Diverse as the disorder itself, Families of Adults with Autism is a forum for relatives to tell their heartwarming and heartbreaking narratives of life with autism over the long haul. The narratives are an eye opener for those sitting outside the disorder and nuggets of helpful guidance can be gained for those who deal with it daily. ‘‘Stories and Advice’’ is an apt subtitle for this loosely woven work, for if readers approach the book hoping for systematic guidance for coping with a loved one with autism, they may be disappointed. If, on the other hand, they want a sense of empathy and are willing to ferret out what advice is applicable to their situation, this book is worth a thorough read. Dr. Edelson clearly states the book’s thesis in his forward: ‘‘It is our hope that the book in your hand, combined with these other resources, might show the way for parents facing an autistic child’s journey into adulthood.’’ (p. 11). Out of the 36 stories presented, six fulfill Dr. Edelson’s promise beautifully. Others do in part, but many chapters, though still valuable, are simply a forum for parents to tell their story. When the editors left tone, style, and content in the hands of individual authors, each a caregiver or sibling to an adult with autism, they set up this hit and miss situation of actually fulfilling the thesis of the book. This release of control causes each chapter to have its own flavor and how that flavor is savored and digested will depend an individual reader’s expectation and taste. Each chapter can be categorized one of five ways. First, is a forum for verbal catharsis. Fourteen authors fit this profile: Landalf, McCarthy, Gallup, Croke, DeLuca, Woodruff, Zhivago, Gray, Graham, Stream, Paster, Beavers, Cockey, and Flack. These families tell stories that provoke deep empathy and offer a measure of encouragement, but their focus is severely narrowed to their own situation. Unless a reader is walking a very similar path, there is not much practical guidance to glean. In the second category, five authors tell their story and also cover a single critical topic so well they should be labeled ‘‘story plus help with one issue’’. Park wrote an intriguing story and also covered the topic of sexual victimization. Oakley’s story was profoundly moving and offers clearly expert advice to families dealing with self-injurious behavior. Sullivan covers the grief resulting from out of home placement while Henry tackles the use of the supplement secretin. Berstein spins an inspiring tale and hammers home the critical need for parents to embrace their role as advocates. Bullet points of advice that cover a myriad of situations are given in seven chapters. In a third category, three authors offer good advice but not much specific to adulthood. Curtain and Dolan fall here. In contrast, category four chapters are adult specific and in this realm Goble, Henley, Arenberg, Lobkovitz, and Richards advise well. The fifth and final (and most successful) category of authors fulfills Dr. Edelson’s promise. These chapters clearly show the way for parents facing an autistic child’s journey into adulthood. Kemmel, Snowhook, Swezey, Sposato, Crotzer, and Lyons choose a more thorough and wider lens. They extract broad principals from their own journey and showcase them in a way that causes a reader to desire more of their wisdom. Truly, it is more important that the title, rather than a promise hidden in the forward, accurately depict the A. J. Kantz (&) Next Thing Productions, 5700 Wimbleton Way, Fort Worth, TX 76133, USA e-mail: arlyn@precisionsongs.com