Books are written for many reasons, but far too few of us in the academy take time to focus directly on monographs that will help readers lead better lives. Jane Thierfeld Brown's recent book (with Lorraine Wolf, Lisa King and G. Ruth Kukiela Bork), The Parent's Guide to College for Students on the Autism Spectrum, AAPC Publishing (202 pp.) is a welcome exception. In this easily readable guide, Jane and her co-authors get right to the heart of the matter, tackling precisely those nitty-gritty questions that parents are likely to have, or those they may not even know they should have, as they seek to navigate college with their children. No wonder Temple Grandin proclaims on the book's cover
"the authors of the book present clear strategies for families and students with autism to use starting as early as in middle school and going up to college graduation and on to employment. Hard work, the ability to work with others, and clear expectations will get young people where they want to be."
The book takes readers from the beginning of the application process through choosing a college, arriving on campus, mastering relevant laws, working with University personnel, understanding the University's organization, coping with academic and emotional issues, and dealing with issues that may arise as a result of living in campus housing and away from home. As is so often the case, the concrete focus so helpful for Jane's target population turns out to have lessons that may be helpful to all parents, and the book would make a good template for similar works aimed at different audiences.
Congratulations Jane. You make us all proud. JP
