The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

by Dr Anthony Attwood

Overview

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). Now including a new introduction explaining the impact of DSM-5 on the diagnosis and approach to 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
* 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.

'I usually say to the child, "Congratulations, you have Asperger's syndrome", and explain that this means he or she is not mad, bad or defective, but has a different way of thinking.'
- from The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846425592
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	09/28/2006
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	416
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Tony Attwood, PhD, is a clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia, with over 30 years of experience with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. He is currently Adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland.

Table of Contents

Introduction. 1. What is Asperger's Syndrome? 2. The Diagnosis. 3. Social Understanding and Friendship. 4. Teasing and Bullying. 5. Theory of Mind. 6. The Understanding and Expression of Emotions. 7. Special Interests. 8. Language. 9. Cognitive Abilities. 10. Movement and Coordination. 11. Sensory Sensitivity. 12. Life After School: college and career. 13. Long-term Relationships. 14. Psychotherapy. 15. Frequently Asked Questions. References. Subject index. Author index.

Editorial Reviews

In 1998, Australian clinical psychologist Attwood published Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, which quickly established him as an international expert on the condition. Here, he updates research in this rapidly evolving field, offering a wealth of information on childhood, college, long-term relationships, and careers. He gives comprehensive coverage of topics such as friendship, bullying, special interests, and theory of mind. Each chapter begins with a quote from Hans Asperger himself and includes firsthand experiences from individuals with Asperger's, including Temple Grandin, Liane Holliday Willey, and Stephen Shore. Particularly helpful are the "Key Points and Strategies" at each chapter's end and the detailed FAQs, glossary, resources, and references sections. Attwood writes, "I usually say to the child, `Congratulations, you have Asperger's syndrome,' and explain that this means he or she is not mad, bad or defective, but has a different way of thinking." His work skillfully brings together the current information on this fascinating condition and is an essential purchase for academic and public libraries. Elizabeth Safford, Nevins Memorial Lib., Methuen, MA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

This book really is a must-have resource for all academic libraries, college psychology classes, parents and relatives of those with AS, clinicians and medical professionals, teachers, and of course, those of us who have AS.

Autism Spectrum Quarterly

This is a comprehensive and thorough discussion of Asperger's. Atwood excels at making this text not only an easy read, but also a valuable reference. The book is full of knowledge and true life stories of those affected by Aspergers.

Spectrum Magazine

Have a question about Asperger syndrome? Chances are it's answered in this comprehensive guide by Australian Tony Attwood. Attwood has been studying, writing about and speaking about AS for many years, and has gained a reputation for being knowledgable, approachable, and practical in his advice and thoughts. Attwood also manages to be enormously respectful to people with AS — something that can't be said for all such guides. One of the nicest and most surprising aspects of this compendium of knowledge is that it's easy to read. Although Attwood does use "vocabulary words," he's careful to keep his language down-to-earth and engaging. Readers who aren't quite sure what a particular term means can check the glossary in the back of the book.

About.com

Usually, the first place I send any client for information is Tony Attwood's The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome. For parents of kids just diagnosed with Asperger's, adults who think that maybe they've always been on the autism spectrum, or autistic teens who are starting to transition into adulthood, this book is a solid place to start. I think of this book as the Asperger's equivalent to The Joy of Cooking. There are lots of specialized cookbooks out there, covering the details of Thai cuisine, or how to use a slow cooker, but the classic Joy of Cooking can get you started and point out where to go next. Attwood's The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome can get you started on just about any Asperger related issue, and show you where to go from there.

The Autism News

This comprehensive guide to understanding Asperger's Syndrome is easy to read. It has a very practical approach and will appeal to young people with Aspergers Syndrome, parents, carers and professionals alike. Understanding is helped by personal insights and practical strageties for those with AS and for carers too. For readers who do not have a lot of time there is a quick reference index to go straight to the aspect you want to know about first. Newcomers to the subject will find the glossary invaluable. If it whets your appetite there are 22 pages of refernces for further study and a section on further resources.

CaN! Wales Carers Network and Autism Academy Bulletin

This is the single best book currently available on Asperger's Syndrome (AS)... It presents a very readable but highly authoritative account based on Attwood's extensive clinical experience and a wealth of case studies, research and personal accounts... Essential reading for parents and families (as well as others coming into contact with individuals with AS)

Debate

All in all an excellent resource for anyone's shelf who comes into contact with Asperger's Syndrome. The Key points and strategies section at the end of each chapter in invaluable for finding that key piece of information you need without having to read the whole chapter. There is also a very useful frequently asked questions chapter and a section with useful resources for anyone wishing to find furter information on a particular aspect of AS, as well as literature and educational tools. Does exactly what it state on the tin!

COTSS PLD Newsletter

Tony Attwood is one of the greatest resources in the Asperger world and this is said to be the Asperger's Syndrome bible so make sure you keep it on you shelf, even if you don't read it cover to cover. It has loads of great information.

One Girl Circus blog

This is a very informative read which is aimed at not only the professionals, but also the parents, teachers and family members of those people suffering from Aspergers Sundrome. It will also serve as a comfort for those people who have either been diagnosed with AS or have an inkling that they might be on the spectrum as it details not only the symptoms but also coping mechanisms. Personally speaking, this was a comfort to me because I fell that I am on the spectrum somewhere and it's enough for me, now, to understand that...The language is never too technical, and has quotations from Hans Asperger (who first diagnosed the condition) as well as excerpts from Aspies themselves - which add another dimension to the book. As a first step into the world of Aspergers Sundrome this is a perfect start. It has a whole list of resources at the back for people, should they wish to take their reading further, including a list of websites as well. An informative read, I can not recommend this book highly enough.

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