This book is a compelling collection of sixty personal accounts from people on the autism spectrum and those who care for them—parents, family members, and professionals. The essay authors address how autism has changed their lives in love and/or work, what they have learned, and what they would want others to know that might help them.

Voices from the Spectrum is a compelling collection of personal accounts from people on the autism spectrum and those who care for them—parents, family members, friends, and professionals. The sixty essays in this collection address how autism has changes their lives and/or work, what they have learned, and what they would want others to know that might help them.

Voices from the Spectrum presents personal accounts of the autistic child’s school and childhood experiences to parents’ and grandparents’ reactions to the diagnosis. The contributors describe their experiences of autism from mildest to the most severe case, and share their methods of adapting. They tell both the positive and negative effects of autism on individuals and families, and pose the question: is a diagnosis on the autism spectrum a puzzle to be solved, or something to be embraced and accepted? Even the editors contribute essays sharing their own unique wisdom and experience. Anyone who knows a child with autism will appreciate their stories.

"Voices from the Spectrum is a symphony of rich density… At times easy to read and at times the kind of reading that leaves lumps in the throat and thuds in the heart, [it] is always honest and genuine. I whole-heartedly recommend it."

Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D., author of Pretending to be Normal
and Asperger Syndrome in the Family

"…a masterful collection of essays…it is uniformly poignant, often brutally honest and always uplifting…the first comprehensive collection of personal experiences that encompasses the tragedy, the mystery and the gifts of autism."

Lawrence W. Brown, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics,
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

"…a gem of a book… These carefully edited essays present a rich portrait of families as they come to grips with the vicissitudes of autism. They reflect a kaleidoscope of perspectives, emotions and coping mechanisms that will help readers sort out their path as they come to grips with the challenges of this disorder."

Milton Seligman, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of Pittsburgh,
Co-author of the forthcoming third edition of Ordinary Families, Special Children

"Cindy Ariel and Robert Naseef have put together a unique collection of first-hand accounts of the autistic spectrum, providing a voice for parents, grandparents, and siblings, as well as people with Asperger’s Syndrome. These voices complement the professional perspective and teach us how autism feels to each of these observers. A rare anthology."

Simon Baron-Cohen, Professor, Autism Research Centre,
Cambridge, UK

"This book gave me the unique experience of seeing ‘behind the scenes’ with a view of the impact on families of the diagnosis, treatment and interactions with treating professionals. I recommend that you put this book on your list of required reading for family, friends, colleagues and trainees to improve care of children and families with autistic spectrum disorder."

Susan E. Levy, M.D., Director, Regional Autism Center,
The Children’s Seashore House of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

"Voices from the Spectrum is a beautiful collection of personal essays. A must read for any parent struggling to accept and embrace the diagnosis. This book gives you a rare and heartfelt glimpse of personal journeys of parents, grandparents, siblings, professionals, and adults affected by autism who have found peace of mind, joy in their life, and tremendous personal growth in the process."

Nancy D. Wiseman, Founder and President, First Signs, Inc. and author
of Could It Be Autism? A Parent’s Guide to the First Signs and Next Steps

Email your review to reviews@disabilitiesbooks.com

Cindy A. Ariel, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, has worked with individuals with disabilities in various settings for over 25 years. Dr. Ariel is a co-founder and director of Alternative Choices, an independent psychotherapy practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which includes a Special Families Resource Center. Her current psychotherapy practice includes individuals, couples, and other family members who are living with a loved one who has special needs. As a child, she had various sensitivities and differences which led her to develop a deep empathy with others. In her essay “Closet Case: Finding the Way Out,” she tells about her struggles and how it helps her empathize with the children and families she serves.

Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D., has practiced for over 15 years as a licensed psychologist and as a consultant to numerous schools and human service organizations. A co-founder of Alternative Choices, he specializes in families of children with disabilities. He has lectured internationally and made numerous appearances on radio and television. Dr. Naseef is the author of Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Parenting a Child with a Disability (Brookes Publishing, 2001). His essay “The Path of Acceptance for Families” tells how he learned to accept his son’s autism and how he helps other families do the same.