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Very Late Diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome
As awareness and understanding of Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder increases, more adults are identifying themselves as being on the spectrum and seeking formal diagnosis. This book discusses the process, the pros and cons, and the after-effects of receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood.
Outlining the likely stages of the journey to diagnosis, this book looks at what the individual may go through as they become aware of their Asperger characteristics and as they seek pre-assessment and diagnosis, as well as common reactions upon receiving a diagnosis - from depression and anger to relief and self-acceptance. Combining practical guidance with advice from personal experience and interviews and correspondence with specialists in the field, the book discusses if and when to disclose to family, friends and employers, how to seek appropriate support services, and how to use the self-knowledge gained through diagnosis to live well in the future.
Outlining the likely stages of the journey to diagnosis, this book looks at what the individual may go through as they become aware of their Asperger characteristics and as they seek pre-assessment and diagnosis, as well as common reactions upon receiving a diagnosis - from depression and anger to relief and self-acceptance. Combining practical guidance with advice from personal experience and interviews and correspondence with specialists in the field, the book discusses if and when to disclose to family, friends and employers, how to seek appropriate support services, and how to use the self-knowledge gained through diagnosis to live well in the future.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
97 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 20, 2020
This book was probably more useful when it was published. Many of the internet links are no longer valid. It is as good a place as any to start of you have just been diagnosed or suspect you belong on the Spectrum with us, but, in typical autistic fashion the author assumes that what is true for him will also be true for the majority of Aspies.
The information is heavily weighted on U.K. resources. That may be because there just aren't that many for late diagnosis adults in the United States. That has been my experience.
The information is heavily weighted on U.K. resources. That may be because there just aren't that many for late diagnosis adults in the United States. That has been my experience.
February 13, 2017
I can't express how excited I was to get this book. Why? I am 43 year of age and received my diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome just last year. I NEEDED this book as nothing as far as I know is out there like it.
I run a group for adult women with Aspergers who are all crying out for support after diagnosis, I was hoping I could recommend this book to them all.
As awareness and understanding of Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder increases, more adults are identifying themselves as being on the spectrum and seeking formal diagnosis. This book discusses the process, the pros and cons, and the after-effects of receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood.
Why did this one not do much for me? It had nothing new, it didn't really have the direction, depth and help that is needed, most of the information in it, many of my friends and adult Aspie friends already know. Although women are referred to now and then in the book I also felt it was angled strongly towards the male profile of a person with Aspergers, I took into account it's written from a male perspective however. Traits in women can be quite different studies are showing.
It's a very personal thing whether to seek diagnosis or not, out of the hundreds in my groups about 40% are diagnosed, 30% seeking diagnosis and the rest happy to stay self-diagnosed for various reasons.
I think this glossed over important issues too much. I know women who could read an entire book just on the "autistic burnout" phase that hits after a late life diagnosis, when all your coping mechanisms fall down at once for example.
I admire Philip's passion and determination to tackle the subject, I hope more books on this topic will come out of the woodwork. Everyone keeps telling me to write one, but I am too busy writing about other people's books.
This one? Average, nothing mind-blowing but I think most should get a few things out of it that are helpful. 3 stars from me.
I received a copy if this book thanks to Jessica Kingsley Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.
I run a group for adult women with Aspergers who are all crying out for support after diagnosis, I was hoping I could recommend this book to them all.
As awareness and understanding of Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder increases, more adults are identifying themselves as being on the spectrum and seeking formal diagnosis. This book discusses the process, the pros and cons, and the after-effects of receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood.
Why did this one not do much for me? It had nothing new, it didn't really have the direction, depth and help that is needed, most of the information in it, many of my friends and adult Aspie friends already know. Although women are referred to now and then in the book I also felt it was angled strongly towards the male profile of a person with Aspergers, I took into account it's written from a male perspective however. Traits in women can be quite different studies are showing.
It's a very personal thing whether to seek diagnosis or not, out of the hundreds in my groups about 40% are diagnosed, 30% seeking diagnosis and the rest happy to stay self-diagnosed for various reasons.
I think this glossed over important issues too much. I know women who could read an entire book just on the "autistic burnout" phase that hits after a late life diagnosis, when all your coping mechanisms fall down at once for example.
I admire Philip's passion and determination to tackle the subject, I hope more books on this topic will come out of the woodwork. Everyone keeps telling me to write one, but I am too busy writing about other people's books.
This one? Average, nothing mind-blowing but I think most should get a few things out of it that are helpful. 3 stars from me.
I received a copy if this book thanks to Jessica Kingsley Publishers in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.
July 14, 2015
Good Book to start journey
I just got diagnosed with Aspergers at the age of 32, and this book really helped to come to terms with my condition and be a good starting ground in helping me to not feel so alone in this. I am grateful I read it and look forward to meeting myself.
