A Parent's Guide to Autism

"Brimming with insight and compassion, Ron Sandison is a wonderful story-teller. Just like Jesus told stories, Ron uses stories that you won’t forget as a way of conveying important concepts and principles about autism. He weaves together his strong Christian faith with his understanding of his own autism and the lives of others on the autism spectrum. This book takes the reader to a new level of empathy and respect for individuals who live with autism."—Linda Hodgdon, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, International Autism Consultant, author of best-selling book Visual Strategies for Improving Communication
"With Spectrum disorders on the rise, so are the number of published studies and personal accounts of life with autism. However, rarely do we rare find an author diagnosed with autism clearly blend individual experiences with such proficient knowledge. Ron offers a perspective that contains current, accurate research within a theological framework; shedding light on the vast struggles and significant issues we need to understand as we embrace those with differences. I applaud Ron for handling the complex subject clearly, authentically, and effectively."
—Colleen Swindoll-Thompson, Special Needs Ministry Director, Insight for Living

"If you are looking for an in-depth study to help you navigate the Christian response to Autism this book is for you. Ron has given a personal and professional perspective on the challenges of Autism, and how as a Believer we can respond to those challenges. He has come a long way in his own personal journey, and Ron’s unique insight will help those who read this book understand how you can not only respond well, but how you can overcome with God’s help. I know as you read this book you will be encouraged and blessed."
—Pastor Craig Johnson, Director of Ministries at Lakewood Church, Houston, TX

"Finally the world is starting to realize the many strengths and gifts that individuals with ASD can offer. Ron is a perfect example of the great intelligence we often see in those on the autism spectrum. His book is interesting, insightful, and intriguing. The challenges that he endured in his younger years are unbelievable and his resiliency is incredible. Ron's book is truly amazing. Every reader will appreciate his honest and captivating stories."
—Lynn Kern Koegel, PhD, Director, Koegel Autism Center, University of California, Santa Barbara

"It's absolutely fantastic to know that books are being written by people with autism, demonstrating to the world how successful people on the spectrum can be. Especially with the unique slant of encompassing spirituality with autism, as spirituality is very abstract and people on the spectrum are typically very literal and concrete. Being a deeply spiritual person, this is truly important to me and I believe it is also critical to the world, as more and more people can learn to have peace in their heart and be accepting of differences and the unique abilities of others. Kudo's to you Ron for writing this book. You will certainly spread light on the world through your work where darkness has been in the past."
—Karen Simmons Sicoli, Founder, CEO Autism Today and award winning author

"In this one of a kind publication, Ron Sandison shares his unique experience with autism, autism facts and science, as well as relevant Holy Scripture to provide a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about autism and how to support the autism community. As a professional in the field, I see individuals affected by autism and their families feel rejected by society- by churches, due to their differences. Reaching out to all affected by autism, whether it’s an individual on the spectrum or families who have children with autism, it is of great importance to reach out in Christian love, as we are to be God’s hands and feet and seek those in need.A Parent’s Guide to Autism reveals practical insight on how one can take action to reach out to and understand people on the autism spectrum. I have yet to read a book with the complete package, as A Christian Concise Guide to Autism has. This book is a true blessing to individuals with autism, family members, teachers, neighbors, church leaders—really, for everyone!"—Kimberly Isaac-Emery MS, Autism Specialist/Certified Relationship Development Intervention™ Consultant www.autismwithexcellence.com

"If the world fears the diagnosis of autism, then Ron Sandison’s prescription helps us discover instead how those across the autistic spectrum are variously gifted instruments of the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's redemptive work in the world. This parent’s guide thus is honest about autism’s challenges but through such opens up windows into unimagined possibilities for us all."
—Dr. Amos Yong, Professor of Theology & Missions at Fuller Theological, Seminary and author of The Bible, Disability, and the Church: A New Vision of the People of God

"Ron Sandison uses his own journey with Asperger’s, his 'insider’s' knowledge of the worlds of autism, and extensive research and conversations with professionals, families and people within those worlds to write a book to educate and encourage parents, families and others seeking to find and nurture the gifts in every person. Along the way, he also shares his evangelical Christian faith, his seminary training, and his spiritual discipline of memorizing Bible verses to illuminate the journey. In fact, the reader can sense Ron’s growth in confidence, honesty, sensitivity, and self-reflection as the book progresses. He thus joins a growing number of people with autism who are talking directly about their faith in the growing number of voices at the intersections of faith, theology, and disability."
—Bill Gaventa, M.Div., Director, Summer Institute on Theology and Disability

"A Parent’s Guide to Autism is must reading for anyone on the autism spectrum. I learned a lot about how to improve my social skills and become a better team player. Ron gives particularly helpful advice for relatives and friends of individuals on the spectrum on how to help them identify and develop their special gifts and overcome their handicaps. Ron’s Christian pastoral touch beautifully illustrates Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 4 about how all of us, neuroatypical and neurotypical, need to develop the humility and grace to allow God’s glory to shine through our apparent deficiencies."
—Dr. Hugh Ross, astronomer, pastor, president of Reasons To Believe, and author of 17 books on creation