AMAZING STORIES OF FAMILIES WITH AUTISTIC YOUTH |
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REVIEWS |
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Book Reviews By: 2. Mental Health Professionals 4. Reviewers from Across the Country - Psychologist-Psychoanalyst Journal & Amazon Also: 1. Unsolicited Commentary from Parents of Autistic Youth: From a teacher whose son is autistic:“Much of what you have discovered over the years and are writing about resonates with my experiences in raising our son. I had given up reading many of the books on the market concerning autism because they left me feeling quite hopeless and discouraged. You have put into words what I have seen and felt. Thank you for providing this MUCH NEEDED perspective. I was always suspicious of anyone who wanted me to believe that the ANSWER or FIX was to be found in one particular method. After 10 years of living with and loving our son, we are convinced that accepting him and enjoying him, as is, has been the most beneficial of all…He is treated with dignity. I want your message to get out to the parents and educators who are at the front lines. You have the authority, given your education and experience, to speak the truth about this condition and those who are challenged by it (autists, parents, and teachers, alike). Perhaps the parents who need the message of hope your book provides the most are those whose children are past the “magical” age of 5 when all the early intervention should have been done. I do not believe that their children are beyond reach… I loaned your book to a teacher who works with a 7-year-old girl at my son’s school. When she returned it I had another browse through, especially the chapter on “hope” at the end. Every time I read your book I glean new thoughts and always feel encouraged to keep building bridges to my son and others…another mom found your book to be a balm to her soul as she makes her way into the autism maze…I think her child is newly diagnosed. …It is very important to educate the public regarding some of the misconceptions and stereotypes commonly held toward autistic people. Your [ideas] challenge the worst of the stereotypes—that they [autistic kids] have no sense of others. The irony is that autists are usually VERY aware of others and it is this hypersensitivity to others that is at the root of many of their “social problems.” Regarding Language Development: I am very much in favor of letting him have his private world. I have told him this and he pressed his face up to mine and smiled. After reading Donna Williams’ [memoirs] and then your book, I spoke to my son on two specific occasions about his autism. Both times he connected with me with intense intimacy. I remember my first conversation with my son. We were lying on the bedroom floor. He must have been about 3 or 4. I listened and listened to anything he was saying that I could connect to. Then I would add one word and listen some more. I was thrilled…You are totally on the mark with your suggestions…I now try and hear what my son is communicating to me through his behavior….I’m experimenting with putting words to my son’s behavior…he becomes more relaxed and closer to me.” Regarding Friendships: …We are watching our son continue to mature and gain more independence. He is attempting to answer the phone now and again. So far, those he answers seem to understand him. He is…’risking friendships’ as you so aptly phrased it…He is also writing letters (with his aide’s help) to various students and staff. They are responding with their own letters to him. He is asking certain ones to sit on the bus with him. It is great to see him reach out in friendship…I want to reread that chapter on friendship.” From a businesswoman whose son is autistic: “My son offers little mirrors into humans that reveal we’re all people. He offers pieces of what we all have. It seems to me that this wonderful, thoughtful [book] has a pleasurable take. We parents want to hear that we can have a more positive impact on the child’s development. We still are dreamers.” About a chapter on the risks a child must endure to initiate and sustain friendships: “This is more important to parents than you might think…Ah, bouquets you send us.” “I found your writing engaging and approachable. I could sense an underlying personal passion and warmth and it had just the right amount of technical prose for me to respect and trust your opinions and insights. What great work you have done. It’s magical! It’s fabulous! What can I do to help?” From an advocate for families with autistic youth and a father of an autistic child: “[Your] book arrived this morning! It looks wonderful and we can’t wait to start it…heartfelt thanks.” “[Our son] is continuing to make great progress and we are very encouraged…he will move from his nursery to a new school, so we are in the midst of negotiating the best possible place for him. The good news is that we recently visited a lovely local school that would be ideal for him, so at least we now know what we would like. I read [Between Their World and Ours] with great interest and immense enjoyment…I found it to be beautifully written and very moving. Your great interest in the subject and admiration and love for the children are very evident. I also found it fascinating to read the work of someone whose professional perspective on autism is