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Tony Attwood's guide will assist parents and professionals with the identification, treatment and care of both children and adults with Asperger's Syndrome. The book provides a description and analysis of the unusual characteristics of the syndrome and practical strategies to reduce those that are most conspicuous or debilitating. Beginning with a chapter on diagnosis, including an assessment test, the book covers all aspects of the syndrome from language to social behaviour and motor clumsiness, concluding with a chapter based on the questions most frequently asked by those who come into contact with individuals with this syndrome. Covering the available literature in full, this guide brings together the most relevant and useful information on Asperger's Syndrome, incorporating case studies from the author's own practical experience as a Clinical Psychologist, with examples of, and numerous quotations from people with Asperger's Syndrome.
This book was recomended by an Asperger's specialist. He said it is the most accurate book on Asperger's out there. And I must agree. Straight forward and cuts through all of the nonsense.
This book is a good basis of where to start understanding Aspergers. It is easy to read and understand.
A hopeful and encouraging look at a syndrome lately coming into public awareness and afflicting perhaps 1 in 300 people. The lifelong eccentric, the silent and aloof child, the loner--Asperger's sufferers perhaps? Coined by Lorna Wing in 1981, the term described the kind of behavior observed by Hans Asperger in 1944. He used the term "autistic psychopathy" to describe 4 unusual Viennese boys.
Since Asperger's syndrome (AS) occurs on the autism scale, its dominant characteristics are a lack of empathy, naïve, inappropriate, one-sided interaction, little or no ability to form friendships, pedantic, repetitive speech, poor non-verbal communication, intense absorption in certain subjects, and clumsy or odd movements.
Attwood includes the Australian scale for AS as well as diagnostic criteria. The following factors seem to be crucial to the long term success of a person with AS: a mentor who understands AS as well as the person himself, providing guidance and encouragement to adapt to social situations; a partner who commits to and compensates for the difficulties the AS person suffers; an engrossing job or special interest; personal acceptance of the AS condition; and finally--a natural recovery. Some AS sufferers "get it" in their late 20s and 30s, learning the subtleties of non-verbal communication, conversation repair, etc. to such an extent that they are able to continue their lives with only their closest associates knowing of their condition.
This really gave me a good clear understanding of Aspergers and the enormous range of symptoms that kids can have.
This book was handy for helping to diagnose Asperger's Syndrome. It was recommended by my son's therapist & helped me to understand AS & see what traits of it my son does & does not have.