The Groundbreaking Method That Has Helped Families All Over the World

I have been exposed to different methods of teaching kids with ASD over 30 years and this by far is the best choice. Please, if you have an autistic child or know of someone that does, recommend this read. It just makes sense!

This book gives a clear and useful description of the Son-Rise approach to working with children on the autism spectrum. It describes the assumptions and experiences that have guided the Son-Rise approach as it has evolved. The weaving of personal stories to illustrate the Son-Rise principles is very effective. Son-Rise revolves around a revolutionary idea: autism is not primarily a neurological disorder that requires behavior modification techniques; it is a relational disorder that requires techniques that nurture the child's trust. Before we can deal with the behaviors of autistic kids, we have to earn their trust. We do this by joining them in their world and becoming effective ambassadors for our world. Autism Breakthrough details how to do this.

Raun Kaufman and his family have opened the door to the missing piece of children with autism... I thank God that there is a loving and successful alternative to ABA.

This book is easy to read, informative, humorous, and worthwhile!

Fun to read, easy to understand, practical to apply, techniques are very easily transferable for any neuro-typical child too... Great book! You won't regret this read. The tips are full of common sense and very effective.

Autism Breakthrough is an excellently written and easily digestible guide to Autism. It addresses each aspect one would encounter on their journey with a child with Autism. The book is broken down into bite-sized chunks with hands on tools and techniques of how to help your child in the most loving and respectful way. An absolute "must read" for anyone who wants to help their child create deeper and more meaningful relationships or is facing the challenges of Autism and is ready for "how to" solutions.

Amazing book! Everyone who has, works with, or knows a child with Autism should definitely read this book.
I love that Raun K. Kaufman write clear steps on what YOU can do to build a deeper connection with your special child.

This book has really helped me to understand my little boy and autism in general. The author also gives clear direction as to how to reach my child and enter into his world. If you have a child with autism you need this book!!!

Simply, this book is amazing. It's helped our family in a very practical way since my son's diagnosis with ASD just 8 weeks ago - when we were struggling to understand what ASD is and what we should do. Everything is less daunting and frightening since reading this book. We have bought 4 copies of it. Thank you Raun Kauffman for sharing the Son-Rise principles and helping families to deal with ASD.

This is a wonderful book and a must have resource for parents of a child on the spectrum. It's positive, easy to read and gives us real tools to help our children right now. It will help you create a stronger relationship with your child and better understand him or her. Your child will LOVE what you will learn in this book too!

I found this book so inspiring! I love Raun Kaufman's writing style, it is exciting and enthusiastic and almost like he is speaking just to you! The line "overcoming Autism is not about getting your child to change his behaviors. Really" is such a game-changer from the way most people think, it gave me chills. Please do yourself a loving favor and read this book!

This is so well written; reading this book you can chapter by chapter put into practice what is being taught and use this with your child. It’s clear, it’s on target, it’s heartfelt and most of all doable. We found and used the Son-Rise program years ago and recovered our son using this, if we would have had this book then it would have been a great tool and speed up the process even more.

There is some legitimately good ideas in this book, but most of it was geared towards trying to get the reader to enroll in the son-rise program, which is multiple thousands of dollars. I have started trying the 'joining' technique and have seen some improvement already so I know it has potential, but I wish they would have gone into greater detail because I feel like I can't really implement it without the full program, which is unaffordable.

I liked reading this book because it gives a fresh perspective and has a lot of interesting points. However, I am not sure if optimism implied by book is healthy. I definitely recommend the book to people interested in educational side of the subject.