so different to ours. It would be hard to imagine a less behavioral approach than yours as illustrated in the book, a difference that made my reading all the more stimulating.” “It bothers me how willing authors of [news media articles] are to make sweeping statements about what autism is like or what people with it can or can’t do. [Our four-year-old son] doesn’t seem “mind blind” to me, at least on the evidence of his having figured out…when he wants to get out of doing something…it all comes down to behavior, and not to a mysterious cognitive function called theory of mind.” From the parent of an autistic child: “You kindly asked about my son the other night…he’s done remarkably well since we hit the road to early intervention when he was diagnosed at age 3…The treatments that seemed to have served him best…have been…behavioral intervention therapy…play therapy…speech and language therapy and sensory integration therapy….We tried megavitamins…[but] we never resorted to medication…we’ve considered auditory integration therapy but haven’t really gone anywhere with it. [Our son] mainstreamed into first grade this year…the school and we at home continue to work with him and I have high hopes, on most days, for him to have a very happy and productive future. Thanks again for your time. I really enjoyed talking with you…look forward to reading [your book] when it is published.” From a teacher and the mother of an autistic child: “When I read your book I agreed with so many things you said…I’ve grown into your perspective by reading your book. My son has a vivid imagination…many of the children in Between Their World and Ours have that also. [Our son] was diagnosed by the school system…they are thinking he has Asperger’s syndrome…your book made me ask [my son] more questions and he gives great answers! You’ve given us such hope! We’ve been so discouraged by professional books and other people’s views on autism…they view the diagnosis and the condition as static. They don’t seem to know that Asperger’s kids have imaginations!” 2. Unsolicited Commentary from Mental Health Professionals From a psychotherapist: “Your book is a marvel. I loved it. It is exquisitely written. I loved your habit of describing a child, an interaction, a piece of behavior and then standing back from it and wondering aloud about its many possible meanings. I am working in a child development center. There are two autists…in the program in whom I am extremely interested. Your book was inspiring to read.” From a psychotherapist: “Your book is fabulous, a beautiful book…very deep. I was moved by the writing. You have an incredible ability to use language and find just the right words to express things eloquently and elegantly. I love the way you use narratives of your work to transform people’s thinking about autists rather than just tell people how to think about it. It creates a deep meaningful realization about the truth regarding these kids.” From a psychologist: “Your book was fun to read. I like the way you intermingle the narratives with your thoughts, a kind of double narrative—the patient and the therapist. Very clever!” From a psychotherapist: “My copy [of your book] arrived today and I was delighted to get it. One thing stood out immediately, and that is how beautifully it is written. The sentences and your choice of words seem to just flow along in a natural way. It is a delight to read.” From a psychotherapist: “I already started looking at [your book]…it’s just wonderful. It’s so exciting both personally as I know you and your work but also what you’re saying is so important to have, to have it out there.” From a psychotherapist: “Congratulations on your book. It is fascinating reading…I started it the other evening and had a hard time putting it down. You write so clearly and “un-jargonny.” I like the job the publisher did—the cover picture, print—very classy…It’s an important contribution and well worth the work.” From a psychotherapist: “[Your book] is hopeful when often people feel there is no hope for autistic kids, well written and easy to read.” From a psychologist: “…a very fine book based on the author’s 40 years of experience with children with autism and Asperger’s. She discusses differences between what autism looks like viewed through the lens of modern “cognitive neuroscience” versus what it looks like viewed through the eyes and heart of a sensitive therapist interested in exploring the possibilities of human contact with another sensitive human being.” From a psychologist: “I’ve been reading your book with great fascination. It’s so wonderful. It’s just fantastic! It’s a landmark, incredibly helpful, and everybody should read it. It’s the essence of the special way you have of approaching people. It’s what I look for to learn from you. You have it right there in the book. It’s very infectious. My husband [a political scientist] read it and he never reads books by psychologists!” From a psychotherapist: “It was very exciting to read about the children [with autism], a very handsome book! I learned a great deal from your descriptions and MARVELED at your PATIENCE and METICULOUS ATTENTION toward understanding the children’s behavior. I think you succeeded very well in giving parents hope for their autistic children…this should be among the first goals in the writing of a book. Those of my friends who have worked