Act Early Against Autism: Give Your Child a Fighting Chance from the Start

by Jayne Lytel

Jayne Lytel was a successful syndicated columnist when her son Leo was diagnosed with autism. Using her reporting skills to better understand her son's health issues, she helped Leo gain essential abilities. After four years of therapy, he no longer meets the diagnostic criteria for autism, attends a mainstream school, and is a thriving, healthy child. Act Early Against Autism is a practical and empowering guide for parents on how early intervention...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 039953394X
• ISBN13: 9780399533945
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Perigee Books
• Length: 243 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

How-To With a Heart

What an amazing story! Not only does Jayne Lytell give step-by-step practical advice for parents, but she shares her intimate and personal journey. This is no fairy tale. After her second son was diagnosed with autism, the devastating news wreaks havoc on Jayne's family finances and relationships. But Jayne won't give in. Her determination and courage leads her and her family going through all the storms that are raging around them. Reading Jayne's inspiring story made me feel like I was having a cup of coffee with an old friend. -- Sally Stewart, author of Media Training 101: A Guide to Meeting the Press

Autism, Courage, Understanding, and Hope

Jayne's book about Leo, Lucas, and David shows us the power of love, commitment, and intelligence while giving families the necessary tools to come to grips with and even, in this instance, claim victory over a barely understood menace to the most defenseless among us, our children.

Author Posts Reader Comment

Hi all, I'm the author of Act Early Against Autism, and just had my first book signing in DeWitt, NY, near Syracuse, where my journey began. Jennifer Chimber, a mom who attended the Barnes & Noble event, sent me this comment to my personal email address, and she gave me permission to post it. "First, congratulations on a fantastic book! I am a mother of an autistic son, and this is the first book I read that was candid, open, informative, raw and inspiring. I know you are a talented writer but I believe it is your unconditional love for Leo and refusal to give up the fight that sets this book apart. I do have a question, not about treatment, clinics, the court system....During the reading today you made a comment that knocked me to my feet. It was in regards to your other son Lucas and the "pairing off" in your family. I have an older son as well....I was curious if Lucas has ever made any comments regarding Leo, or the attention Leo receives. There are not many books out there about the sibling side. Honestly, I am hoping that is your next gift...and really, I was in the back today and watched parents moved to tears while you were sharing your story--it is a gift. Thank you."