A Spectrum of Light

Drawing on interviews with ten families of children and adults on the autism spectrum, she weaves a wonderful tapestry of different skills, abilities, and experiences that better represent the full autism spectrum. There are great sections on how family life is changed and how these individual excel as adults… Strongly recommended for all parents of autistic children and their support network. – Library JournalSome of the challenges recalled in these honest accounts included in the book, relive some of the darkest moments faced by these families and the strain place upon them. Yet the joy expressed at overcoming these challenges provides an overwhelming message of hope and a promising future for people with autism and their families…Target audience: Anyone affected by, or working with autism. People with autism, families, friends and carers of people with autism & health professionals working with people with autism…from a healthcare professionals viewpoint, one of the major benefits of this resource is that it gives a genuine insight into how everyday life can be, not only for the individual diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, but also the other important people in their lives and how it can alter the relationships between them. Taking this into consideration, this book proves a valuable tool in helping a healthcare professional shape their approach to working with a person with autism, particularly when visiting the individual in their home environment where these relationships exist and everyday occurrences take place. The book also serves as a reminder that autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects each individual differently and support that is tailored in such a way that reflects the individual needs of that person can lead to a future of hope and opportunities…as an Occupational Therapist looking to work in a holistic manner in line with the values of our profession, the book certainly meets its associated aim of providing those without firsthand experience with an understanding of how autism affects the individual and their family. – COTSS PLD NewsletterThe book is ideal book for a time strapped parent and for those with an interest in autism; you can delve in and out without feeling confused. It is a gentle, slow, comforting and relaxing book that requires nothing of the reader… Overall I would recommend it as an easy, informative and quite charming little book. – asteens.co.uk

Francesca Bierens is a speech-language therapist and primary school teacher, educated at Waikato College of Teacher Education in Hamilton and Christchurch Teachers College, New Zealand. She has worked as a speech therapist in both the Education and Health sectors as well as in private practice, with a particular interest in working with children with autism spectrum disorders and their families. Francesca has also worked as a speech-language therapist in Malaysia and Canada. She now lives in Auckland, New Zealand.