with autistic children have asked to borrow it.” From a psychiatrist: “Karen Zelan’s book is wonderful!” From a psychiatrist: “[Your book] is impressive and rich. I [kept] thinking of your question about why people find it so difficult to work with autistic children. It is an important question and central to what you are trying to get about [the kids’] sociability…we might say that autistic children suffer from anxiety about human relatedness, communicativeness, and even existence. We are simply not accustomed to coping with such anxiety and the feelings it arouses in us.” [About “Greg,” whose story appears in “Between Their World and Ours”]: “How to understand a communication: you describe your efforts to help [Greg] with relationships in his real life and with you. Your concern about whether you said the right thing…is vitally important…This is the matter of “optimal distance.” It is based on what you have described as the sensitivity to stimuli. This time the stimulus is the relationship and the psychotherapeutic work…[with Greg] you had the right content and the right psychological distance.” “How fortunate [we are] to hear about such devoted and intelligent work with such a [difficult] child.” From a psychiatrist: “To my knowledge, your extensive experience over a period of many years with autistic children is unique…you write about it reflectively, circumspectly, and in clear communicative language. Your book nicely pulls together the extant knowledge about autism, including your own knowledge, and your therapeutic approach and technique provide a valuable model for working with autists…It seems true…that autists behave as they do in order to reduce stimuli and that the unpredictability of humans accounts for autists having to distance themselves from humans…your thinking and your book have stimulated my thinking regarding both my early experience with autistic children and my contemporary experience in trying to understand the infantile beginnings of health and pathology.” “…I think your idea of a sequel book on the parents of autistic children is a good one. It is evident that those parents with whom you worked benefited greatly from your understanding of the parents’ difficult position and your relieving them of blame.” 3. Unsolicited Commentary from Other Professionals From a pediatrician: “I was delighted and so touched to receive and read your new book. Naturally my memories of our mutual patients came alive, and I was reminded again of the pleasures of your presence in the community and the reassurance of knowing your help was at hand.” From a pediatrician: “Thanks so much for alerting me to your book. I found what you wrote about autistic kids very interesting indeed.” From a medical secretary: “It is such an interesting book…it helps me understand what my daughters who teach special-ed classes are doing to help the kids learn.” From a director of Special Education: ...”I love the way [Karen Zelan] interacts with the kids…I love the school chapter [“School Days”]…the way she thinks and feels about the kids and what they’re trying to tell her, pondering the evidence coming from the kids…I’ll soon be meeting with teachers and tell them about Zelan’s book or consult with them by phone.” From a principal of an elementary school: “I read Karen’s book and wanted to be her, to be like her with these [autistic] kids. I have several kids with Asperger’s syndrome being mainstreamed in regular classrooms.” From a classroom teacher and reading specialist: “Karen Zelan’s book is easy to read…I was surprised that it was so and pleased that it’s not a textbook.” From an experienced classroom teacher of autistic youth: “Your book reads like a novel. I’ve started it and can’t put it down. Most teachers, though, will probably not be as humanistic as you are.” From a librarian: “I’m in the midst of reading your excellent book. Brava!” From a professor of English and published author: “…[your book] is great!! I started reading and had to make myself put it down. I’ll order a copy for the library right away. Congratulations!” From a published writer: “A remarkable book, a first-class achievement…It is indeed beautifully written, and wise.” From a published writer: “I could hardly put your book down. It should be widely read, it’s so powerful. I love the way you love the children and respect the parents…beautiful! I like the tone of your book. Most psychological books are stiffly written and smug. You seem to say, we’re going as far as we can, not necessarily curing, but giving autistic kids skills to meet social goals. I could see you had your favorite kids…that little girl who was mischievous was my favorite, too!” From a professor of law and published author: “Your handsome book arrived…and judging from the introduction which I thoroughly enjoyed should be a great success…finishing a book like this is a great achievement and I hope you get to savor it a while before taking on whatever is to happen next… From a doctoral candidate in sociology: “…[the author] engages not just the powerful feelings and awareness of autists, she describes the larger world of feelings and interactions of and with parents, teachers, family and friends of autistic children…it is the best book I have ever read to give a vivid, concrete description of the psychotherapeutic relationship and what a difference it can make in all our