The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

By Tony Attwood

Book 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

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1843104954
• ISBN13: 9781843104957
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 1.0" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

By far the most helpful!

This really is a handbook of things to expect when you or someone in your life is dealing with ASD. It is particularly good for high functioning.

A thoughtful, compassionate, accessible snapshot

This book is considerably different from Attwood's 1998 book, in that it's more addressed to the general public, and has much more material about adult Aspies. A great many scholarly papers and books have been distilled to make up a good portion of the material. There is a great deal of encouraging material about materials developed to help Aspies navigate society, such as the Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations of Carol Gray, and the Interactive Guide to Emotions by Simon Baron-Cohen and his associates. Another stream of material is from the autobiographies of Aspies such as Liane Halliday Willie, Temple Grandin, Stephen Shore, Luke Jackson and Nita Jackson. It's great to have a human face on the phenomenon of AS. There seems to be a running thread through the book that sensory sensitivity is a bigger deal for Aspies than previously considered. When I read the chapter on sensory sensitivity, I recalled autism books that suggested autism was a response to body chemistry equivalent to a non-stop drug trip. I grasped that the sensory sensitivity that Aspies feel is a milder version of what autistic people feel. I don't know if that's true, but that's what I grasped. This book has a few chapters near the end dealing specifically with adult Aspies, chapters on career prospects and long-term relationships. This is a welcome addition. This will be a good first book for some time to come for anyone with an Aspie in their life. It's not the last book, but it isn't really meant to be the last book. It's meant to be the State of the Aspie Union address for 2007. The message of the book is "We know more about AS than ever before. We know more about what works for Aspie kids than ever before. With a little help, Aspies can get along with society, leverage their talents and interests, and work around their weaknesses."

A singular source on understanding a different kind of mind

Tony Attwood's latest is once again a singular source on understanding the minds and hearts of those impacted by this different and fascinating way of being. Based upon current theory, research, clinical experience, and the first person life stories, this book is unequaled in the literature and accessible to many audiences. If your child just got a diagnosis of Asperger's, if anyone in your family has this condition, or if your professional life brings you into contact with children or adults with these unique skills and challenges, this book belongs on your shelf to be read and referred to over and over. --Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D., psychologist, author of Special Children, Challenged Parents, and co-editor Voices from the Spectrum Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People With Autism, And Professionals Share Their Wisdom Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability Living Along the Autism Spectrum: What Does It Mean to have Autism or Asperger Syndrome?

Just one book... make it this one.

I have read lots of books on AS and reviewed many of them. What I am always warning is that in most cases any one book never gives a complete picture. Tony Attwood's book though is about as complete a picture as you could get right now and is not only far superior to his first guide to the subject but to many others on the market. If you read just one book on AS this should be it. It is easy to read, packed with information, and the author's respect and appreciation for people with Asperger's is evident on every page. It's professional, it's factual, it's understanding, it's worth owning a copy.

The Asperger's Bible - Truly a Godsend

Dr. Attwood is the leading expert on Asperger's Syndrome (AS) which is the spectrum partner to autism. This book is, at the time of this review his most current work. It is a shining gem and one of the standouts in autism/Asperger's (a/A) literature. If you are on the a/A continuum or know somebody who is, this book is your best friend. You will refer to it many times. What makes this book all the more excellent and distinct is that Dr. Attwood discusses adults on the a/A spectrum as well. Autism in its myriad forms including AS does not clear up once a person hits adulthood. If you have it, it is with you for the long haul. Dr. Attwood's book and words of wisdom help lighten the load. I have bought several copies of this book and have kept one for myself and gave the others to professionals in dire need of it. This book deserves a place of high honor and no parent; professional; person on the spectrum; anybody involved with a person/people on the spectrum should go without this book. I was delighted to see a section devoted to intersensory marriage, that is of a neurotypical (NT) person to somebody on the a/A continuum. I would like to see more coverage of this much needed topic as AS presents a wide array of social challenges. Still, it is heartwarming; uplifting and encouraging to see more information devoted to intersensory marriages. I agree with other reviewers who say Dr. Attwood is the best - I think we should propose a toast and raise our glasses to Dr. Attwood!

The best I have ever read

As a parent of a 9 year-old Asperger's child and a 7 year-old PDD-NOS child, I can say I have read a multitude of books and articles on Asperger's and autism. This book is by far the best, comprehensive book I have ever read regarding the subject. It is easy to read, yet comprehensive, including strategies for parents and educators alike. I was particularly impressed with the chapter explaining "Theory of Mind". For those that don't understand the nature of Asperger's and High Functioning Autism, this chapter is very succinct in explaining how the brain of an Asperger's child or adult operates. I immediately copied this chapter (is that allowed??) for my son's new teacher and begged the principal to order a copy for the school!! Thank you Tony Attwood for writing such a tremendous book that will certainly go a long way to shed light on Asperger's for educators and caretakers alike!!