Product Description

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). It brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through to adults.

Drawing on case studies and personal accounts from Attwood's extensive clinical experience, and from his correspondence with individuals with AS, this book is both authoritative and extremely accessible. Chapters examine: causes and indications of the syndrome; the diagnosis and its effect on the individual; theory of mind; the perception of emotions in self and others; social interaction, including friendships; long-term relationships; teasing, bullying and mental health issues; the effect of AS on language and cognitive abilities, sensory sensitivity, movement and co-ordination skills; and career development.

There is also an invaluable frequently asked questions chapter and a section listing useful resources for anyone wishing to find further information on a particular aspect of AS, as well as literature and educational tools.

Essential reading for families and individuals affected by AS as well as teachers, professionals and employers coming in contact with people with AS, this book should be on the bookshelf of anyone who needs to know or is interested in this complex condition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2248 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 397 pages

From the Publisher
"The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is flawless in its ability to ease the trepidations, answer the questions, buoy the spirits, and encourage the dreams of those who walk with AS. Attwood and his insights are golden!"
--Liane Holliday Willey, EdD, author of Pretending to be Normal: Living With Asperger's Syndrome

"An encyclopedia on Asperger's syndrome written in easy-to-read non-technical language. It will be especially useful for helping individuals with Asperger's, parents and professionals understand the social difficulties. There is a good mix of research information, first person reports and clinical information. The section on sensory over-sensitivity is excellent. Sensory issues prevent many people on the autism/Asperger's spectrum from participating in many social activities because stimuli that do not bother most people are intolerable."
--Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures and Animals in Translation

"Grounded in research from close to 30 years of direct experience, yet very accessible, Dr Attwood brings understanding of Asperger Syndrome to new heights. Peppered with personal accounts and clear explanations...this book is a "must have" for everyone, including those with Asperger Syndrome."
--Stephen Shore, AbD, author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome

Customer Reviews

read this book and you will understand a lot of things
I read this book by pure chance (first I read Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism) because I know a child who has difficulties to learn at school. And I buy this book to have a good scientific reference on AS and high functioning autism. And I was satisfied beyond the limits but for someone else so much closer to me. Believe me this book will make you understand a lot of people around you. Even you are not in relation with autism, you will learn a lot. But if you are in touch with a person with the asperger syndrom, believe me too, you will learn more and, above all, feel better in your life. Unfortunately I am very close to an adult with high functioning autism (or AS). Sometime you could think this adult is a total idiot in social relationships. This book bring complete informations about the subject. And the life is much easier when you understand you are not a kind of social monster.

Excellent, informative book for people with AS and those who love them.
This is full of helpful information about AS, compassionate and wise interpretation of their a-typical-ness and good training ideas for their teachers and parents. Reading it will answer many questions for family members who may have long pondered why their loved one acts the way s/he does and bring new understanding, compassion -- and a large measure of relief due to mysteries solved.

If you really want to get to know individuals with AS
Tony Atwood has again managed to provide us with keen insight as to the individuality of the individuals with AS. He has wonderful vignettes and on children and adults with AS as they struggle with language, emotions, social interactions, and day to day functioning. He has quotes from individuals with AS as they describe both adult issues and memories from their childhoods. This gives unique insights into why we see certain behaviors and what causes the need for the behaviors.

He doesn't stop there, however. He provides many good ideas for interventions and strategies to help children become more aware of and in control of their environment and their emotions. I particularly liked the scales of justice activity to help children learn the differences in levels of guilt or culpability in an adverse situation.

I feel that any professional who works with children and adults with AS should read this book and keep it available for referral whenever one of their students/patients/clients are struggling.