lives, and especially for autistic children…Note on the jacket that famous autistic authors have read the book and attest to its accurate and vivid description of the autistic experience.” From a professor of sociology and published author: “Karen Zelan clearly cares about autistic kids and their parents…she captures an autistic aloneness, [seemingly] unconcerned about others…very good is her presentation of self [as a therapist]…she tried to be autistic and didn’t make it, but that try gave her a connection with autists…this engages [our] attention and provides the reader with a basis for identifying with the author.” From the director of an art studio: “…I am about three-quarters of the way though Between Their World and Ours…When I was a psychology student, I worked in an autism clinic. The children both fascinated and terrified me. It seemed at that point—it was not so long ago—so little was understood and clinicians offered very little help or hope to the young patients and their families, particularly for the lower functioning children. Your book must be a great comfort to many families and practitioners. It provides a much needed positive spark.” From a musician: “I read your book and was deeply touched as I read it. You have written a beautiful story about a kind of people that life created—in a way that is quite remarkable.” 4. Reviewers from Across the Country Psychologist-Psychoanalyst Journal Review “In Between Their World and Ours, a carefully disciplined and deeply experienced psychotherapist reports on her psychotherapeutic work of over four decades of treating autistic children. She challenges the assumption that psychotherapy cannot help autists, who can only be trained behaviorally; and critiques uses of current rigid diagnostic practices, which are likely to underestimate autistic children’s abilities… Although behavioral methods hold sway in this field, Zelan’s book is a demonstration of what psychotherapy can offer autistic children. Most of the book consists of case studies of 9 autists, selected from the total of 45 autists with whom she has practiced, with specialized attunement and intense intellectual inquiry. She explains, ‘The feeling of being understood—feeling tuned in to—helps the young autists adapt to society.’ …Zelan demonstrates that therapy can help the autist find the motivation and the courage to continually seek new solutions to his own problems, beyond the training others can anticipate he needs. Particularly since prominent autistic defenses are withdrawal and avoidance, psychotherapy can help him be willing to risk learning and making friends. …These 40 years of her work have spanned great changes in knowledge of [autism’s] diagnosis. Thus the author possesses a rare angle of vision and overview of theory, since she has lived through it. She is able to look back and ascertain what remains, and what has fallen away in theory. Mainly what has been superceded is blame for parents, who were inappropriately labeled ‘cold or refrigerator mothers,’ by psychiatrist Leo Kanner in the l940’s. In contrast, Zelan states that responsive parents are the autist’s most important asset. ‘Far from being the cause of autism, they are unusually sensitive to their children.’…Zelan demonstrates how the children are well aware that they are different, and the disdain of other children is apparent to them. Therefore therapy also must address these feelings of inadequacy… The author calls for us to ‘re-examine and rethink our purposes in evaluating other people.’ Her purpose in writing this volume is, by demonstrating several autists’ breakthroughs to sociability beyond what is ordinarily predicted, she hopes to inspire changes in diagnosis, and in our visions of what [autists] can become…that they have a future and that they are able to develop progressively, although not precisely on the normal timetable. She suggests that instead of diagnosing what is wrong with them, we ask, ‘what experiences challenge autistic indifference and engage (them) in their own recovery.’ …[Zelan] believes that the best hope for an autistic child is a responsive family, therefore she recommends that psychotherapy be focused on overcoming his social reclusiveness, and not on dwelling on his ambivalence to those close to him…Instead of interpreting symbolic fantasies [one of many standard psychotherapeutic techniques] she found that ‘the intensity of the inner struggle seemed to abate…as I encouraged [the autistic child] to feel good and hopeful about himself.’ …[One chapter] takes a time-out from the case studies to contest the assertion that these children lack a theory of mind. As in regard to her critique of diagnosis as currently practiced, Zelan is incensed at this assertion because it underestimates autists in a way that can lead to severe impoverishment of expectations and designed programs. It seems she has inserted this theoretical chapter…in the middle of the case studies, because the reader has now read some of her evidence that autists do have a theory of mind, and she can refer to it in her argument. Thus informed, the reader will understand the significance of further evidence in the last two clinical case chapters that follow… [Zelan] concludes with a plea: ‘If only we would focus as much on the worked-with and lived-with child as we do on the theorized and tested child…’ She urges us not to