As a grandmother of a high functioning child with Autism I must tell you how grateful I am to have come across the book Autism Breakthrough. It opened my eyes to ways I can support and encourage my son and precious daughter-in-law -- who are amazing advocates for my grandson. I had absolutely no understanding or experience with autism, having raised two neuro-typical sons. Your book provided insight, clarity and peace that this is simply a different journey. I CAN learn to speak my grandson’s language “Swedish” – (read/listen to the book and you will understand). The step by step instructions in the book for handling specific behaviors, i.e. flexibility, rigidity, tantrums and many other specifics-- changed my level of confidence in knowing how I can support and encourage in my role as “Mimi”. Listening to the audio version is motivating and empowering – I highly recommend it. The “energy”, “enthusiasm” and “excitement” in the author's voice is something undeniably motivating. In fact, I just listened to the book again ----two years later -- and it is encouraging to know that the ideas laid out -- so simply -- have helped me in the journey to know how to relate and interact with our sweet boy! I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a family member with autism, or is on the spectrum….. there is power in knowledge.

..another flash in the pan scenario. Autism is very, very complex matter. Metaphorically: A clock with over 1,000 components out of sync. Where is the clock-makers blueprint to fix? There isn't. Each child's inflammation (body attacking itself) is different, unfortunately. What works for one will not necessarily work for another. The author through luck of chance and with right variables exposed to him, .. turned out to be high functioning. Same results with Temple Grandin. Meaning, their inflammation properties did not further damage cells. Leaving some areas intacked to function and let some normalcy play in part. I've been there and done that ......and this. The old saying barks the same, "if its to good to be true, it probably is".
But to each their own, and so you must tread the path ridden with obstacles, lessons and some joys. May chance favor your child that he/she may at least appreciate your effort to bring them home.

I thought this book was very interesting, insightful, and thoughtful. The author was diagnosed with autism at an early age and Son-Rise method, which is joining the child in their world, helped Raun to overcome autism. In other words, instead of stopping or punishing the behavior, join in the behavior with the child. In the book, Raun goes more in depth with this topic, which is the cornerstone of the Son-Rise method, developed by his parents. Raun talks about the fact that autism is not a behavioral disorder, it is a social-relationship disorder and that overcoming autism is not about getting your child to change his behaviors.

Raun goes on to say that every autistic behavior your child exhibits is a symptom and that trying to stop these behaviors does not address the actual autism but only serves to seriously disrupt the trust and relationship between you and your child. I agree 100% with that assessment. Being a mom to a child with autism, I’ve learned the hard way that taking away or trying to change the behaviors that are deemed by society as “not normal” only hurt my son. The behaviors he exhibits, clapping his hands, and making high-pitched noises make him happy. Why would you want to take away your child’s happiness just because “society” says it is wrong?

The book is full of information, analogies, true stories, suggestions, additional resources, everything you could want or need. There is also a chapter about Asperger’s Syndrome as well. While I am still skeptical about the idea of “curing” autism, I respect the author and the book. I learned a lot and it gave me several ideas I can try with my son. We all know that every autistic child is different but there are several chapters with different approaches to reaching your child that I think would be helpful for any parent with autism.

A special thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read the book in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own.

We do not have the Son-Rise program in Australia (that I am aware of), so reading this book gave me insight into another form of treatment for Autism. The author gives you a great overview of the fundamentals of The Son-Rise Program with opportunities at the end of each chapter to complete an activity to help cement your understanding of the main task of each chapter. The author also provides links to supplementary resources which is always a boon. The book is well written and the program is interesting. Is it a "cure" as it is touted, I don't believe so however I have recommended it to a number of my clients to read. *** I was provided with a free copy of this book to give my honest review and opinion. ***

It is very comforting to have a book that understands the psychological aspects of being both a child on the spectrum as well as a motivated caregiver later in life. This unique perspective works wonders for anyone trying to understand an afflicted child’s world. I appreciate greatly the guidance and stories from the Son-Rise program. It provides a much needed and refreshing alternative to the well-known ABA therapy program. The most important thing that society needs to change is attitudes towards this condition and know that it is definitely not Alice sentence. Our children are capable of so much more only if we adopt the right attitudes in working together to understand their sensibilities. Only by engaging with them in this manner will we get lifelong and sustainable improvements against Autism in general. I find it so interesting that modern doctors are so quick to pass judgement and label our misunderstood children however they are not interested in helping to find the root cause of an obvious health problem.

