I've just started looking into books to help my ASD kids improve their functioning level in public situations. I found it to be helpful for myself as well. The beginning of the book includes scripts for thinking. This self-talk is so useful for kids (and adults) who often do not read people and situations very well. Scripts for different situations along with responses that can be memorized and pulled out when needed.

The author uses a first person casual tone and speaks directly to the reader using phrases like "people like you and me" You could definitely hand this book to a 10 yo and up if they wanted to read it themselves. It also includes advice like 'When Mom and Dad are speaking to me I can stand near them so that they know I am listening" Building up to making eye contact is another section.

Chapters include making friends, managing conversations, special interests (when not to gush about your obsession), Dealing with the Unexpected ( a big one for me), and the final chapter - Thinking differently can be a problem. The author explains in a down-to-earth way that most of the readers are very talented in certain areas and maybe not so talented in others. They may feel more anxious or be more distracted than their classmates and that it isn't necessarily a bad thing.

We're buying this book- although I read it as a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a short book geared towards 12-16 year old children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) who have a hard time starting and keeping conversations with people. Many good tips and advice with examples of how to start those conversations. I find that this book will help anyone who would like to know how to start conversations.

I requested this book so I could get tips to pass on to my friend whose son suffers from ASD and it was very informative. I think it would be beneficial to anyone to read this I even learned a few things myself.