relegate them to labels which deny their variety and potential. The case studies challenge us to reassess and to revalue psychotherapy for them—the treatment which can, if appropriately adapted, make a great difference in their lives.” Diana Grossman Kahn, Psychologist-Psychoanalyst, Spring, 2006. Amazon Reviews for Between Their World and Ours: Absolutely Great Book—according to me—an Autist…from Upstate, CA. There is no cure for autism. Dr. Zelan very plainly makes that case and shows how to help autistic children of all levels of ability and communicativeness to [realize] their potential, with a heavy emphasis on love and respect and patience. Love and respect, themes lacking in many therapies aimed at attempting to force autistic children into “normal” molds. If you only want one book about autism right now, start with this one…I hope that Dr. Zelan will have another book of this quality soon, and I hope that her voice becomes very important in the autism treatment community.” Many of us know an autist…very helpful and hopeful book. Reviewer from Boston, MA. Given the statistics (one in 150 children under ten may have autistic spectrum disorders), many people know someone with this syndrome. Schools are enrolling them in classrooms, teachers are finding ways to adapt their curricula so these children can be successful learners. Zelan’s book gives encouragement, hope, and helpful ideas. Teachers and parents will find acknowledgement of their own good problem solving. In addition, Zelan’s book will be helpful to neighbors, aunts, uncles, and friends of these children. Experts will benefit as well from the practicality, and care Zelan uses in her work. Like the many types of minds that we encounter, the autistic mind has much to offer. It requires…quiet attention and patience to gain the trust and interest of many of these interesting kids. As with any child, it is important to LIKE them. Liking them, liking any child comes with knowing them. Unlike many authors, Zelan recognizes and rejoices in the feelings these children display…There are suggestions throughout the book, but also a chapter devoted entirely to specific strategies. Zelan gives benchmarks without creating a defined road map because every child is his own person. …Do we want to “cure” [autistic children] or just learn enough to enjoy them and give them the requisite skills to navigate the world? I am happy to read of Zelan’s success, of the children’s success, and hope that parents, teachers, neighbors, friends, and experts will enjoy all the children they encounter.” Riveting, Inspiring, Stimulating…Reviewer from California Zelan’s book covers important issues regarding the treatment and diagnosis of autism that have not been addressed in other books and programs on autism, e.g. relations of therapists and parents, successful and unsuccessful school experiences. This book, above all others I have read or heard discussed, gives us a dramatic window into the feelings and amazing SOCIAL and EMOTIONAL awareness of autistic children who are incorrectly judged incapable of such insight by many so-called “experts”…She engages not just the powerful feelings and awareness of autists, she describes the larger world of feelings and interactions of and with parents, teachers, family and friends of autistic children…She describes and critiques theories of mind imposed on autistic…children… …It is the best book I have ever read to give a vivid, concrete description of the psychotherapeutic relationship and what a difference it can make in all our lives, and especially for autistic children. Her chapter directed to parents reads like a letter and is full of empathetic and practical advice that can be of value to all parents and especially parents of autistic children. Her book is full of realistic and tempered hope with concrete information on how to get good help. [Zelan] doesn’t talk about cures, but breakthroughs in communicating and understanding for autists, therapists, parents, teachers and friends of autists. After reading this book, I felt enriched and wanted to share it with others. I have given it to friends who are mothers, therapists, learning specialists…This book makes us all wish we could have the benefit of such an articulate master therapist.” Extremely Useful for Parents and Psychotherapists. Reviewer from Oberlin, Ohio …The final chapter, the Vision for the future, places this book in the realm of inspiring humanist psychologists such as Robert Coles. These humanist-psychologists…offer a larger humanitarian perspective. Zelan’s vision of an attitude toward autistic people is an example of the ideal humanistic use of psychological knowledge.” Indispensable! Reviewer from Los Angeles, CA We need a companion volume—and fast! Reviewer from New York, New York The book begins with an overview, followed by a summary of the cases of a number of children whom Zelan has encountered and/or treated over the years who have been classified as autistic. She then discusses various topics of interest in assisting the autistic child—socialization, problem solving, self-awareness and friendship, among others—and devotes some time to an account of a school that provides special focus on assisting young autists. The final chapters provide Zelan’s suggestions on what to do with, and for, childhood autists and what hope lies on the horizon for the understanding