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Communication Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Second Edition
In this updated edition, Olga Bogdashina provides a theoretical foundation for understanding communication and language impairments specific to autism. She explores the effects of different perceptual and cognitive styles on the communication and language development of autistic children. She also stresses the importance of identifying each individual's nonverbal language - which can be visual, tactile, kinaesthetic, auditory, olfactory or gustatory - to establish verbal communication.
Reflecting recent research and changes in terminology, the book explains why some approaches may work for some autistic children but not for others, and the 'What They Say' sections allow the reader to see through the eyes of autistic individuals and understand their language differences first-hand.
'What We Can Do to Help' sections throughout the book give practical recommendations for helping autistic individuals use their natural mechanisms to learn and develop social and communicative skills. The final chapters are devoted to assessment and intervention issues with recommendations for selecting appropriate methods and techniques to enhance communication, based on the specific mode of communication a person uses.
Reflecting recent research and changes in terminology, the book explains why some approaches may work for some autistic children but not for others, and the 'What They Say' sections allow the reader to see through the eyes of autistic individuals and understand their language differences first-hand.
'What We Can Do to Help' sections throughout the book give practical recommendations for helping autistic individuals use their natural mechanisms to learn and develop social and communicative skills. The final chapters are devoted to assessment and intervention issues with recommendations for selecting appropriate methods and techniques to enhance communication, based on the specific mode of communication a person uses.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 18, 2016
This book stands out from the pack for its range of insights from people with autism. It is more in-depth than "Uniquely Human: A Different Way of Seeing Autism" by Barry Prizant, a lighter book in a similar vein.
Each chapter has one or more "What they say" sections, with quotes from books written by adults with autism containing such gems as "If I know that I do not understand people and I devote all this energy and effort to figuring them out, do I have more or less empathy than people who not only do not understand me, but who do not even notice that they do not understand me? (Sinclair 1989)" (p.191, with regard to Theory of Mind).
Each chapter has one or more "What they say" sections, with quotes from books written by adults with autism containing such gems as "If I know that I do not understand people and I devote all this energy and effort to figuring them out, do I have more or less empathy than people who not only do not understand me, but who do not even notice that they do not understand me? (Sinclair 1989)" (p.191, with regard to Theory of Mind).
September 30, 2012
Fantastic read. I highly recommend it if you're autistic and curious about the workings of your own brain, interact with an autistic person, or are just curious.
May 19, 2026
I approached Communication Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome by Olga Bogdashina with high expectations, given her reputation as an author and the reputation of this book as a foundational text within autism studies. Reading it from my perspective as an autistic person, with lived experience and nuanced understanding of autism, I think the book is both informative and, at times, somewhat limited in scope.
Bogdashina offers a structured exploration of communication differences in autistic individuals, emphasizing sensory perception, language processing, and nonverbal expression. I appreciated her effort to move beyond purely deficit-based interpretations, especially when she highlights how autistic communication may follow a different internal logic rather than being inherently “impaired.” This aligns with contemporary thinking on the matter, even if the terminology occasionally feels dated.
However, the book leans heavily on theoretical explanations and case descriptions without sufficiently integrating first-person autistic voices. From my perspective, this creates a noticeable gap. Understanding communication in autism cannot be complete without centering those who live it daily. While Bogdashina attempts to interpret autistic experience, the absence of direct narratives limits the depth and authenticity of her analysis.
Additionally, some sections feel repetitive and overly technical, which may challenge readers seeking practical insights. As someone engaged in translating complex autism research into accessible content, I found myself wishing for clearer applications and more concrete examples that bridge theory and lived reality.
That said, the book remains a useful entry point for professionals and educators who are beginning to explore communication differences in autism. It provides a conceptual framework that, while not fully aligned with current neurodiversity discourse, still contributes to a broader understanding.
Overall, this book is a valuable but imperfect resource—informative, yet in need of stronger inclusion of autistic perspectives and more contemporary framing.
Bogdashina offers a structured exploration of communication differences in autistic individuals, emphasizing sensory perception, language processing, and nonverbal expression. I appreciated her effort to move beyond purely deficit-based interpretations, especially when she highlights how autistic communication may follow a different internal logic rather than being inherently “impaired.” This aligns with contemporary thinking on the matter, even if the terminology occasionally feels dated.
However, the book leans heavily on theoretical explanations and case descriptions without sufficiently integrating first-person autistic voices. From my perspective, this creates a noticeable gap. Understanding communication in autism cannot be complete without centering those who live it daily. While Bogdashina attempts to interpret autistic experience, the absence of direct narratives limits the depth and authenticity of her analysis.
Additionally, some sections feel repetitive and overly technical, which may challenge readers seeking practical insights. As someone engaged in translating complex autism research into accessible content, I found myself wishing for clearer applications and more concrete examples that bridge theory and lived reality.
That said, the book remains a useful entry point for professionals and educators who are beginning to explore communication differences in autism. It provides a conceptual framework that, while not fully aligned with current neurodiversity discourse, still contributes to a broader understanding.
Overall, this book is a valuable but imperfect resource—informative, yet in need of stronger inclusion of autistic perspectives and more contemporary framing.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews