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	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Sebastian Ritscher
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Parenting: advice & issues

HIDDEN BRILLIANCE

Lynn Kern Koegel Claire LaZebnik

Unlocking the Intelligence of Autism

A groundbreaking exploration of the ways in which the intelligence and abilities of children with autism are often overlooked and misjudged, with tried-and-true interventions that can be used to help them reach their full potential.

Our limited and often biased view of what's considered "normal" often prevents us from recognizing the gifts and brilliance of those who don't fit a specific mold. Too often we don't explore and take advantage of the far-reaching gifts and potential of those diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum or neurodiverse. In Hidden Brilliance, Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel and Claire LaZebnik explore the ways in which the brilliance of children and young adults diagnosed with ASD are commonly overlooked or misjudged, even by trained professionals. This book isn't about changing people, but about bringing out their best, by nurturing their strengths. The authors examine the forces at play - outdated attitudes, a lack of sufficient training, and an overreliance on standardized testing - that complicate and confuse the effort to see the remarkable capabilities of kids. The authors argue that behaviors often described as disruptive are actually brilliant attempts at communication and point the listener toward interventions that can encourage people to effectively communicate their needs. Hidden Brilliance helps us see how parents - who often feel alone in their ability to see past their children's struggles to the incredible capabilities underneath - are often dismissed or ignored. Warm and hopeful, Hidden Brilliance opens the door to a new way of looking at people diagnosed with ASD - those who deserve to have their brilliance shine. Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel is a Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine at Stanford University and the author of eight books, including Overcoming Autism and Growing Up on the Spectrum with Claire LaZebnik. Lynn Koegel has been the recipient of many awards, including the first annual Children's Television Workshop Sesame Street Award, the first annual Autism Speaks award for "Science and Research" and more. Claire LaZebnik is the author of ten published books in addition to the two books she wrote with Dr. Koegel.

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Book Published 2023-04-04 by HarperWave

Comments

Over the years, I have been humbled by the parents of individuals with autism with their wisdom and patience to optimize the functioning of their children. This book provides excellent guidance to parents in their journey of supporting their children and making sure they reach their full potential.

One of the most intriguing aspects of work with children on the autism spectrum has been the awareness of areas of hidden strengths. This marvelous volume explores these areas and give new insight into how our views of 'normal' can bias our appreciation of these strengths. The authors explore the ways these strengths can be overlooked and underappreciated and how a new approach may reveal ways to use these hidden strengths to enhance the lives of persons on the autism spectrum. Parents and teachers will be very interested in using this book to uncover areas of strengths in individuals with ASD. Well written and understandable this volume will become must reading in the field.

This book does an outstanding job of helping parents recognize the strengths of their children. Since the co-authors are a parent and a skilled therapist, this is a very practical book on how to recognize strengths and help a child with ASD develop social-communication skills and interest in a positive manner.

Recognizing the remarkable diversity in strengths and weaknesses that underlies human individuality, the authors provide a practical and inspirational guide for parents and caregivers raising children on the spectrum. I could not agree more with the premise. Rather than one-size-fits-all, Koegel and LaZebnik emphasize fostering a child's interests and strengths. A must read for both families and professionals.

Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel is known around the world for groundbreaking scientific advances in autism, and for her beautifully readable way of sharing those advances. In Hidden Brilliance, Dr. Koegel has done it again! She and science writer Claire LaZebnik make a compelling case for reinterpreting many of the behaviors of autistic individuals that are often seen as disruptive. On the contrary, Koegel and LaZebnik argue, those behaviors often reveal remarkable capabilities hidden beneath the surface. This book will be illuminating and inspiring to all who seek a deeper understanding of autism.

Hidden Brilliance will help both parents and teachers find and develop a child's unique skills in memory, music, math, art, and attention to details. Development of these skills can lead to both a more rewarding life and possible careers.

In Hidden Brilliance, Lynn Koegel and Claire LaZebnik provide families with a wide range of valuable strategies and supports that can be used to help autistic children nurture their talents, succeed academically, and improve their overall quality of life.

The authors' message will soon become self-evident to all. But they made an enormous contribution to make this better future for all to arrive sooner. Let this hidden brilliance shine over us all, now. Let the walls of exclusion and ignorance be confined to the vaults of history where they belong. It all starts with this book you are holding in your hands.

This autism-friendly book is a must-have for all parents of autistic children looking for effective ways to find and nurture their child's unique strengths. The book's many tips and first-hand accounts provide a positive and refreshing re-frame to fostering meaningful and happy lives.

All too often people with ASD - and their families - are viewed through the lens of "deficits" and "red flags." Without minimizing the challenges encountered in diverse developmental paths, these authors focus on the inherent strengths and unique positive learning styles seen in autistic children. Because of this, the book is an essential read for families, professionals and people with ASD.

UK / C: Quercus