and treatment of the condition. …Zelan has studied and worked with young autists for over 40 years, and the individuals whose cases are discussed in [her book] have, apparently, all attained their majority. A comparison volume to this one, discussing what ultimately happened to these children, particularly the ones encountered in the classroom setting, would be even more interesting, and most welcome.” An author that redeems the profession. Reviewer from Bellingham, WA Though Karen has been around long enough to have worked with Bruno Bettelheim and to have seen the worst of the “therapeutic” approaches to autism, she has found a way to emerge from a system she knew wasn’t working. It is testament to her ability to see all things anew that she abandoned dubious strategies for “curing” autistics and began to really listen to us. I congratulate her for bringing her profession out of the Dark Ages. I found Zelan’s book a captivating read. Even if one isn’t interested in autism this one is hard to put down, because it speaks so thoroughly to the human condition. Read it.” Advance Praise for “Between Their World and Ours: Breakthroughs with Autistic Children”: “This book provides excellent insights for mentoring elementary school-age children and teenagers with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism.” Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and Other Reports from My Life with Autism. “Karen Zelan has lived and worked through the many twists and turns of the autism advocacy and treatment movement. As a teacher/therapist, she has written a sensitive book about the many challenges facing parents, teachers, and yes, those with autism. A worthy read, and inspiring.” David L. Holmes, Ed.D., president and executive director of the Eden Family of Services. “This is a truly wonderful book. Essential reading for all parents and teachers of autistic children…Dr. Zelan’s work with autistic young people is a model for all good psychotherapy. She accepts her patients without judgment because she can imagine herself in their shoes. She understands that their symptoms and behavior, however bizarre or disturbing they may appear, are understandable expressions of the human condition that any of us could experience under extreme stress, or under ordinary stress made extreme by a chemical imbalance or neurological abnormality.” Dr. Elio Frattaroli, author of Healing the Soul in the Age of the Brain: Why Medication Isn’t Enough. “Dr. Zelan shows an amazing insight into why autistic people think and feel the way they do; she is to autistic people what Jane Goodall was for the wild chimpanzees. [Dr. Zelan’s] intuitive abilities and ability to think divergently and creatively are exactly what’s been missing in the psychiatric profession’s approach to working with we who are autistic. She has demonstrated clear sensitivity to autistic people and knows that they are individuals who need control over their lives. She has demonstrated her awareness of the beautiful, lyrical side of autism. She has changed lives for the better by laying down the hammer and picking up the bud. I thank her.” Dr. Dawn Prince-Hughes, author of Aquamarine Blue 5: Personal Stories of College Students with Autism. “Zelan does not pretend that her work is a textbook for Autism 101. If it appears to be aimed at any audience, it would be the parents of young children who are themselves dealing with the condition afflicting their child, and assisting that child in dealing with it…Informative…a companion volume to this…would be most welcome.” Bookreporter.com “Despite modern medicine’s many stunning advances, autism remains very much a mystery; here psychotherapist Zelan, who has spent years working with autistic children, [sheds] some much-needed light on the subject. A disorder with myriad different manifestations, autism is often characterized by “indifference or rejection of social contact,” which makes treatment all the more challenging. Zelan shares her experiences of what works and what doesn’t, and tries to offer hope for overwhelmed and confused parents. Stimulating children through music or games can work, for instance, where using reason or discipline might not. Zelan can’t offer any blanket prescriptions, because, unfortunately, none exist; the best parents can hope for is to respect different understandings of reality, and to adapt therapy for each child. Zelan skillfully meshes complex theory and poignant stories and tackles the many issues of autism with admirable grace.” Publisher’s Weekly. “The author, a renowned psychotherapist practicing in Berkeley, CA, offers an intimate look into the lives of nine autistic youths with whom she has worked. Based on her breakthrough research, Zelan reveals key factors for making a positive impact on the development, self-esteem, and problems-solving abilities of autistic children.” Health and Nutrition. “[Karen] Zelan, a gifted and intuitive therapist, shows how the autist’s sense of self emerges during childhood. She details how these autistic children’s first friendships originate, the pitfalls and pleasures they experience in relating to their peers, their dreams, and their fears of social contact. These real-life stories revealed what worked with autistic children and why. Her riveting narratives captures how it is to be autistic.”Inkleaf. 