A must read for any forward thinking person looking for better ways to contribute to making the future lives of our marginalized kids a better place.

Title: Autism Breakthrough

Author: Raun K Kaufman

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Year: 204

Pages: 341 (e-book)

Autism Treatment Center of America

Autism Breakthrough: Additional Content

Autism Treatment Center of America: Facebook

The Son-Rise Program: Blog

[I am required by FCC law to inform you that I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. I hope you feel better now.]

According to the Facts about Autism page at Autism Speaks, autism affects nearly 1 in 68 children on earth. Here are some additional stats:

Autism now affects 1 in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys
Autism prevalence figures are growing
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average
Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism
There is no medical detection or cure for autism

These are startling statistics and should awaken anyone who reads them to the fact that Autism is a serious medical condition that desperately needs to be addressed from the highest levels of authority to the lowest, in churches, synagogues and mosques, and in nuclear and extended families. To put a fine point on this: as someone who works with students who have an autism spectrum disorder, I welcome research, interventions, and ideas from any place I can get them.

These statistics are even more startling when the field is narrowed to the 1 in 42 boys and boys are 5 times more likely than girls to have autism. It seems as though every day there is a new statistic appearing in the news about autism. So I'm not sure, honestly, what to do with some of the information that I, as a trained professional, read on a daily basis. In the statistics above, Autism Speaks states fairly confidently that 'there is no medical detection or cure for autism.' Yet on page two of Autism Breakthrough Kaufman states unequivocally: "Children on the autism spectrum are capable of great change including recovery" (2).

So what is one to do with such disparate points of view? Is it a matter of merely splitting the hair of difference between the words 'recovery' and 'cure'? Is it merely a matter of having super-human parents who love their children into some sort of neurotypical wholeness? Is it merely a matter of having enough faith to distrust what medical science has told us, what scholars (in the sense of peer-reviewed writing) have written to us, and what most advocacy groups teach us about autism spectrum disorders and going off in direct and absolute contravention of these specialists to do our own thing--a sort of 'damn the torpedoes' kind of approach?

These are some of the thoughts that were swirling around in my head by the time I finished reading Autism Breakthrough. Another significant collection of thoughts I had was this: Suppose I am a parent whose child has just been diagnosed with an ASD. Suppose I have no idea what to do, where to go, or what steps to take? Suppose I have two sets of information in my hands. One set of information says that my child can recover, the other states it is a lifelong condition. One set of information is from the collected works of established medical science, the other set is from an outlier. One set gives me hope and so does the other. What on earth am I supposed to do?

Here, I think, is the crux of the issue with Autism Breakthrough: I think there is a huge difference between selling a set of interventions and selling a cure (or recovery). At the end of the day, I have no problem accepting that what is written in this book might very well be a set of outstanding interventions for children (or adults) on the Autism Spectrum Disorder. As I noted above: I work with students on the ASD every single day and I happily welcome any and all interventions that might help my students and/or their families. Nevertheless, I think it is somewhat irresponsible to suggest that what is contained within the book could lead to a 'recovery' or a 'cure.' I think it's even worse when said 'recovery' is set over and against accepted, evidence based practices such as applied behavior analysis. There are many, many interventions that may prove helpful to families facing an autism diagnosis and I think each family will have to explore these options and decide, along with their doctor, which interventions are appropriate for their situation.

Now, on to a couple of finer points of criticism and praise.

First, there is undoubtedly a level of enthusiasm in this book that stands in stark contrast with what one normally reads concerning autism. If points could be awarded based on enthusiasm alone, I would rate this book very highly. The last chapter of the book deals with attitude and I happen to agree that attitude is extremely important when dealing with any disability. The author of the book works very hard to make certain that people are given hope and encouragement in the face of what might otherwise be devastating news from a doctor. I tell my parents this all the time: have hope! We will work through this difficulty together.

