TarcherPerigree (an imprint of Penguin Random House), New York, 2024
"Pediatric neurologist Goh (Spectacular Bond) provides a sensitive primer on how parents can take a holistic approach to raising autistic children. Delving into how the brains of autistic children differ from neurotypical counterparts, Goh notes that on average, an autistic person’s prefrontal cortex 'has fewer connections to other brain regions,' which is thought to explain 'why thoughts and behaviors tend to be less flexible in autism.' Her advice is based on addressing the 'five key elements of the whole-child path: brain-body health, development, behavior, family, and community.' For instance, her tips for 'strengthening the parent-child bond' encourage parents to build trust by working to reduce overwhelming stimuli during meltdowns. Pushing back against parents who discourage their child’s narrow focus on a single topic or activity, Goh contends that such 'special interests' can constitute 'a powerful way to build connection' and recommends creating opportunities for children to socialize with others who share their passion. Goh brings a welcome recognition of the autism spectrum’s diversity, remarking that following her suggestions can look wildly different depending on a child’s abilities. Anecdotes describing strategies her patients’ parents have used to teach their kids new social, emotional, and language skills flesh out the advice. This is a valuable resource for parents of autistic children.."
―Publishers Weekly
"Dr. Suzanne Goh is an extraordinary scientist, researcher, and clinician whose pioneering work in autism is changing our thinking about how to best support a child, not only focusing on behavior but also on neurobiology, biochemistry, and physiology. Whether your child is newly diagnosed with autism or you’re simply looking for fresh insights and a new way forward, this book is a treasure.”
―Dr. Mark Hyman, author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Young Forever
"“Dr Goh wisely describes a holistic approach to Autism that respects that some of the defining characteristics are variations of the human traits that make us uniquely talented. She wants readers to see the whole child for the best results.”
―Dr. Mehmet Oz, M.D., professor emeritus, Columbia University
"Wow! This is just the approach the world needs to better understand and support every child with autism.”
―Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, host of The Psychology Podcast and author of Transcend
"As an autistic adult with multiple co-occurring features including cerebral palsy, GI issues, and mitochondrial dysfunction, I often struggle with understanding doctors and interacting with the medical system. Magnificent Minds presents information clearly and concisely across its well-organized chapters. I found it approachable and learned new things from it as a result, and I expect many others will as well in a shared journey to better understand and care for the unique autistic people in their lives.”
―Jory Fleming, author of How to Be Human: An Autistic Man's Guide to Life
"Finally! A well-resourced book that puts it all together for parents and professionals. When a child is diagnosed with autism, parents are bombarded with much information on many levels. The connection between neurobiology, biochemistry, physiology, and the behavioral component is not always clear. Connecting all this to education, community, the importance of family relationships, and possible therapies and what is best for our unique child is difficult for a parent to do. Dr. Goh has explained these complex connections simply, providing hope and fostering the understanding and acceptance of neurodivergence. Certainly, I wish this book had been available when my child was still an infant!”
―Chantal Sicile-Kira, parent, advocate and author of What Is Autism? Understanding Life with Autism or Asperger’s and A Full Life with Autism.