This disturbing, important book examines both the personal stories of families and the unfolding political drama in the courts and halls of Congress.

"Read this book! Could thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative used in pediatric vaccines, be the cause of the world-wide epidemic of autism? David Kirby's superb, even-handed account of the investigation into this ongoing, high-stakes controversy is fascinating and compelling. The poignant personal accounts of the families of autistic children are heart-wrenching. A thoroughly researched, well written, and important book."

- Bernard Rimland,
founder of the Autism Society of America

So you don't think you're an idea person or you run dry sometimes? This calendar is a joy to parents and teachers who believe children should be challenged. For example, January 10: "Make a snowman by stuffing a white sock with material scraps. Tie yarn around the sock . . .Glue scraps of material. . .to give the snowman a face." April 22: "Celebrate Earth Day. Grab trash bags. Put on plastic gloves. Go outside and pick up trash. Sort it. Recycle. January 7: "Cut pictures of familiar objects out of magazines. . .Tell a story using the pictures."

This is the book parents have been waiting for! With an emphasis on preparation and collaboration, this practical resource shows parents step-by-step how to become truly active members of the IEP team, thereby achieving their child's and family's hopes and dreams. The reader-friendly text and accompanying worksheets help you develop the best possible education program for the individual child. While geared toward parents, Hopes and Dreams is also recommended for educators to help them see parents' perspective. SPECIAL OFFER: FREE CD containing all the worksheets allows you to customize the information, truly making it work for you!!

The often overlooked area of emotions, which poses a major challenge for children with autism spectrum and other social cognitive challenges, receives major emphasis in this collection of easy-to-use activities for children ages 4-18. Children learn to identify and respond to their own feelings as well as the feelings of others, thereby improving their chances of maintaining and establishing fulfilling and successful social relationships.

This career planning guide is written specifically for high-functioning adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum, their families, teachers, and counselors. The two authors weave together a unique blend of information and advice based on personal experiences. Temple Grandin draws from her own experience with autism spectrum disorders and her professional career, and Kate Duffy uses her expertise on employment issues and the mother of two teenagers with autistic-like behaviors. The result is an extremely useful and practical book that introduces step-by-step processes for the job search with a major section on the impact ASD has in the workplace, including managing sensory problems, how to nurture and turn talents and special interests into paid work, jobs that are particularly suited to individuals on the spectrum, and much more. First-hand accounts of job experiences and advice from individuals representing a broad range of careers particularly suited for high-functioning individuals on the autism spectrum round off this exciting new resource.

Most children and adolescents with high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome are victims of bullying at school and in the community. Indeed, some of their unique behaviors and characteristics make many of these children easy targets for chronic, frequent and severe bullying.

This book takes an honest look at the different types of bullying and the actions adults must take to curb bullying, thereby helping to prevent the often lifelong effects of this insidious form of behavior on victims. Practical strategies and solutions at the school, class and individual level are presented.

Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior Temple Grandin's Animals in Translation speaks in the clear voice of a woman who emerged from the other side of autism, bringing with her an extraordinary message about how animals think and feel. Temple's professional training as an animal scientist and her history as a person with autism have given her a perspective like that of no other expert in the field. Standing at the intersection of autism and animals, she offers unparalleled observations and groundbreaking ideas about both. Autistic people can often think the way animals think -- in fact, Grandin and co-author Catherine Johnson see autism as a kind of way station on the road from animals to humans -- putting autistic people in the perfect position to translate "animal talk." Temple is a faithful guide into their world, exploring animal pain, fear, aggression, love, friendship, communication, learning, and, yes, even animal genius. Not only are animals much smarter than anyone ever imagined, in some cases animals are out-and-out brilliant. The sweep of Animals in Translation is immense, merging an animal scientist's thirty years of study with her keen perceptions as a person with autism -- Temple sees what others cannot.

Inarguably, the most famous, successful person with autism in the world today, Temple Grandin was a non-verbal, often-violent child in the 50s. Her mother, Eustacia Cutler raised Temple when her child's condition was classified as 'infant schizophrenia,' brought on by 'frigid mothering.' The common remedy was to warehouse those diagnosed in institutions for the retarded. Eustacia's story is a strikingly honest story of myth and reality, angst and guilt, family and society. Eustacia's literary masterpiece reaches out to a much larger community than the one directly affected by the epidemic growth of autism today. 'A magnificent accomplishment!'