Joanna L. Keating-Velasco: In His Shoes: A Short Journey Through Autism

Abstract

Reviews the book, In his shoes: A short journey through autism by Joanna L. Keating-Velasco (2008). In this book, the author provides an introductory view to the challenges surrounding autism. The author targets audiences who are both school personnel (teachers, teacher's aides, and neurotypical students) as well as the general public who have had little or no exposure to individuals on the Autism Spectrum. This book tells the story of Nicholas, a 13 year old male diagnosed with autism who attends his first year of middle school. The author describes the challenges, difficulties, and the innovative ways in which Nicholas, his family and the community at school addresses a variety of issues related to his developmental stage of adolescence. The book discusses matters pertaining to food intake, vocational preparation, siblings’ interactions, school changes, bullying at school, and the stigma associated with the stereotypical behavior of individuals diagnosed with autism. Moreover, the book uncovers the family’s difficulties internally and in relation to the environment. The book incorporates some suggestions for school personnel as well as parents on how to enhance the social functioning of the individual diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)