Catherine Faherty’s writing is autism-friendly and filled with practical strategies! Catherine has respectfully learned from the hundreds of people she has worked with… her students in her classrooms; children and adults in the TEACCH program over her long career; from coaching adults and families; during her hands-on regional and international trainings; from almost 30 years of running Social Groups for adults; and from her many relationships in the autism community within and beyond the USA.
Her books have been translated into eleven languages.
Autism…What Does It Mean To Me? (2014). This classic resource has been expanded with new information for older readers, revisions of original chapters, and a new chapter on Happiness. Available now through Future Horizons, or on Amazon. Here is the book description.
Her first book, Asperger’s…What Does It Mean To Me? (2000) is highly acclaimed and proving to be a timeless classic in the field of autism, translated into nine languages. Read more on this website about the book. You can also learn more about the book’s Spanish translation. Since 2014, it’s current – 2nd edition – is Autism…What Does It Mean To Me? is easily available.- The book, Understanding Death and Illness and What They Teach About Life: An Interactive Guide for Individuals with Autism or Asperger’s and Their Loved Ones (2009) is the first of its kind and has become a well-worn beloved book in homes and clinics. This courageous book was awarded the 2009 Autism Society of America Outstanding Book of the Year. Read more on this site about the book, and to find out about its translations.
- The short book Communication: What Does It Mean To Me? (2010) contains straightforward ideas that decrease misunderstanding and miscommunication in relationships between an autistic person and a non-autistic person. It contains an easy-to-use “contract for communication” with an accompanying CD. Read more on this site about the book.
- A few of Catherine’s selected articles contain hands-on strategies, practical how-to’s, and unique perspectives.
A teacher writes…
Catherine writes with such sensitivity and respect that one of my students pleaded, “Make my mom read this book then maybe she will know who I am!”…The topics are presented clearly, concisely and with such great examples that it is easy for people unfamiliar with autism to pick up the book and begin to get an understanding…the suggestions are practical and easy to execute…
A teacher writes…
I have attended workshops by Catherine Faherty and use many of her books daily. You can’t go wrong buying her books.
A client writes…
I have learned so much about planning and resources for my daughter and myself. I have also gained the confidence to speak more openly…in my family.
An autism specialist writes..
Catherine’s early work as a TEACCH teacher often goes unnoticed though it played a major part in shaping the strategies TEACCH continues to build on today.
An early intervention specialist writes..
Catherine shows sensitivity and understanding of parents’ needs as she listens carefully to their stories. She not only provides parents with strategies and resources to help their child, but also channels parents to think about their own needs.
A woman writes…
Catherine and her books have been vital in helping me to understand myself and live better. She does this not only with her wonderful insights and pragmatic solutions, but by her total embracing of differences. I am always touched by her compassion. Knowing that respects autism, and doesn’t view it as wrong, helps me to accept and respect who I am. She has helped me to form self-knowledge into a foundation for self-advocacy.”
A reader writes…
Catherine Faherty has done the impossible with this beautiful book on a difficult subject. “Understanding Death and Illness and What They Teach us About Life” is an amazingly comprehensive and practical book. This stunningly illustrated book will not only help people with autism and their families but all of us redefine how we view and cope with illness and death. Thank-you Catherine!