I just got diagnosed with Aspergers at the age of 32, and this book really helped to come to terms with my condition and be a good starting ground in helping me to not feel so alone in this. I am grateful I read it and look forward to meeting myself.
October 14, 2015
Have you ever read a book and wonder after, I'm conflicted. This book was challenging, there were parts I agreed with wholeheartedly and others I thought didn't make any sense, at least to me. I have a child with Asperger's Syndrome. He was diagnosed young and there are times I've wondered if it was good to be diagnosed at all, but most times I see it is essential. I know what it's like to feel different, but once you're an adult what would be the point of knowing or others knowing you have Asperger's which brings me back to the compelling points in this book. As a parent of a child with Asperger's I read just about anything concerning the subject, so when I saw this on Netgalley, free for the price of an honest review I thought, bit off topic...but I know a few people who are adults and who've never been diagnosed, so I thought, why not. I enjoyed the reading and I don't need to agree with everything I read in a book, but it did make me think and really, that's my favourite byproduct of reading.
August 16, 2016
It was interesting to read about another's experience with a very late diagnosis, but I couldn't identify much at all. As another reviewer mentioned, a man's experience can be very different from a woman's. The author seems to be very resentful that there wasn't anybody there to help him as there is now for boys who are diagnosed young.
September 1, 2021
Another book on the cryptic subject of ASD by an author who claims to be affected himself by the syndrome and who self-diagnosed himself over time.
This scenario is interesting in itself as a fact.
How is it possible that affected persons find out about ‘being different’ through their own analysis and interpretation of behavioural patterns? Is it difficult to diagnose, or are the health care system and its specialists focused on ‘neurotypical’ syndromes (only)?
The recount of the pathway that Philip Wiley has taken is vivid, moving at times. One feels how he must have suffered, being excellent at certain aspects of life and work, while being stigmatized for others of his ways of doing things, of thinking and seeing the world, or even his personal individual behaviours.
The text is nicely systematized and structured, very readable, regularly valorized by excerpts from exchanges the author had with world-renowned experts on the ASD subject, the latter who shared their expertise, in some cases their personal experiences.
A lot of resources and references are provided as well, however mostly originating from Anglo-Saxon countries, except for Holland and Scandinavia, two health care systems which seem to lead the European research effort and care model development for people living with ASD.
Wylie is resonating the view but remains more cautious and reserved on the understanding that ASD (especially in the presence of the Asperger Syndrome, a High-Functioning Autism form) is difficult to live in our times because of the social stigmatizing that is still around, but that it might also be a gift and blessing for those who are able to see the world from two perspectives, first through the inherent mindset of the autistic person, and on top of that from the neurotypical one, the latter which they have learned in order to handle the ‘normal’ world.
Also, after having worked through the text presented by Philip Wiley there is some substance in the point made by one of the leading experts on ASD, namely Prof Toni Attwood, who is quoted to say to people who got an affirmative diagnosis: “Congratulations, you have Asperger's syndrome!”. Attwood writes, "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." His work skilfully brings together the current information on this fascinating condition. - Quote from The Complete Guide on Asperger’s by Tony Attwood).
This book by Philip Wylie contains indeed a lot of appealing content; though one would have expected even more details on the pathway to take to get an official diagnosis, also on the selected tests to run through, as well as on resources available beyond the UK and British Commonwealth countries. 5 stars and a score of 4.50.
This scenario is interesting in itself as a fact.
How is it possible that affected persons find out about ‘being different’ through their own analysis and interpretation of behavioural patterns? Is it difficult to diagnose, or are the health care system and its specialists focused on ‘neurotypical’ syndromes (only)?
The recount of the pathway that Philip Wiley has taken is vivid, moving at times. One feels how he must have suffered, being excellent at certain aspects of life and work, while being stigmatized for others of his ways of doing things, of thinking and seeing the world, or even his personal individual behaviours.
The text is nicely systematized and structured, very readable, regularly valorized by excerpts from exchanges the author had with world-renowned experts on the ASD subject, the latter who shared their expertise, in some cases their personal experiences.
A lot of resources and references are provided as well, however mostly originating from Anglo-Saxon countries, except for Holland and Scandinavia, two health care systems which seem to lead the European research effort and care model development for people living with ASD.
Wylie is resonating the view but remains more cautious and reserved on the understanding that ASD (especially in the presence of the Asperger Syndrome, a High-Functioning Autism form) is difficult to live in our times because of the social stigmatizing that is still around, but that it might also be a gift and blessing for those who are able to see the world from two perspectives, first through the inherent mindset of the autistic person, and on top of that from the neurotypical one, the latter which they have learned in order to handle the ‘normal’ world.
Also, after having worked through the text presented by Philip Wiley there is some substance in the point made by one of the leading experts on ASD, namely Prof Toni Attwood, who is quoted to say to people who got an affirmative diagnosis: “Congratulations, you have Asperger's syndrome!”. Attwood writes, "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." His work skilfully brings together the current information on this fascinating condition. - Quote from The Complete Guide on Asperger’s by Tony Attwood).
