Your Child Has AUTISM. Now What? by Casi Olson and Carrie Woolman

For nearly 30 years, I had the pleasure of working with and for people with developmental disabilities and their families as a researcher, advocate, and public policy advisor. In each of those capacities, my colleagues and I recognized that we would only be effective if we collaborated with the very people we were hoping our work would benefit. Your Child Has Autism. Now What? is a fine example of that principle in action. While it does not gloss over the struggles parents may encounter before and after a child is diagnosed with autism, the book beautifully illustrates how much progress can be made when parents and professionals work together and value each other’s perspectives and expertise. The technical information offered by co-author Casi Olson may at times seem overwhelming, but it is balanced by the heartfelt parental advice and encouragement that co-author Carrie Woolman and her husband Jacob are so eager to share with other parents. Of course, the real hero of the story is Daniel, who, through his hard work, makes amazing progress in his development as a happy and capable boy.