Book Review: Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun!
by admin on July 22, 2010
in autism spectrum disorder, reviews, sensory processing disorder
For those of us with children who have sensory disorders, autism, or Asperger’s syndrome, you know how difficult a day out can be. Yet, if you are like me, you just know that bringing your child outside will enrich them and make them happy. How do we bridge that dilemma?
Author Lisa Jo Rudy has written a book aimed at helping parents like us solve this very problem. Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun!: How Families of Children With Autism or Asperger Syndrome Can Get the Most Out of Community Activities
Each chapter comes with a tip sheet at the end and there are even resources for administrators and directors of the various activities. Finally, there is a guide for making the argument for inclusion to groups that do not (yet) support it – and how to know when to walk away.
When I read the preface, I felt very moved by this book. I am a firm believer that getting Zoe out there will help her learn to process and integrate. That’s why we took a chance and took her to T-Rex restaurant in Orlando, a restaurant with lights, creatures, and lots of noise – not to mention the food. It was a struggle at first, but the end result? Judge for yourself:
I highly recommend this book to any parent who wants to stimulate their environment-sensitive child.
This sounds great! It can be so much easier to just stay home, but this sounds like a helpful book for getting over that hurdle. Thanks for sharing.
Trish´s last blog ..Anyone Else Going to the National Autism Conference
You’re welcome Trish! It is easier to stay home – and some days you have to. But when you can bring them out, it’s a good idea.
As a holistic pediatrician I’ve seen many kids with environmental sensitivities and I totally agree that getting kids out and about will significantly enhance their learning and their ability to cope with change. A guide like this which respects individual variation is a must even for those families that have kids without diagnosed conditions. My personal approach is to explore the energetics at play using more alternative techniques and modalities, but each parent must find what works best for their own child.
Peter Hanfileti, MD´s last blog ..Organic Food Recommended for Children
Thanks for chiming in and supporting Lisa’s book! A guide like this is invaluable to me – since I work at home and use in-house care, getting out as much as possible is a must for our family.
Thanks so much for the kind words. It was a lot of fun writing the book; now am hoping to do a companion piece to support community groups interested in promoting inclusion!
Best,
Lisa Rudy
Fantastic! I can tell you that is much needed as well. (And you’re welcome)