This book by Philip Wylie contains indeed a lot of appealing content; though one would have expected even more details on the pathway to take to get an official diagnosis, also on the selected tests to run through, as well as on resources available beyond the UK and British Commonwealth countries. 5 stars and a score of 4.50.
April 3, 2019
I have friends who work with children who are autistic. We have a wonderful school that is known all across the US. These friends have been slowly warming me up to the idea that I was on the spectrum. It was just now at the age of 40 that I was officially diagnosed with ASD (Asperger’s Syndrome). I’ve been reading a lot (obsessing about it). It makes my life make sense for the first time ever.
This book was wonderful! I needed it. Chapter 2 was overwhelming, but I would not skip it. I highlighted more of this book than not. Haha! There’s so much to learn. I will be going through it again really soon as I document my journey of discovering who Robbie Bowman (me) really is. This book opened my eyes to being comfortable with ASD. I’m still on a whirlwind of thought and confusion, but that’s okay.
This book was wonderful! I needed it. Chapter 2 was overwhelming, but I would not skip it. I highlighted more of this book than not. Haha! There’s so much to learn. I will be going through it again really soon as I document my journey of discovering who Robbie Bowman (me) really is. This book opened my eyes to being comfortable with ASD. I’m still on a whirlwind of thought and confusion, but that’s okay.
April 11, 2021
Couple of friends have recently been diagnosed with ASD , so read it to get a better understanding , borrowed from a neighbour who was 64 when he found out , and he advised me to pass this book to them.
Described back to me by them as a lightbulb moment reading some of the chapters , so though other reviewers have stated it is outdated , it is a good place to start , remember , this is still not fully understood , so there will be many different variations
Described back to me by them as a lightbulb moment reading some of the chapters , so though other reviewers have stated it is outdated , it is a good place to start , remember , this is still not fully understood , so there will be many different variations
December 10, 2024
This was an excellent book which I found very useful. My only criticisms (hence the 4 star rating) are that it was very repetitive. In addition the writer also recommended Sharmanatic practices (which may have worked for him). Overall, if you are about to have or have recently received an ASD diagnosis, this book is for you.
July 9, 2017
Helpful book and a quick read. Wish we had more resources in the USA.
July 21, 2018
This is an excellent book on the late (adult) diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome. It is relevant mostly to those who just got the diagnosis and loved ones who know little about the topic.
August 8, 2018
Really good and informative. Found I could relate to a lot of what he spoke about. I’d recommend for people on both sides of the fence to help increase awareness.
March 24, 2019
Interlibrary loan. Will bought a copy. Written by man diagnosed in later life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2021
Very good to understand the advantages and disantvanteges of coming out!
September 23, 2021
Helpful
This book provides a map and understanding of what it is like to have ASD. It gives useful information and links to additional information. I’m happy I bought it.
This book provides a map and understanding of what it is like to have ASD. It gives useful information and links to additional information. I’m happy I bought it.
February 13, 2017
I found the first two thirds of the book personally useful. The last third said a lot to me also, yet as a retiring introspective abuse victim, my childhood physical abuse probably caused by my Asperger's, some of the last third seemed to me to be an excuse for being a jerk. It had a weird tonal dissonance at times in the last third. Maybe just me? On the other hand, just having finished the other persons reviews of this book on Goodreads, I found those reviews for the most part highly distressing and without much empathy, which was a major subject of the book. The reviews which demonstrated a lack of empathy for people with disabilities I found way more troubling than the last third of this book. My perceptions of other peoples views of reality do constantly distress me. Yet it is my perception of reality we are talking about, so maybe that's the problem?
November 30, 2017
I am currently attempting to find professional diagnosis. I have read five books completely, reading two others, watched 3 movies, one documentary and taken all the online tests. So for me, this self diagnosis has been freeing. It has explained so many painful struggles from childhood to adulthood and even current communication issues at home with family. It is almost euphoric to know that I wasn't weird, retarded (used in the 70's and 80's ad nauseam), or dysfunctional. I am just different and that is such a relief.
This author had a different experience when he got the diagnosis. He was less than happy and upset by it. In this way, I could not connect with what he went through and had to skip those chapters. I found a lot of useful information prior and after those pages. But nothing more useful than I have found in other books. Perhaps if it was the first book I had read on the subject I would feel different, but for me it wasn't life changing.
This author had a different experience when he got the diagnosis. He was less than happy and upset by it. In this way, I could not connect with what he went through and had to skip those chapters. I found a lot of useful information prior and after those pages. But nothing more useful than I have found in other books. Perhaps if it was the first book I had read on the subject I would feel different, but for me it wasn't life changing.
July 6, 2015
GREAT resource for adults seeking information about Asperger's.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews