Penny Kershaw is the autism manager and outreach service leader for a special school in East Sussex, UK. In addition, she provides training and support to staff, pupils with ASDs and their families in other mainstream and special schools in the locality. She has written widely on the subject of autism and communication needs and her previous work has been published by leading educational organisations.

About the Author. Preface for Parents and Carers. Why this book was written. Aims of this book. Who is this book for? When to use this book. How to use this book. Introducing ASDs: Checklist. 1. Introduction. Learning about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). 2. What is an ASD? What does the diagnosis mean? Why have I got this diagnosis? What to do next. 3. Understanding Your Differences. People with an ASD are different. People with an ASD sometimes have problems. Understanding more about an ASD - the difficulties and the good things. Liking systems, patterns or routines. Social skills. Communication. Sensory sensitivity. What to do next. 4. People You Live With. Why is home life important? Problems you might have in a family. Difficulties that your family might have with your ASD. What to do next. 5. Friendships and Relationships. Why is it a good idea to make friends? What is friendship? How to make friends. How to build up a friendship. What is a boyfriend or girlfriend. Meeting the right boyfriend or girlfriend. What to do next. 6. Strengths and Interests. What are strengths and interests? Why is it important to recognise your strengths and interests? How are your strengths and interests different to those of people without an ASD? Why might your strengths and interests cause difficulties? What to do next. 7. School. Why do people have to go to school? Why school may sometimes be a challenge for you if you have an ASD. Thinking about school. What you can do to improve what school is like for you. How you can plan your career. Job applications. What to do next. 8. Getting Help. What is self-help? Why do you need to develop ways to help yourself? What might you need help with? Self-help plan. Some things to think about. What to do next. 9. Further Information. Recommended reading for people with an ASD. Recommended reading for parents and carers. Websites for parents and carers. 10. Glossary. Appendix: Progress Chart.