Unique Original Articles » Lawyer writes book to help parents advocate for autistic children

For parents and caregivers of kids with autism, the numerous twists and turns in navigating needed support and care is a really alarming process. Frequently frozen with shock and grief, those in receipt of a new autism diagnosis barely have a clear set of steps to try. Even people who have had their children's diagnosis in hand for years can find garnering support, even though it may be required by law, an exasperating web of bureaucracy.

Areva Martin steps up to answer such concerns and adversity with her book, The Everyday Advocate: How to Stand Up for Your Autistic Child. A barrister by profession and mother of a son with autism, Martin's book sets apart the debate of the reasons for autism and instead digs into the desperately required subject of services identification and classroom and medical therapy evaluation. Written in a clear, personal demeanour, each section is divided down into easily understandable sections with references, checklists and summaries at the end of each chapter.

The book is organized into three main parts. The first area addresses getting a diagnosis, working through the shock / grieving process and the components of self-advocacy. The second section concentrates on personal advocacy, avoiding isolation and balancing your career while advocating for your autistic child. Eventually, the last section details public advocacy, navigating treatment and academic decisions and other legal consultation areas. Also included are numerous appendixes that provide sample letter forms and a student self-monitoring IEP worksheet.

In many cases parents give up the fight, or just hand off responsibility to others to help advocate for their child. While professional advocates can indeed be essential resources sometimes understanding how to correctly advocate knowing what to look for, the simple way to take the required steps for your autistic child generally is a blessing. Martin's book can act as a standard go to resource for caregivers with children with ASD across the land. As Martin writes, Know that you are on a steep learning curve and will be unable to master everything overnight. All you are able to do is your best. If you take responsibility where you can and resolve to improve, you'll make a positive difference.

Brian Field is the founder of the Autism Support Network a free global online community – with members from over 200 countries – connecting families and individuals touched by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with each other, providing support and insight, and serving as a resource guide for treatments, strategies and therapies.

To order your copy of Areva Martin's book, The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up For Your Autistic Childclick here

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