Reweaving the Autistic Tapestry: Autism, Asperger Syndrome and ADHD

By Lisa Blakemore-Brown

Although there is increasing professional recognition of the links between ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders, this is the first book to analyse them in depth. In Reweaving the Autistic Tapestry, Lisa Blakemore-Brown uses the metaphor of the 'tapestry' to explain more clearly to parents and professionals the interwoven nature of these disorders. She demonstrates how by focusing on defined threads of the individual's tapestry, such as communication ability or hyperactivity, within the larger picture, we can better assess the individual's needs and make more effective interventions. She argues that the more traditional approach, which aims to ameliorate specific problems rather than working within the bigger picture, can actually prove counter-effective. In a comprehensive chapter on interventions, the author discusses different approaches, emphasising the importance of early intervention and of finding the right approach for the individual child. Case studies are described alongside drawn tapestries to show how this simple visual method can easily be used to illustrate the history, current status and ongoing progress of a child. In this way, the tapestry can be used as a construct to define rich and unique personal landscapes.

Useful for parents as well as professionals, this groundbreaking book demonstrates how a deeper understanding of the complexity of human development can lead to more appropriate early intervention and treatment plans for children who manifest complex symptoms, thus helping them to lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1853027480
• ISBN13: 9781853027482
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Breaking down the complexity of autism

Lisa Blakemore-Brown has managed to break down some of the mysticism that isautism and it's related disorders. She does this by likening the differentproblems each child faces as being a strand of thread which combines withothers to create the beautiful, uniquely original and immensely complexbeings that are autistic spectrum disorder children in a tapestry of bothabilities and disabilities.This book goes a long way to explaining why ASD children are the way theyare and also why it is so difficult to diagnose them. The reason for thismetaphor is to remind us that autistic spectrum children - even the mosthigh functioning ADHD and Asperger's - can be very difficult and frustratingto manage at times. By alluding to their behaviour as being woven into atapestry, it serves as a reminder to those who care for such children thatwith the pain of their care can come great delight also if we are aware ofwhy they behave the way they do.This is a touching and very powerful book which every ASD parent must read.Skilfully blending scientific fact with true life examples and artisticreference, Lisa Blakemore-Brown has managed to create a book that is bothinformative and comforting.Not just an examination of her theory of "weaving the tapestry" however,this book also is one of the best reference resources for early diagnosticcriteria. This a must for any parent who suspects their child has aproblem, or even for those who have a diagnosis but which the parentssuspect is not quite accurate to cover all their child's difficulties. Italso examines the latest interventions and treatments for all forms of ASD -from ABA and behavioural techniques to diet and medication.Your child needs you to read this book!

Superb book, but the editing!

Reweaving The Autistic Tapestry by Lisa Blakemore-Brown, aside from droning on too long (too much information--too many words), working the tapestry metaphor until i could SCREAM, and using the lyrics to "Groovy Kind of Love" (rather tacky) to illustrate one of the author's points, is excellent. Hmmm... Too much information. Too many words. Perseveration. Lack of social awareness. Now I can see WHY she gets it. It takes one to know one. The author definitely knows whereof she speaks, as do I. This is the first cogent work I've seen on the subject ofAD(H)D and Autistic Spectrum Disorders; head and shoulders above The ADHD-Autism Connection, which contains not one original thought, and has only platitudes to offer, when what is called for is insight. Reweaving the Autistic Tapestry is accessible to laymen, but detailed and sufficiently technical to be of value to professionals who work with people on the Autistic Spectrum and the ADD Spectrum. Blakemore-Brown, while not completely eschewing the DSM, does make clear that it is not to be taken literally, and that the kinds of diagnoses she discusses are, of necessity, rooted in subjectivity. The author is so realistic as to consider myriad other possible comorbid disorders in the case histories she discusses. Highly recommended, but the editor deserves twenty lashes with a wet noodle.