The Strengths-Based Guide to Supporting Autistic Children - by Claire O'Neill (Paperback)

About the Book

A step-by-step guide to the strengths-based approach by teaching professional and autistic author and parent Claire O'Neill. Designed to focus on the unique strengths of autistic children to help support and develop their sense of self, wellbeing and ensure that they thrive in a deficit-driven world.

Book Synopsis

'Being strength-aware has brought many moments of joy to our family life. It is this potential for growth and joy that I now want to share in this book'

This flexible, dip-in-dip-out guide will introduce you to the strengths-based approach that is helping autistic children and their families to thrive. By focusing on how to identify, develop and use your child's strengths to support them throughout childhood and into adolescence, this transformative approach is here to show you and your child that their unique character-strengths can empower them and shape their future.

Claire O'Neill combines her personal experience as an autistic person and mother to autistic children with her expert knowledge as a professional working with autistic young people to demonstrate the value of a strengths-based approach.

With step-by-step instructions on how parents and teachers can incorporate this approach easily into family and school life, Claire also offers a variety of specific tips, tricks and engaging activities to provide ongoing support for parents and teachers alike.

Review Quotes

A breath a fresh air, Claire's practical book gives a platform upon which parents can focus on the wonderful strengths of their autistic child and utilise these as a way of identifying an authentic, affirmative autistic self. A beautiful, uplifting, useful read.--Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer of Autism at Sheffield University

This is an absolute gem of a book, which I have immediately added to my list of recommended books for all parents. Highly accessible, and working within a framework which in my experience is the single most effective way to support autistic children, this book is full of practical advice and resources. It will be so helpful to so many parents.--Davida Hartman, Adjunct Professor UCD School of Psychology, Clinical Director and Principal Psychologist at The Children's Clinic and The Adult Autism Practice

If you want to learn how to use your child's strengths to promote their positive traits and talents, this book is for you. A clear and accessible read full of engaging activities that can be easily implemented, this book illustrates how adopting a strengths-based approach will enrich the lives of autistic children and their families.--Miriam O Connor, Autism Support Consultant, Emotion Coaching Practitioner and Parent of Autistic Children, MA SEN (Autism), HDip Applied Psychology

This book is a must-read for every parent of an Autistic child! Rooted in a Neuroaffirmative framework and the depth of Claire's professional and personal experience, this book is a step-by-step guide of practical and uplifting ideas and activities that will enhance your child's sense of identity and self-esteem. It is a joy to read and a wonderful addition to Autistic literature!--Dr. Maeve Kavanagh, Clinical Psychologist, Childversity and The Adult Autism Practice

This is a long-awaited and important book. Claire has combined her wealth of experience, passion and expertise with a rich evidence-base to offer parents and professionals a practical, strengths-based and neuroaffirmative framework to help autistic children thrive--Dr Micaela Connolly, Senior Educational and Child Psychologist

About the Author

Claire has taught autistic pupils for over 20 years. She has designed and facilitated Positive Psychology courses for teachers and parents of autistic children. She is also an accredited coach and uses positive psychology approaches in her coaching practice. Claire is autistic and lives with her autistic husband and their two autistic children.