The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

Tony Attwood

Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2007 - Psychology - 397 pages

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). Now including a new introduction explaining the impact of DSM-5 on the diagnosis and approach to 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. 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

* 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.

'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

What people are saying

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - ThePinesLibrary - LibraryThing

The definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger syndrome. It brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome from children through to adults. Drawing on case studies and ...

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - davemac - LibraryThing

A lot of repetition - his favorite word seems to be "immature(-ity)", not enough on coping as/with an adult with Aspergers, but it does help answer the cry, "Can anyone tell me who I am?" Perhaps this is not the cry of others with Aspergers but it is a cry the book helps answer nonetheless.

Contents

• Preface: 9
• 1 What is Aspergers Syndrome?: 11
• 2 The Diagnosis: 35
• 3 Social Understanding and Friendship: 55
• 4 Teasing and Bullying: 95
• 5 Theory of Mind: 112
• 6 The Understanding and Expression of Emotions: 128
• 7 Special Interests: 172
• 8 Language: 202
• 9 Cognitive Abilities: 228
• 10 Movement and Coordination: 259
• 11 Sensory Sensitivity: 271
• College and Career: 292
• 13 Longterm Relationships: 304
• 14 Psychotherapy: 316
• 15 Frequently Asked Questions: 327
• Glossary: 348
• Resources: 351
• References: 359
• Subject Index: 382
• Author Index: 393

Popular passages

Page 373 - A case-controlled study of repetitive thoughts and behavior in adults with autistic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

About the author

Tony Attwood is a practising clinical psychologist with more than 25 years' experience. He has worked with over 2000 individuals of all ages with Asperger's syndrome. He presents workshops and runs training courses for parents, professionals and individuals with AS all over the world and is a prolific author of articles and books on the subject.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome; Online access: EBSCO Education Research Complete
• Author: Tony Attwood
• Edition: illustrated, revised
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2007
• ISBN: 1843104954, 9781843104957
• Length: 397 pages
• Subjects: Family & Relationships / Children with Special Needs; Psychology / Psychopathology / Autism Spectrum Disorders; Psychology / Psychopathology / General; Social Science / Sociology / General