Second, at the end of every chapter there are links to additional online resources. There are additional papers, charts, and resources that will provide extremely helpful to the family needing to track behaviors or 'stims' or other issues their child may be experiencing. Collecting data is a significant factor when determining interventions for children and I found the extra resources helpful and appropriate.

Third, there is an extensive resource list at the end of the book that I also found helpful--especially if, like me, one wants to do additional research or quantify the author's points. Additionally, there is a rather long 'academic' paper at the end if parents or professionals wish to verify the validity of the author's assertions by examining peer-reviewed research. I appreciated the resource list and the paper, but I found it disappointing that there were no footnotes or end notes contained within the book itself. Anecdotes are fine, but it seems to me that having one's work verified, having anecdotes verified, is extremely important when dealing with people's lives. (I get that it is a popular work and that bulking it up with footnotes or end notes might not be the easiest thing to do, but this is offered to us as a serious work, about a serious condition, and is purporting that certain interventions might possibly lead to a recovery. In my opinion, references to validate such assertions, even the anecdotal assertions, should be provided.)

Now for a couple of minor criticisms--aside from what I have already mentioned in the above sections.

First, as noted above, autism spectrum disorders affect boys nearly five times more than girls, yet throughout this book the author persisted in using feminine pronouns (she, her) when talking about children. It's a small thing, but it was extremely annoying for precisely that point: autism affects more boys than girls. Yes, we live in a world where we need to be sensitive to everyone's concerns, but I just wonder who the author was writing to? In this respect, it's not a small thing. If the majority of children on the AS are males, then stick with using pronouns that are appropriate to the population being addressed.

Second, throughout the book the author continually referred to autism as a 'social-relational disorder' (33: "What is incredible is not that we would use this model, but that it is still contraversial to use it with children whose main challenge is creating relationships!" 108, etc). Defining autism as merely an inability to socialize or relate seems to me a disservice to those who are actually on the autism spectrum. I could not find autism defined as a social-relational disorder anywhere except this book. I am no way denying that social-relational issues are part of the peculiarity of autism, but I am saying that it is not the defining characteristic of autism. Defining an autism spectrum disorder as merely a social-relational disorder seems to deny the other salient points that medical research has brought to our attention concerning ASD (I would gladly stand corrected if someone directs me to such a definition in a recognized medical, behavioral, psychological peer-reviewed journal.) If autism is merely a problem creating relationships then I am certain the interventions will be helpful in solving some of those difficulties, but I am skeptical that it will help with all the other issues that science, and experience, has told us are neurological and/or biological. (The Autism Speaks website notes: "ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art." Clearly we are dealing with more that mere social-relational issues.)

As far as an intervention is concerned, I am sure the Son-Rise Program (the catalyst behind the writing of this book) is effective for some children and/or adults. There are a lot of positive and encouraging words and anecdotes contained in the book which makes the book not only an easy read, but also an uplifting book. Personally, I think some of the interventions are wonderfully conceived--I especially like the idea of 'joining' and plan to implement it, to the extent that I can, in my classroom. I absolutely agree with the idea that we have to persist in our efforts, believe in our children, love our children deeply, a 'nonjudgmental and welcoming attitude' (249), provide them with everything they need (including, if a doctor deems it healthy and necessary, dietary restrictions), and a generally positive and safe environment where they can grow, be themselves without fear, and develop. I also agree that how we do things matters to: "We remain married to the idea that, in the therapeutic and educational setting, the only thing that matters is what we do, rather than how we do it" (254). Amen. Attitude matters--at home and in the classroom; bank on it.

I'm sure there is more to say--positively and negatively--about the book itself. I am also sure that someone is going to say it, somewhere, and at some point. My overall impression of the book is very simply this: If you have met one person on the autism spectrum, you have done just that: you have met one person. I suppose we could say that for as many people that there are on the Spectrum there might be developed an intervention. My point is that these interventions might work very well for some, they might not work for all. As with all interventions--and I think it is unfair to disregard ABA interventions out of hand as if they have never worked--Son-Rise Program needs to be investigated by each family that wishes to consider it for use. In coordination and consultation with a licensed physician, it is important that all due diligence is done in advance before any intervention is put in place. I hope the author of Autism Breakthrough would say as much himself.

