A Parent's Guide To Asperger Syndrome & High-Functiong Autism PDF

Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (June 20, 2002) PDF 278 Pages

Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism are detected earlier and more accurately today than ever before. Children and teens with these disorders often stand out for their precocious intelligence and language abilities--yet profound social difficulties can limit every aspect of their lives. This hopeful, compassionate guide shows parents how to work with their child's unique impairments and capabilities to help him or her learn to engage more fully with the world and live as self-sufficiently as possible. From leading experts in the field, the book is packed with practical ideas for helping children relate more comfortably to peers, learn the rules of appropriate behavior, and participate more fully in school and family life. It also explains what scientists currently know about autistic spectrum disorders and how they are diagnosed and treated. Real-life success stories, problem-solving ideas, and matter-of-fact advice on everything from educational placements to career planning make this an indispensable reference that families will turn to again and again.

Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Among various autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism (AS-HFA) are similar diagnoses. Representing a majority of ASD cases, these two diagnoses are used interchangeably, and Ozonoff (M.I.N.D. Inst.) and her coauthors rightfully make little distinction between them. In Part 1 of this book, the authors cover definitions, diagnosis, causes, and treatments of AS-HFA, while Part 2 considers living with AS-HFA, channeling a child's strengths, and dealing with home, school, and the social world and life as an adult with AS-HFA. Throughout, readers will find excellent examples and solutions to basic problems; also included are numerous instances of older children who went beyond basic communication issues to social situations such as dating, school, living on their own, and employment. Most books on AS-HFA focus on early intervention and basic skills, but this book offers help for older children and adults as well, making it very valuable. Strongly recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with autism or education collections. Corey Seeman, Univ. of Toledo Libs., OH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"I really like how this book emphasizes building on the talents and strengths of a person with high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome. It contains many useful case histories and combines both scientific and practical information for parents, teachers, and other professionals."--Temple Grandin, PhD, author of Thinking in Pictures

"This is the most comprehensive and practical resource available on raising a child with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism. Parents, who are typically baffled by the confusing information given to them on the topic, now have the guidance they need to maximize their child's potential while celebrating their child's uniqueness. Written in a clear and lucid style, the book is rich in real-life examples and concrete plans of action. It will empower any parent to become an effective and savvy advocate, and to help their child live a more successful and fulfilling life."--Ami Klin, PhD, Yale Child Study Center

"This is a wonderfully thoughtful, comprehensive, and clearly written book that every parent and professional interested in the subject will want to read. The authors deal with the subject in its full complexity, yet are able to present this detailed information in a straightforward, easily comprehensible way. Professional jargon is translated into readily understandable concepts and ideas, and controversial issues are handled sensitively and well. I applaud the authors for their splendid effort in translating the rapidly growing body of knowledge on autism spectrum disorders into language that everyone can understand."--Gary B. Mesibov, PhD, Division TEACCH and Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

"My wife and I are thrilled to have found this book. Refreshingly positive and very informative, it is helping us understand so much more about our son's diagnosis. The last book my wife tried to read on the topic made her cry but this one is empowering us both to action!"--Peter Mantell, father of a child with Asperger syndrome, Long Island, NY



"This book does exactly what the title suggests; it explains to parents, and other adults living with high functioning autists, how they can adapt their own, and other's, approach to meet their child's needs both during childhood and later in life. It is clearly written by professionals who have considerable experience in this field, and take a practical and pragmatic approach....The authors' approach of building resiliency and skills is very practical....a reference that should be available to parents of children with these diagnoses. It would also be a useful text for medical students and residents with an interest in this area. The appendix of resources is a valuable reference in itself. All of the web sites that we have found serendipitously over many months are listed, along with others that I cannot wait to explore."--The Canadian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Review
(The Canadian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Review 20020622)

"This is a really great book for parents with more able children with autism or Asperger syndrome. It is upbeat, positive, practical, and succeeds in being both jargon free and highly informative. The various chapters offer clear and up-to-date information on the causes of Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism; a review of diagnostic assessments, and what parents should be looking for when they go through the diagnostic process; and a summary of the many and varied treatments that are currently available....Unlike many books for parents, this is very well referenced, has a good index, and is also full of useful information about relevant websites, newsletters, videotapes and special centers. In short, although marketed as a parents' guide, the book is likely to be equally helpful to clinicians and educators working in this area, providing them with strategies that they themselves case use, as well as a host of practical approaches that they can pass on to parents."--Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
(Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry 20020622)

"This highly informative book is a must have for all parents of children with Asperger's Syndrome and High Functioning Autism (AS-HFA)....A Parent's Guide to Asperger's Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism can be a valuable resource. It not only informs readers but also leaves them with a sense of hope. They will realize that it is possible for children with Asperger's Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism to lead full and happy lives."--Family Ministry
(Family Ministry 20020622)

"The book is sensitively written and easy to read. Throughout this text, there is evidence of the considerable respect that the authors have for both the affected children and their families. Particularly illuminating are the many poignant case examples that lead to a better explanation of positive ways of using these children's 'special interests' by ways of turning them into assets. This emphasis on strengths is a major goal of the book. However, the authors do not minimize the challenges these children and their families face....The positive approach of this book will be encouraging to parents and will also be very practical. I have recommended this book to the parents of affected children with whom I have worked and also to my graduate students who are eager to better understand the world of children with Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism. I would urge other clinicians, researchers and educators to do the same."--Child Neuropsychology
(Child Neuropsychology 20020622)

"This is a book with its feet firmly on the ground. It brings a breath of fresh air to a subject that, due to its complexity, is often presented as a series of academic debates, difficult for even an intelligent lay person to access....This is an academic book, but not just for academics to read. I gave it to three sets of parents, all with boys between 8 and 16 years old who have had considerable difficulties making sense of the health and education systems in relation to their sons' needs. All found it useful, making comments such as 'it made sense'; 'I felt that what I had been trying to say all along was right'; 'it said what I knew, but put it better'; 'the practical suggestions were a real help', 'I let my son read it - he kept saying' 'I told you that'; 'it gave us lots of new ideas, new things to try'....Ultimately this book gives children and adults with these disorders, and those caring for them, the message that while challenges may never entirely go away, you can identify and maximize strengths, function better and be happy."--Human Nature Review
(Human Nature Review 20020622)

"Throughout, readers will find excellent examples and solutions to basic problems; also included are numerous instances of older children who went beyond basic communication issues to social situations such as dating, school, living on their own, and employment. Most books on AS-HFA focus on early intervention and basic skills, but this book offers help for older children and adults as well, making it very valuable. Strongly recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with autism or education collections."--Library Journal
(Library Journal 20020622)

About the Author
Sally Ozonoff, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the M.I.N.D. Institute, a national center for the study and treatment of autism spectrum disorders based at the University of California, Davis. She is widely known for her research, teaching, and clinical expertise in the areas of Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. Previously, she was Associate Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and co-Director of the Autism Specialty Clinic at the University of Utah.

Geraldine Dawson, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Founding Director of the Autism Center at the University of Washington. An internationally recognized expert on autism, Dr. Dawson has published numerous articles and books in the areas of early diagnosis, brain function, and development.

James McPartland is a doctoral candidate in child clinical psychology at the University of Washington.

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