Beytien - Autism Every Day: Over 150 Strategies Lived and Learned by a Professional Autism Consultant with 3 Sons on the Spectrum

Autism Every Day

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2011 Alyson Beytien
All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of Future Horizons, Inc., except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

Print Book ISBN: 978-1-935274-50-6
E-book ISBN: 978-1-935274-70-4

Publishers Cataloging-In-Publication Data
(Prepared by The Donohue Group, Inc.)

Beytien, Alyson.
Autism every day : over 150 strategies lived and learned by a professional autism consultant with 3 sons on the spectrum / Alyson Beytien.

p. ; cm.

Includes index.
Print Book ISBN: 978-1-935274-50-6
E-book ISBN: 978-1-935274-70-4

1. Autistic children--Care--Popular works. 2. Autism--Popular works. 3. Autism in children--Popular works. I. Title.

RC553.A88 B49 2011
616.85/882

Printed in Canada

To Spencer, Joshua, and Zachary,
who love me even when I forget to write the schedule.
Love you more than I can say.

I have been the recipient of a substantial amount of support and encouragement in the past 17 years. This book is written because of that support.

My family and I are forever grateful to Kathryn Makeever, Jenny Potanos and Jane Freiburger. Any success our family has experienced started with their support. In the early days of the diagnosis of autism, these amazing professionals showed us how to help our boys and provided endless hours of encouragement, knowledge, and empathy. When I grow up, I want to be just like them!

Patti Boheme and the staff at Little Friends, Inc. provided the structure and training we needed to be our boys best teachers. Pattis guidance and commitment to individuals with autism inspired me not only to work with my own children but also with others.

Kathy Gould taught me how to give a presentation, navigate a states political system, and persevere in what is right even when it seems impossible. And how to get lost in the back roads of the Midwest!

I have had the incredible privilege of knowing the top experts in the field of autism. Dr. Cathy Pratt, Carol Gray, Dr. Richard Simpson, and Dr Brenda Smith-Myles have all encouraged me, guided me, and generously shared their knowledge and time over the years. I am very thankful for their support and still want to have their autograph!

When Diane Twachtman-Cullen asked me to write a column for the Autism Spectrum Quarterly magazine six years ago, I didnt believe that my stories of life with my three boys would be that interesting or helpful to people. She has constantly told me Im wrong! Her kind editing of my column and encouragement over the years have made this book possible. She has carved out time in her busy schedule to be a thoughtful editor and friend and I am truly thankful. When it came time to consider a Foreword for the book, Diane was my immediate choice. I am so grateful she agreed to write it.

My family has been my sounding board, my critic and my cheerleader. I am blessed with supportive brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and more, who always let me tell the latest funny story. Thanks for laughing with me and not laughing at me!

I have been blessed with parents who always taught me that I was capable of doing anything. They encouraged me throughout my life to work hard, laugh frequently, and show compassion for others. They learned the word autism and became stellar grandparents and caregivers to my boys. They have given me and my family the unconditional love needed to survive and thrive with ASD.

I adore my husband. I cannot imagine my world without him. He has been my publisher, editor, critic, friend, and groupie for years! He has pushed me and supported me in completing my graduate work, doing presentations around the country, and helping other families. He may grumble a bit when Im on the phone at midnight with a family in crisis, but hes always the first to hand me the phone! I love you beyond words, sweetheart.

Of course, the only reason there is a book in your hands, and youre reading this gushing litany of appreciation is because of my boys. Beyond all the visual systems, therapies, and educational interventions, I wanted my boys to know that I loved them more than anything. They are wonderful individuals and their happiness is my definition of success. I am so glad to be their mother. I love their sense of humor, their views of life, and their ability to keep me focused on what truly matters in this world. I am so proud of them and hope they will forever feel my love. Thanks guys, for letting me share our story.

I first met Alyson Beytien at a dinner party in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania approximately eight years ago. In those days, having multiple children on the autism spectrum was still a pretty rare circumstance. So, I didnt know what to expect. Would she be reluctant to share her experiences as the mother of three boys with ASD? Would she be beyond frazzled by the additional responsibilities that ASD times three would undoubtedly add to a young mothers life? Would the stressors of parenting children with unique needs cause her to view the glass as half empty instead of half full?

I am happy to report that the answer to these questions is none of the above! What I found, instead, was a charming, upbeat (the word indefatigable comes to mind!), dynamo who gave new meaning to the term supermom. And, as waves of laughter spilled over from Alysons end of the table, I learned that for her the glass is much more than half full; it is indeed over-brimming!

Fast forward two years. Starfish Specialty Press, LLC was about to launch its Magajournal, Autism Spectrum Quarterly (ASQ). We were looking for a mom or dad to write a regular column about the topsy-turvy world of parenting a child on the autism spectrum. Alyson immediately came to mind. If truth be told, she was my first and only choice, for I knew that regardless of her subject matter, she would do it justice, and then some. She did not disappoint! Its been seven years since Alysons inaugural column, You too?! Common Stories from an Uncommon Parent, made its debut. And, to this moment, it remains one of our most popular regular features.

As editor-in-chief of ASQ, I have had the pleasure (a word I rarely use in this context!) of editing Alysons articles. A gifted storyteller, Alyson is able to turn the mundane into the extraordinary, and deliver lifes important messages in ways that resonate and linger. While known and very much appreciated for her lemons into lemonade humorous style, she is equally at home addressing seriouseven profoundly deeptopics.

In Autism Every Day, Alyson shares with her readers many of her best-loved stories and some brand new ones. Those familiar with Alysons all it takes is all youve got approach to parenting will no doubt be thrilled to re-visit her guys, and to have the collection in a single volume. Those new to her work will find her wit, wisdom, and style both engaging and refreshing. More than that, they will find the Beytien familys