For those with autism / Asperger's

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The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood

"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". "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. The 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.

 

Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome by Jed Baker

This easy-to-follow resource provides a complete toolbox of social skills and the means to attain them so that students may approach their futures with excitement rather than anxiety. Jed Baker tackles a wide variety of issues faced by individuals across the spectrum, such as perspective-taking, nonverbal communication skills, conversational skills, and stress management. He explains the laws and services that provide assistance, offers a multitude of options and resources, and encourages an emphasis on the students’ assets as tools for meeting social goals.

 

Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety: A Guide to Successful Stress Management by Nick Dubin

Many people suffer from feelings of stress and anxiety in their everyday lives. For people with Asperger Syndrome (AS), this stress can be particularly difficult to manage. On a daily basis people with AS must fit into a world that seems totally foreign to them and this can increase feelings of alienation and anxiety, making life's challenges especially hard to cope with.The first book on anxiety written specifically for adults with Asperger Syndrome, this book offers practical advice on how individuals with AS can manage their anxiety more effectively. As a person with AS who has struggled with feelings of anxiety and learnt how to overcome them, Nick Dubin shares his own tried and tested solutions along with up-to-date research on stress management for individuals with AS, including a chapter on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Dubin explores the key problem areas that can lead to anxiety for people with AS such as lack of social skills, difficulties establishing romantic relationships and uncertainty about employment."Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety" provides real solutions to a common problem and is essential reading for anyone with AS who has trouble managing stress. The book will also be of interest to family members, teachers and other professionals working with individuals with AS.

 

The Way I See It: A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger's by Temple Grandin

In this innovative book, Dr. Temple Grandin gets down to the REAL issues of autism, the ones parents, teachers, and individuals on the spectrum face every day. Temple offers helpful do's and don'ts, practical strategies, and try-it-now tips, all based on her "insider" perspective and a great deal of research.

 

The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism by Temple Grandin and Sean Barron

Dr. Temple Grandin and Sean Barron use their colorful life stories to explain the unwritten rules and patterns of social relationships. They create guidelines for living and working with others and illustrate their infinite applications, in even the most complex situations. The authors’ brilliant insights are invaluable to anyone who has ever felt "outside the norm" in school, at work, or when relating to people in general.

 

Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome by Jerry Newport

An encouraging, educational, and often humorous guide for teens and young adults with Asperger's Syndrome or high-functioning autism. Jerry, a man with autism, gives advice on dating, money, traveling independently and more! This clever book will help others live fuller, more independent lives.

 

Life and Love: Positive Strategies for Autistic Adults by Zosia Zaks

Written for adults on the spectrum and those involved – parents, spouses, friends – this book is divided into two sections: life and love. In the life section, the author describes and suggests concrete ways to deal with some of the issues and problems faced by those on the autism spectrum. Examples include how to accommodate sensory issues, maintain a home, and manage a career. In the love section, instead of focusing on one topic, such as dating, the author includes a broad spectrum of suggestions for different types of relationships and weaves these together with the core concept of self-esteem.

 

Solutions for Adults with Asperger's Syndrome: Maximizing the Benefits, Minimizing the Drawbacks to Achieve Success by Juanita Lovett

Dr. Juanita Lovett specializes in treating adults with AS and working with their families. In this book she shows those adults and their loved ones how to maximize the benefits of AS (including intense concentration, above-average intelligence, and high creativity) while minimizing the drawbacks (including lack of social skill, inability to connect emotionally with others, and propensity toward rage).

 

How to Find Work That Works for People with Asperger Syndrome: The Ultimate Guide for Getting People With Asperger Syndrome into the Workplace (and Keeping Them There!) by Gail Hawkins

For those who want to help somebody with Asperger Syndrome find and keep a satisfying job, this book is a vital tool. Gail Hawkins guides readers through the entire process of gaining employment, from building a supportive team, identifying and addressing workplace challenges, to securing an appropriate post. Including practical tips on topics such as finding potential employers and creating a dazzling CV, as well as sensitive advice on assessing when somebody is ready for work, and how, when and where to disclose a disability to an employer, Hawkins' well-tested approach aims to provide all the information needed for a fast, realistic, and successful path to fulfilling employment.

