Autism in Childhood: For Parents and Carers of the Newly Diagnosed by Luke Beardon - Non Fiction - Paperback

Details
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781399805391
Publisher: Sheldon Press
Age Range: Adult / Parent & Carer Readership

Overview
Written by leading autism academic Dr Luke Beardon, Autism in Childhood is a warm, accessible guide for parents and carers navigating a new or suspected autism diagnosis. Free from jargon and packed with genuine understanding, it offers clarity at a time when confusion and worry can feel overwhelming. Whether you are just starting to ask questions or have recently received a formal diagnosis, this book offers the honest, practical grounding you need to feel more confident supporting your child.

About the Book
A diagnosis, or even a suspected diagnosis, of autism in a child can leave parents and carers feeling out of their depth, particularly when they have little prior knowledge of what autism actually means for a young person and their family. This book was written specifically to fill that gap. Dr Luke Beardon draws on decades of academic and practical experience to guide readers gently through the realities of childhood autism, dismantling common myths and misconceptions along the way. Rather than presenting autism as a problem to be fixed, the book explains what a diagnosis genuinely means for the child, the parent, and the wider family unit, always with an emphasis on understanding and celebrating neurodivergent strengths. Topics covered include sensory processing profiles, strategies for supporting a child's anxiety, navigating the education system, and understanding the "autistic voice" so that conversations with your child are more meaningful and effective. Frequently asked questions are addressed throughout, giving worried parents fast access to trustworthy answers. Beardon's tone is sensitive but direct, empowering readers to move from uncertainty to confidence. This is not a clinical textbook but a genuinely supportive companion for the early stages of the autism journey, ideal for reading cover to cover or dipping into as specific questions arise.

• Written by a leading UK autism academic and practitioner
• Clear, jargon-free guidance for the newly diagnosed
• Covers sensory needs, anxiety, education and communication
• Busts common myths and misunderstandings about autism
• Focuses on strengths as well as challenges
• Ideal first read for parents, carers and family members

About the Author
Luke Beardon is an English academic specialising in autism studies. He is a Senior Lecturer with The Autism Centre at Sheffield Hallam University and a service coordinator with the National Autistic Society, having earned his Doctor of Education degree from the same institution. Beardon has written and published numerous books on autism that embrace the neurodiversity paradigm, celebrating neurodivergent perspectives and focusing on helping autistic people thrive in a neurotypical world. His work is widely respected across the autism community for combining academic rigour with genuine warmth and practical insight.

Why You'll Love This Book
Honest, reassuring and refreshingly free of jargon, this guide gives newly diagnosed families exactly what they need: real understanding, practical strategies and hope for the road ahead.

Please Note: Book cover, ISBN and edition may vary slightly from image shown; this is the current UK edition available for dispatch.