of usual suggestions which will make their lives easier, and so happier - and help us all to identify more closely with these most amazing children and adults.

Reviewed by Heather Beattie on 15-Feb-2016

A fantastic easy to read book for both parents and teachers. Emma has a talent of being able to explain meltdowns, sensory issues and other aspects of life which autistic people often present, from her personal experience. The key to helping autistic kids in life, and helping them achieve their potential it is essential to understand why they might be displaying these traits and behaviours. This knowledge can help both the child and parent/teacher with day to day life.