 

Asperger Syndrome Employment Workbook: An Employment Workbook for Adults With Asperger Syndrome by Roger N. Meyer

Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers January 2001, this workbook is designed as a self-paced guide for mature adults with Asperger Syndrome. Through a complete review of three periods in the reader's work life, this guide assists the reader to compose his/her autobiographical work history based upon understanding the impact of Asperger Syndrome on their employment experiences.

 

Employment for Individuals With Asperger Syndrome or Non-Verbal Learning Disability: Stories and Strategies by Yvona Fast

Most people with Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD) or Asperger Syndrome (AS) are underemployed. With practical and technical advice on everything from job-hunting to interview techniques, from 'fitting in' in the workplace to whether or not to disclose a diagnosis, this book guides people with NLD or AS successfully through the employment field. There is information for employers, agencies, and careers counsellors, including an analysis of typical strengths, and how to use these positively in the workplace. Practical information and resource material is supported by numerous case studies to inspire and advise. This is an essential resource for people with NLD or AS seeking or in employment, and their employers.

 

Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism by Temple Grandin

This career planning guide is written specifically for high-functioning adolescents and young adults on the autism spectrum, their families, teachers, and counselors. The two authors weave together a unique blend of information and advice based on personal experiences. Temple Grandin draws from her own experience with autism spectrum disorders and her professional career, and Kate Duffy uses her expertise on employment issues and the mother of two teenagers with autistic-like behaviors. The result is an extremely useful and practical book that introduces step-by-step processes for the job search with a major section on the impact ASD has in the workplace, including managing sensory problems, how to nurture and turn talents and special interests into paid work, jobs that are particularly suited to individuals on the spectrum, and much more. First-hand accounts of job experiences and advice from individuals representing a broad range of careers particularly suited for high-functioning individuals on the autism spectrum round off this exciting new resource.

 

Asperger's Syndrome and Adults... Is Anyone Listening? Essays and Poems by Partners, Parents and Family Members... by Karen E. Rodman

The difficulties faced by people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) cannot be underestimated, but the emotional problems experienced by those around them - partners, family and friends - are often overlooked. Focusing on what is referred to as the Cassandra phenomenon, where the neurotypical partner often needs more emotional guidance than the AS partner, this volume gathers together letters, thoughts and poems to give voice to the loneliness, frustration and love felt by many individuals who are close to one or more people with AS. This collection provides the emotional support, insight and understanding needed to deal with the emotions that AS evokes within close relationships.

 

Pretending to Be Normal: Living With Asperger's Syndrome by Liane Holliday Willey

Autobiography of a woman and her child diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Author shares her daily struggles and challenges. Includes appendices providing coping strategies and guidance. For the general reader as well as professionals.

 

Congratulations! It's Asperger Syndrome by Jen Birch

Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in adulthood, Jen Birch relates her story with humor and honesty, taking us through the years of frustration and confusion that led to her diagnosis in 1999. She candidly describes her continual search for 'normality,' her experiences at work, her difficulties with relationships, her time spent in a psychiatric hospital and her struggle for correct diagnosis. Talking positively about how her life has changed since her diagnosis, Jen aims to use this newfound knowledge to inform others about the syndrome and how, once its pros and cons are understood, life can be lived to the full.

 

Diagnosing Jefferson by Norm Ledgin

This offering, written by a historian who has a son with Asperger's Syndrome, examines Thomas Jefferson, one of the United States' most brilliant Presidents and his many behaviors that match the Asperger's Syndrome diagnosis. The book gives fascinating insight into Jefferson as well as documenting the multiple factors that contribute to this diagnosis.

 

Succeeding in College With Asperger Syndrome by John Harpur

Suceeding in College with Asperger Syndrome demystifies the range of college experiences for students with AS. It is a must for these students, their parents and counselors alike, providing benefits that will continue throughout the college years and beyond.

