Brenda Dater is the author of Parenting without Panic: A Pocket Support Group for Parents of Children and Teens on the Autism Spectrum (Asperger’s Syndrome). She is also the Associate Director at AANE where she provides training and consultation to professionals and parent coaching for parents and other family members.. Brenda attended the University of Michigan where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Masters’ degrees in Social Work and Public Health.
Brenda’s favorite job title is ‘mom’ to her three sons. Her eldest, Noah, was diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of three and now lives away at University. Her middle son, Daniel, has ADHD, anxiety and a very sweet soul. And her youngest, Josh, would like to know what diagnosis he has so that he can make sure he fits into his family.
Brenda’s family also includes her amazingly patient and funny husband, Jed, and their dog, Lavender, who can be found near a family member or food depending on the time of day. When Brenda isn’t working or writing she enjoys hiking with her family, singing, photography and sharing meals with friends. Oh, and sleeping—she really likes sleeping.
Brenda doesn’t feel sad about having a child with Asperger’s, but at times she feels discouraged about the way her son and others on the autism spectrum are treated. She looks forward to the day when being autistic no longer evokes pity and fear in others and the world is a more autism and Asperger friendly place for children, teens, adults, and families.
Brenda’s favorite job title is ‘mom’ to her three sons. Her eldest, Noah, was diagnosed with Asperger’s at the age of three and now lives away at University. Her middle son, Daniel, has ADHD, anxiety and a very sweet soul. And her youngest, Josh, would like to know what diagnosis he has so that he can make sure he fits into his family.
Brenda’s family also includes her amazingly patient and funny husband, Jed, and their dog, Lavender, who can be found near a family member or food depending on the time of day. When Brenda isn’t working or writing she enjoys hiking with her family, singing, photography and sharing meals with friends. Oh, and sleeping—she really likes sleeping.
Brenda doesn’t feel sad about having a child with Asperger’s, but at times she feels discouraged about the way her son and others on the autism spectrum are treated. She looks forward to the day when being autistic no longer evokes pity and fear in others and the world is a more autism and Asperger friendly place for children, teens, adults, and families.
