A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive

AcknowledgmentsPt. IUnderstanding Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning AutismCh. 1What Are Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism?3Ch. 2The Diagnostic Process22Ch. 3Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders56Ch. 4Treatments for Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism73Pt. IILiving with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning AutismCh. 5Channeling Your Child's Strengths: A Guiding Principle113Ch. 6Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism at Home130Ch. 7Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism at School158Ch. 8The Social World of Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism185Ch. 9Looking Ahead: Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism in Late Adolescence and Adulthood214App.: Resources245References261Index269About the Authors277

\ From The CriticsReviewer: Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM(Abbott Laboratories)\ Description: This book provides a much needed, highly empathic, and easy-to-read guide for parents whose child may have Asperger's syndrome or high-functioning autism. \ Purpose: The purpose is to provide parents with a comprehensive, straightforward, and informative guide to Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. Considering the amount of confusion in diagnosis as well as the number of impractical, jargon-laden books available, the objective of this book is a worthy one met by the authors. \ Audience: Intended mainly as a guide for parents, clinicians, and researchers across mental disciplines will find this book extremely valuable as they will be easily able to implement the thoughtful knowledge and ideas contained here and recommend this book to their patients' families. The authors are credible authorities in the field. \ Features: The book contains a tremendous amount of information, beginning with an overall history and description of Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. The subsequent chapters walk parents through what occurs during the diagnostic process, thus allaying any fears or concerns. The causes and various treatments are discussed, but more important are the chapters on living with Asperger's and high-functioning autism. These chapters are an integral part of the book and certainly the information answers many parents' questions and concerns. A highlight is the resources section in the appendix that lists numerous books, newsletters, videotapes, medical centers, etc., for further reference. \ Assessment: This is an excellently written and definitely needed addition to the field of child and adolescent mental health. Parents and clinicians alike will be hard-pressed to find a finer guide and resource on Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism.\ \ \ \ \ Library JournalAmong 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 Cahners Business Information.\ \ \ From the Publisher"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\  \ \ \ \ \ \ The Canadian Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Review"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\ \ \ \ \ Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry"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\ \ \ \ \ Family Ministry"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\ \ \ \ \ Child Neuropsychology"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\ \ \ \ \ Human Nature Review"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\ \ \ \ \ 5 Stars! from Doody\ \