Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope?

Matthew Tinsley, Sarah Hendrickx

Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Jun 15, 2008 - Psychology - 144 pages

Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol exposes the unexplored problem of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with everyday life. Alcohol can relieve the anxiety of social situations and make those with ASDs feel as though they can fit in. Ultimately, however, reliance on alcohol can lead the user down a path of self-destruction and exacerbate existing problems.

Utilising their professional and personal experience, the authors provide an overview of ASDs and of alcohol abuse, and explore current knowledge about where the two overlap. Tinsley explores his own personal history as someone with an ASD who has experienced and beaten alcohol addiction. He discusses how the impact of his diagnosis and his understanding of the condition played a huge part in his recovery, and how by viewing his life through the prism of autism, his confusion has been replaced by a greater understanding of himself and the world around him.

This inspiring book on an under-researched area will be of interest to professionals working with people with ASDs, as well as individuals with ASDs who may be dealing with alcohol or substance misuse, and their families.

Contents

• Foreword: 7
• Introduction: 9
• Chapter 1 Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol Why Should There Be a Link?: 15
• Chapter 2 Childhood and Adolescence Where Does It Start?: 35
• Chapter 3 The Adult Social World Friendship Relationships and Other People: 45
• Chapter 4 Employment Drinking and the Workplace: 63
• Chapter 5 Beginning of the End A Failing Strategy: 75
• Chapter 6 Drying Out Support and Rehabilitation: 86
• Chapter 7 Life Beyond the Booze Recovering Autistic Alcoholic: 108
• Conclusion: 123
• REFERENCES: 125
• RESOURCES: 127
• APPENDIX THOUGHTS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY: 128
• INDEX: 140
• back cover: 145

About the author

Matthew Tinsley has a degree in Modern Languages and spent his entire professional life working in the sphere of specialist bookshops. After many years struggling with alcoholism and two failed marriages, he overcame his addiction. Matthew believes this is largely due to his self-awareness of his autistic condition, together with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. He is currently living in Brighton, where he aims to help spread awareness of the problems faced by those with Asperger's Syndrome.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope?; Adults speak out about Asperger syndrome
• Authors: Matthew Tinsley, Sarah Hendrickx
• Contributor: Temple Grandin
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2008
• ISBN: 1846428149, 9781846428142
• Length: 144 pages
• Subjects: Health & Fitness / Physical Impairments; Psychology / Psychopathology / Addiction; Psychology / Psychopathology / Autism Spectrum Disorders; Social Science / Disease & Health Issues