Parenting Girls on the Autism Spectrum

Mostly it's about Eileen Riley-Hall's experiences with her daughters but it's also chock full of websites and other resources to help you along the way. I can't say enough about how helpful she is in her book. -- One Girl Circus blog Riley-Hall comes across as a strong, loving mother who has much to share and her experiences and outlook would no doubt be an inspiration to many. -- asteens Eileen Riley-Hall has produced a book full of pride but without a hint of vanity. This is a mother whose pride in her, each very different, daughters jumps off the page...I felt I'd got to know a family, was given a glimpse into a loving relationship between a devoted mum and her girls and was left wanting to get to know them better still. For this reason and that Eileen Riley-Hall's voice is a much needed one of balance and pride, I'm hoping for a follow up. -- Autismum blog If you have a daughter with autism or Asperger's syndrome, this book will be your primary source of information and inspiration as well as becoming your 'best friend' who understands and supports you. -- Tony Attwood, Clinical Psychologist and author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome Eileen Riley-Hall, a parent of two girls on the autism spectrum, has demonstrated with great clarity the differences between girls and boys on the spectrum. Her book addresses the complexities of girls being a 'minority in a minority group'. Without doubt her book is inspiring, positive and practical providing excellent tips on living with, understanding and supporting girls on the spectrum. A must read for all of us who care about this 'hidden' group. -- Dr Judith Gould, Clinical Psychologist and Director of the NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism Eileen shares with her readers the unique experiences of females with ASDs and the challenges that they and their families face; challenges such as minority status within a minority, social expectations for females to be good at social-communication, the risks of depression and anxiety, handling mean girls who bully in ways that are different than the bullying of boys, hygiene and fashion, and making friends. Whether your daughter is a spunky spitfire or a quiet little lady, you will find her somewhere in Eileen's words, and I guarantee that you will not feel alone. -- from the Foreword by Shana Nichols, clinical psychologist, Owner and Director of the ASPIRE Centre for Learning and Development, New York State and author of Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum. Eileen Riley-Hall has encouraged her daughters to grow into beautiful and delightful young women and has developed distinctive strategies to develop their potential. -- Gayle Buckley MD, paediatrician, New York state Eileen Riley-Hall writes as an old hand, reassuring new recruits that they, too, will survive the shock of getting a diagnosis, and showing them how to be their own child's advocate, while maintaining a healthy balance in their own lives, and the on-going life of their family. This is a heartening, and at the same time no-nonsense look at what it means to be the parent of not one, but two daughters on the autism spectrum. The author speaks with the insight, compassion, and wisdom that only come from first-hand experienceenabling new parents to make better-informed choices on their own child's behalf. -- James Coplan, MD, author, Making Sense of Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Eileen Riley-Hall is the mother of two teenage girls, one with Asperger Syndrome and the other with Autism. 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.

Foreword. Preface. Introduction. 1. What is Autism? 2. Diagnosis. 3. Girls on the Spectrum. 4. Education. 5. Friends. 6. Siblings. 7. Causes, Treatments, and Acceptance. 8. World Wide Web. 9. Milestones. 10. Autism Truths and Myths 11. Dark Moments. 12. Special Gifts. 13. Mistakes, Outtakes, and C is for Crazy. 14. Relationships. 15. Taking Care of You. 16. The Future.