Freedom from Meltdowns: Dr. Thompson's Solutions for Children with Autism (Book Review‪)‬

Travis Thompson, Freedom from Meltdowns: Dr. Thompson's Solutions for Children with Autism. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company, 2009. Paperback. $24.95 Freedom from Meltdowns: Dr. Thompson's Solutions for Children with Autism is the third book by Dr. Travis Thompson to focus solely on the unique needs of children with autism. Dr. Thompson's previous works on the topic provided the reader with a wealth of information about Autism Spectrum Disorders in general. This work takes on the daunting task of explaining what causes emotional "meltdowns" and how to develop appropriate interventions to address them. In what could be a dense, heavy explanation of the development of problem behavior, Dr. Thompson has written a reader-friendly synopsis of the principles guiding human behavior. With more than 40 years of experience in the field, Dr. Thompson is able to gently guide parents, caregivers, and educators to an understanding of the "difficult behaviors" that are common among children with autism. With parents and caregivers in mind, Dr. Thompson explains how deficits in communication, a child's motivation, and a parent's response to behavior all build on one another to create what he calls "meltdowns". Contrary to the popular trend that dismisses meltdowns as mere tantrums from a spoiled child, Dr. Thompson impresses upon his readers the severity and serious nature of the meltdowns he sees in his patients. Dr. Thompson's writing style is clear and concise. That, coupled with the liberal use of case studies throughout the book, makes this book very accessible to its intended audience.