 

The Hidden Curriculum: Practical Solutions for Understanding Unstated Rules in Social Situations by Brenda Smith Myles

This book offers practical suggestions and advice for how to teach and learn those subtle messages that most people seem to pick up almost automatically but that have to be directly taught to individuals with social-cognitive challenges. Given the serious consequences that can befall a person who violates a social rule, the strategies and detailed lists of curriculum items make The Hidden Curriculum a much-needed resource.

 

Aquamarine Blue 5: Personal Stories Of College Students With Autism by Dawn Prince-Hughes

A delightful compilation of essays by college students who have autism.

 

Women From Another Planet?: Our Lives in the Universe of Autism by Jean Miller

A collection of stories and conversations, all of them by women on the autism spectrum who speak candidly, insightfully, and often engagingly about both their gender in terms of their autism and their autism in terms of their gender. It is written not just for parents and professionals,like the other works, but also to those women still searching for ways tounderstand the unnamed difference they live with, as well as the wider audienceof discerning readers. If you enter the unlocked door of these Women from Another Planet? you may endup with a question mark or two about yourplanet. Is normalcy really all it's cracked up to be?

 

A Real Person: Life on the Outside by Gunilla Gerland

An excellent book for adults with AS. It has many rich insights about learning more coping skills after diagnosis.

 

Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum by Ruth Elaine Joyner Hane

Edited by Stephen Shore, author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum aims to help people with autism effectively self-advocate in their pursuit of independent, productive, and fulfilling lives. Ask and Tell is unique by being the first book to speak to the twin issues of self-advocacy and disclosure for people with autism and by consisting exclusively – including the cover art and the preface by Temple Grandin – of contributions by those on the autism spectrum for persons on the spectrum.

 

The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome: A guide to an Intimate Relationship with a Partner who has Asperger Syndrome by Maxine C. Aston

Based on academic research as a qualified couples counselor specializing in this area and from her own personal relationship experiences, the author uses quotations and real-life examples to illustrate her points with a compassionate understanding. Practical everyday topics include living and coping with AS, anger and AS, getting the message across, sex and AS, parenting, staying together and AS cannot be blamed for everything.

 

Aspergers in Love: Couple Relationships and Family Affairs by Maxine C. Aston

Asperger Syndrome (AS) has often been considered to be incompatible with love and relationships, but as the number of diagnoses increases, it is becoming apparent that people with AS can and do have full and intimate relationships. Maxine Aston frankly examines the fundamental aspects of relationships that are often complicated by the disorder. Illustrated with real-life examples, the book tackles issues such as attraction, trust, communication, intimacy and parenting and includes a section on frequently asked questions, making it a must for all those with AS and their partners, as well as for friends, family and counselors.

 

Asperger Syndrome and Long-Term Relationships by Ashley Stanford

Ashley Stanford is married to a man with Asperger Syndrome, and her book provides the answers to many of the questions asked by the increasing number of people in that situation. She explains how behaviors that may have appeared odd - or even downright irritating - are the manifestation of AS, and shows how understanding can lead to greater tolerance or to change. Stanford provides a wealth of strategies for living successfully with the more uncompromising aspects of AS, pointing out that AS also brings enormous strengths to a relationship, and emphasizes the value of understanding. Including many quotes from people in long-term AS relationships, the book describes many positive solutions that have worked for other couples.

Autism is My Universe: ...So how 'bout we "not" call it a disability! by Michael E. Buckholtz

Former multi-platinum MC Hammer record producer, songwriter, performer, author Michael Buckholtz's raw, unflinching and often humorous account of his life with Asperger's Syndrome, is a refreshing departure from the clinical and often anecdotal books written on the subject of autism. The book is written (graphics and all) by Michael, no ghost writers. His perspective also reflects being a minority in U. S. society. After Michael's late diagnosis (he was in his early 40's), his goal has been to encourage love and patience with our autistic children. He is convinced it was his mother's unwavering determination that pinpointed what was happening with her three boys, all of whom are on the autism spectrum. Even though she did not know it at the time, she employed music, which allowed her sons to open up just enough to instill some basic social parameters. His is a compelling and inspirational story that doesn't end the way you might think.

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