5. Review of a Presentation at University of New Brunswick, Canada Review of “From Solitude to Sociability: Working Therapeutically with Autistic Children” (invited presentation at the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada): “In September 2004 Dr. Karen Zelan gave an address as part of the Faculty of Education Colloquium Series on Research, Policy and Practice in Education at the University of New Brunswick in Canada. The series is one of the regular outreach activities of the Faculty and has one of its major purposes the fostering of informed public discussion of key education issues in New Brunswick and beyond. I am the coordinator of the series and Dr. Zelan was brought to my attention by the parent of an autistic child who had read the book Between Their World and Ours and had begun a correspondence with Dr. Zelan. As issues related to the placement and treatment of autistic children are pervasive in the New Brunswick school system I thought Dr. Zelan would make an excellent speaker for our series and I was right. Her talk drew an audience of approximately 200, the largest we have ever had, and was made up largely of parents, teachers, intervention workers and provincial government policy makers. Dr. Zelan had a wonderful sense of audience centering her remarks on the stories of two autistic children with whom she had worked and using those experiences to draw out general principles for working with autistic individuals. It was obvious from these stories that Dr. Zelan has profound respect not only for the autistic people with whom she works but also their parents and teachers. She spoke compellingly about what she had learned from her collaboration with all of these groups and that deep sense of respect resonated with those present. Dr. Zelan struck me as one of those rare researcher/practitioners who is able to communicate effectively not only with her peers in those roles but with the general public as well.” Alan Sears, Ph.D., Professor of Education, University of New Brunswick News Reports about “From Solitude to Sociability: Working Therapeutically with Autistic Children”: “Team Effort Critical in Treating Children with Autism: Researcher” “At 10 years of age, Greg seemed to be pulling more deeply into himself. As a child with autism, he was withdrawing more from people around him and showing more violent and impulsive behavior. Though he had done well in earlier grades, Greg was now having a hard time with his classes, and his fellow students were teasing him over his strange behavior. Four years later, Greg was back on track socially and academically. He was pulling in top grades in science, and had two friends in Grade 9. For Dr. Karen Zelan, Greg is an example of how well therapy and support can draw an autistic child out of his or her internal world. …Dr. Zelan tells of her work with Greg in her seminar as a means of showing how different methods of treatment can improve autistic children’s social abilities. …Dr. Zelan says ABA treatment [Applied Behavioral Analysis, claimed as the only proven effective treatment for autistic youth] has clear merits, but the programs she has seen in California tend to use a number of different techniques together to get the best results for [children]. 'My general position is that anything that works is great,' she says. She said Greg’s success wasn’t due to ABA treatment, but…because his family and Dr. Zelan were able to figure out a way to reach him. She said she found her inroad with him by talking about a topic that interested him. Noting his fascination with dinosaurs, she talked about them to him, drawing him into conversations. …His fascination eventually switched to primates, and as he studied their behavior, he began to compare theirs with that of human beings. That led to his taking interest in people around him. Dr. Zelan said regardless of what techniques that are used in treating children with autism, the partnership between the child’s parents, teachers and therapy team is vital to success. …Dr. Zelan stopped working with Greg when he was 14, because he had improved so much academically and socially. But she received great news about him last year: He had been admitted to university where he would study primates.” Tracy Carr, Telegraph Journal, 9/9/04 "Call Made to Support Autistic Kids" “One of North America’s leading experts on autism is calling on people to take a new look at how they deal with autistic children. …[Karen] Zelan told a packed hall that autistic children can make significant progress with the right approach. 'Success results from the work of many,' she said. Zelan said part of that effort must include a focus on socializing with the child and taking the time to get to know that individual. According to the researcher, autistic youngsters will socialize and do other things that many people think they can’t. …But she said autistic youth tune out situations because they seem intrusive and overwhelming. For that reason, a different way of addressing the child works well, Zelan said. …Zelan said her work has shown her that the thoughts and feelings of autistic children should not be underestimated…Autistic children also need to receive inspiration and expectations from others and themselves…The youngsters are a mystery waiting to be solved, she said…” Mark Taylor, The Daily Gleaner, 9/10/04 |
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