As another tool in the tool belt of interventions, I think this is a worthy volume.

4/5 stars

This book along with natrual detoxing has been extremly life changing. The author is not just trying to make a buck. It will help you. This book is a bible for autism parents. My child has regained speech, eye contact and more

Autism Breakthrough is an absolute must read!!!!

In this book you discover the The Son-Rise Program® and how it can change you child’s life. The book has he easy to understand explanations and applications. He also writes about some life changing experiences that many have achieved. One aspect I was impressed with this book is Raun’s explanation of why leaning the social interaction skills takes a precedent over the math and other of the basic skills taught in to children this period of their life. This program is parent led so parents are empowered to act as facilitators, trainers and managers for their home-based programs. This is a book I recommend for parents, extended family, teachers, para’s and therapists.

This book was sent to me through Net Gallery to give a honest review.

As a professional working with special needs individuals for over 16 years I have worked in a variety of therapeutic settings from institutions, schools, and observed many different therapies in people’s homes and communities. For many years my job was to eliminate “unwanted behaviors’ and tirelessly try to get special needs children and adults to conform to “our rules and circumstances.” I finally know what it means to apply a Child Centered program that Raun Kaufman so beautifully has written about in this book. Mr. Kaufman highlights a Child Centered approach that is strongly threaded with hope and gives us delightful and practical techniques that can be applied immediately to help our children grow in all areas of social development. This is a must have for parents and professionals. I especially love the way the chapters are divided up for specific issues, such as how to best help my child when they are having tantrums and intense behaviors or turning my child into a “Learning Powerhouse.”

I am inclined to believe thag most of these reviews arw fake or paid for because theres absolutely no substance behind them and autism parents arent just like "great book", NOPE because Autism is a 24/7 deal and if a book made a any kind of "super" difference, they would be like, "In chapter 9, when Dr. Kaufman dives into sleep issues, I cant tell you what a game changer this was for us." NOPE. Just the usual garbage being pettled, go to certain doctor, eat certain diet, avoid certain toxins, and you can move out of the diagnosis. Materials such as this are unfortunate because it leads parents away from getting their children the children the therapy amd treatments that have been proven to work. Early intervention is key to positive outcomes, so a parent might spend two years very important formulative years trying this path, realize it doesnt work (which they will) and the result sadly is the loss of valuable time thw child could have spent gaining skills. Want the best outcomes for your children, try to find an autism center or go to a research based university (Stanford, UC Davis, Center for Autism and Neurodevlopmental Disorders, etc) and have your child properly evaluated. Get them into whatever services are needed (Applied Behavior Analysis, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Skills Play Group, etc), connect with a government organization to help support you throughout your journey (in CA, it's the Regional Center), apply for social security disabilty for your child because your finances are going to take a hit. Also, by applying for social security for your child, you'll also get medical, which will provide secondary insurance to cover what primary wont and there are gping to bw a lot of appointments because autism quite literally is a group of symtoms. Read how long my review is.THIS IS A NORMAL AUTISM PARENT REVIEW

Amazing and life changing. Buy this book THE MINUTE your child is diagnosed and don't look to the left or the right - follow the book and it will lead you to recovery that is not possible with other therapies!

This book is filled with perspectives and techniques that will truly be helpful to any parent of a child with Autism. The entire book is like a wonderful conversation with the author, Raun K Kaufman. It is so exciting to finally read a book that offers parents a real way to help their children with a basis of love and hope. So many therapies out there are all about what the child with never do, and what the parent needs to "give up" on- why would we ever give up on a child? Cheers to Raun Kaufman and everyone at The Son-Rise Program for believing in children with Autism! Read this book!!

