People with Asperger Syndrome have many characteristics that are frequently seen in a negative light. Brenda Boyd shows that for every characteristic of AS that can be looked at negatively, there are several positive aspects that can be drawn on and developed. Discussing AS in general terms, she talks through the reasons why people with AS approach life in the way they do, and what an enormous contribution they make to the world. She then explores different characteristics of AS; while she acknowledges the negative perception so many people have of these characteristics, she points out the large number of advantages to the Aspergers way of thinking for individuals with AS, those around them and society as a whole. For every negative, Boyd proves there are many more positives. From their refreshing honesty to their originality and potential to become leaders rather than followers, people with AS have many admirable personality traits that should be nurtured. This book shows that by adjusting our perceptions of what is 'normal' and embracing diversity, AS can not only be understood and accepted, but appreciated. Appreciating Asperger Syndrome is a celebration of AS which should be read by individuals with AS, family members, and anyone who knows or works professionally with individuals with AS.

If your child rarely shows you that he or she loves you, it can be profoundly distressing. This is the experience of many parents of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and most fear that it reflects the truth. In fact the truth has generally more to do with the difficulty that young people with an ASD have in communicating like or love for someone physically and verbally. They may not know how to go about expressing themselves in these ways, or understand that family members and friends can find the absence of demonstrative affection upsetting. This book, by world leading experts Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett, addresses this issue in practical terms. They provide carefully designed activities for parents to work through with their children to help them to understand and express affection. Their child will learn to identify his or her own and others' comfort and enjoyment range for gestures, actions and words of affection and the different ways to express feelings for someone, appropriate to each relationship and situation. The activities are simple, straightforward, and very carefully structured, so that they can be undertaken at the pace that works for the individual family. The book also guides the adult through the challenges faced by the child, leading to greater understanding and confidence in their relationship with their child, and increased ability to nurture the child's ability to form engaged relationships and friendships with others. Readers of Tony Attwood's previous books will recognise his warm, positive and empowering approach. The book will be a transformative resource for parents and family worried about their child's emotional life.

Supporting someone with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) can, at times, be frustrating and challenging. But a greater knowledge and understanding of the problems facing people with AS can make a huge difference to their lives. This practical workbook was developed in consultation with carers, and can be used in groups or with individuals, concentrating on particular characteristics to learn more about the people you are supporting, or it can be used as a resource for everyday information seeking and problem solving. Atypical social behaviour and the importance of routine are explained, as well as considering relationships, emotions and mental health. Packed with exercises and case vignettes to help you to get to know the person you are supporting better, there is also a trouble-shooting section at the end of each chapter with practical solutions for tackling common problems. Working with Adults with Asperger Syndrome - A Practical Toolkit offers an easy-to-use, person-centred approach, which will prove a valuable resource for families, friends and a wide range of professionals involved in supporting an adult with AS.

Perfect for time-poor teachers, Kathy Hoopmann's essential handbook is an easy-to-navigate resource that promotes a positive learning environment in which students with Asperger syndrome (ASD) can thrive. Kathy's unique ability to explain the ASD mind-set shines through as her concise descriptions reveal how to recognise and develop the child's strengths to the fullest potential whilst guiding and mentoring through areas of difficulties. Full of effective and innovative strategies, the book covers areas such as meltdowns, forming friendships, literal thinking and speaking, and the overwhelming influence of sensory sensitivities. Activities to help explain the child's behaviour to other students are also included which fosters understanding and acceptance. A 'Home Link' section adds vital information about how to work with parents and other caregivers to create safe, loving and fun environments for the child at home and at school. With illustrations throughout, this book will be of immeasurable value to anyone who is working in a classroom setting with children with ASD.

This is a guide for those caring for or supporting an adult with AS. It will help them understand the condition and the difficulties it may cause so that they can offer support. Practical strategies are offered to combat problems that may arise, and common issues that specifically occur with individuals diagnosed later in life are addressed.

This is the book we need for guidance on employment for people with Asperger's syndrome. The contributors describe their employment experiences and offer sound advice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the success stories and took note of the words of warning of what not to do.' - Professor Tony Attwood Employment is an important part of a healthy, balanced and fulfilling life but less than 20 per cent of people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) are in work at any one time. The adults with AS in this book explore the issues surrounding employment, providing advice and insights for others with AS, as well as their employers and colleagues. Drawing on personal experience and lessons learned, Asperger Syndrome and Employment looks at: * the transition from education to employment, * the importance of matching skills to career choices, * practical coping strategies for employees with AS in the workplace, * advice for employers, including the need to make `reasonable adjustments' to avoid discrimination, * ways in which employment services ought to work for people with AS. This is essential reading for adults with AS, their family and friends, employment services and career advisers, and companies needing to know how, in practical terms, to accommodate employees with AS.

325 astute and practical ideas, insights, tips and strategies address the complex issues parents face during this crucial period of transition for their child with Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder). The practical, bite-size suggestions focus on the vital importance of developing and nurturing an open and healthy relationship with your son or daughter. The easy-to-navigate format will suit busy parents wanting to locate advice to suit their particular needs. All the suggestions are designed to foster understanding and acceptance between family members and help the AS young person with common problem areas such as social vulnerability and peer relationships, self-esteem, anxiety and coping with change. This will be an invaluable companion for parents, carers and family members of an adolescent or young adult with AS.

Advice for teachers in working with autistic children.

A guide to Asperger's syndrome describes what it is and how it is diagnosed, along with information on such topics as bullying, emotions, language, movement, cognitive ability, and long-term relationships.

Praise for Doing Therapy with Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome "Providing an explanation of Asperger's based on a review of scientific research, Richard Bromfield describes how the characteristics of the syndrome affect the person's thoughts and experiences throughout childhood. Psychotherapy based on the practices described in this book will change the destiny of children and adults with Asperger Syndrome to one of greater connectivity to themselves and others. This should become the primary text for pshchotherapists working with children and adolescents with Asperger's." —Tony Attwood, PhD, author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome "Dr. Blomfield generously shares his wisdom and experience in this very accessible, honest, and often moving book. Any clinician who reads it in its entirely—or even selects a chapter or two at random—will no doubt discover new paths to take their most complex and challenging clients and gain a greater appreciation for those with Asperger Syndrome. Bromfield gives us all a window into a world that is hard to describe, impossible to imagine, but needs and deserves to be understood." —Naomi Angoff Chedd, LMHC, Autism Specialist and coauthor of Replays Cutting-edge guidance for effective treatment of children and adolescents with Asperger Syndrome Diagnoses of Asperger Syndrome in children and adolescents are on the rise, and while some clinicians have training and experience in this area, most do not. Using vivid case material, Doing Therapy with Children and Adolescent with Asperger Syndrome offers clinicians the guidance they need to treat the young people they endeavor to help.