Dr. Demetria Ennis Cole published a book that documents the trials and attempts to remedy the behaviors of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The book titled, Seeing Autism through parent’s feedback, sketchnotes, technology, and evidence-based practices.’
The book covers a multitude of thoughts and recommendations related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) including support after diagnosis, creating a positive learning environment for children with ASD and the use of technology for education within ASD. Dr. Ennis Cole also writes from her personal experience as a mother. In the introduction, she recalls the angst of waiting in the doctor’s office for a diagnosis and how she began her journey to understand how to help her son.
According to Ennis Cole, feedback included in the book came from the surveys of 322 parents all of whom were using the internet to find resources to help their child.
“As parents, we are desperate to make our children’s lives better and help them develop the skills they need,” said Ennis Cole.
The survey results also reveal that parents of children with ASD were seeking simultaneously, multiple variations of intervention, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and sensory integrations therapy among others. The book also explores the demands of families raising a child with ASD.
Contributions made to the book include fellow Learning Technologies faculty member Lin Lin.