For years I struggled to find productive ways to help my autistic son.
For years I cried, I was angry, I was in agony every single day.
Although, I did all the traditional therapies like ABA, OT, Speech, Floortime,
etc. I knew in my heart there had to be something more for my child.
The Son-Rise program, I would say magically fell into my lap when I was surfing UTUBE
I wish, I had known about this wonderful program sooner. Important thing is that I found it! And I want to share it with all parents who have a special need child.
This program helped ME first so I can help my child.
I urge you to buy this book, it is filled with innovative techniques and great advice to help you understand your child.Raun Kaufman has a unique writing style that keeps you reading!
Get yourself true hope!
Carmie

With Autism on the rise, and awareness of it spreading, this book comes at a pivotal point.
In the most easy and tangible way, Raun offers solutions for the challenges that Autistic children and adults face on a daily bases. This book is informative and inspirational for anyone who's life has been touched by Autism.

It is with pleasure that I recommend Dr. Kaufman's latest book on autism. Written from personal knowledge and professional capability, I applaud his insight and perspective.

The format of Autism Breakthrough provides easy access to useful ideas. Suggestions are practical. A must for families and professionals who are dealing with autism.

Rachelle K. Sheely, PhD, President
RDI (Relationship Development Intervention)

It is fine to learn and utilize the communicative skills herein, but never stop trying to find out what is causing the whole problem.

I did these methods for my usually high functioning autistic son. It helped somewhat. But thank goodness I found the book that led to a full life for my son. It explained why his occasional near-catatonic silences and the opposite times needing his helmet! These were episodic and seemed to come after he ate certain foods. Even the supposedly helpful vitamins seemed to actually set him off.

It turned out he has porphyria, and was indeed reacting to foods and supplements, but porphyrically, not allergically.

Now porphyria is not a rare disease. This metabolic disorder may affect 20% of us. The book that saved my son’s life is PORPHYRIA: The Ultimate Cause of Common, Chronic, & Environmental Illnesses, With Breakthroughs in Diet, Supplements, and Energy Balancing, by Steven Rochlitz, PhD. The porphyria connection is also crucial because the hidden porphyric reacts to most drugs, especially psyche drugs, and even to many supplements. Often the latter yields quotes like, ‘those supplements didn’t work for my child either.”

The author, Prof. Steven Rochlitz is renowned for uncovering the causes of chronic illnesses, including autism in many.

Dr. Rochlitz’s books are not sold on the store. You can find them at his wellatlast dot com site. I would immediately check out the testimonials page there for reviews by laypeople and physicians, and even a Supreme Court Justice.

Also on that testimonials page is a link to a great, free, recent interview on these matters. You will love it. It includes the autism connection.

For the record, I have no financial connection to Prof. Steven Rochlitz, but following his book’s recommendations has led to my son being healthy, cheerful, and fully communicative virtually all the time now—after following the book’s many guidelines and things to do. Good luck.

WOW! Every parent, every professional, and every single person out there who loves someone diagnosed with Autism- must read this book! Creating relationships with our children on the Autism Spectrum no longer has to be a struggle... FINALLY there is something out there talking about what Autism REALLY is, and how to address our children's greatest challenges... their ability to be social and form relationships. So excited to put all these techniques into action!

Ps. Throughout the book Raun is profound in his insights, funny, down to earth, and always talks from the heart... Once you pick up the book you won't be able to put it down!

We currently have been doing the Son Rise program in our home and this books really helps us as parents to help our son!!
Thank you Raun Kaufmann and the entire staff at the Autism Center of America!!

Raun discusses each fundamental of The Son-Rise Program® chapter by chapter with an activity to do at the end of every chapter. The way it is written, you want to get up and put it into action right away. There are supplemental resources given in each chapter for more information and links to Raun's website to learn more. Great book! So excited!

This book totally gets to the heart of the matter of autism. This book gives tools and techniques to start right away working with my child. What I love most about it is the nature of the method is so loving and respectful of my child. I first and foremost want to be my child's mummy and this book shows how to create that relationship. I want my child to have friends, I want my child to say I love you - this book is the roadmap to get there.