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Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
Tony Attwood's guide will assist parents and professionals with the identification, treatment and care of both children and adults with Asperger's Syndrome. The book provides a description and analysis of the unusual characteristics of the syndrome and practical strategies to reduce those that are most conspicuous or debilitating. Beginning with a chapter on diagnosis, including an assessment test, the book covers all aspects of the syndrome from language to social behaviour and motor clumsiness, concluding with a chapter based on the questions most frequently asked by those who come into contact with individuals with this syndrome. Covering the available literature in full, this guide brings together the most relevant and useful information on Asperger's Syndrome, incorporating case studies from the author's own practical experience as a Clinical Psychologist, with examples of, and numerous quotations from people with Asperger's Syndrome.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1997
83 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
Tony Attwood
238 books189 followersTony Attwood is an English psychologist who lives in Queensland, Australia and is an author of several books on Asperger's Syndrome. He received an honours degree in psychology from the University of Hull, an M.A. in clinical psychology from the University of Surrey, and a Ph.D. from University College London under Uta Frith. His book, Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, provides information on diagnosis, problems of social relations, sensory issues, motor control and other typical issues which face people with Asperger's and their support networks. The book has now been translated into 20 languages. Attwood also has a clinical practice at his diagnostic and treatment clinic for children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, in Brisbane, begun in 1992.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 57 reviews
December 31, 2011
Reading this book was an unexpectedly emotional experience for me. I checked it out from the library because my wife and I recently have begun to strongly suspect that although he has not been diagnosed and although he functions reasonably well in social situations, my son most likely is an Asperger's syndrome sufferer. As I read the book, I certainly saw my son in the pages, but I was not prepared for who else I saw there: myself. In every chapter, and sometimes on almost every page, I found something that explained something about my childhood... an incident, a certain way I acted or reacted to things, my habits and activities, the way I handled myself around others. I remember a childhood spent feeling that I was weird, that there was something different and sort of wrong with me. Then I remember the positive, accepting social atmosphere I had the good fortune to be thrust into during my four years in college that helped me to learn how to successfully interact socially with others. I remember how as a young adult I was still learning how to navigate the waters of interpersonal relationships, and at forty-one years of age, how I still am learning, although by this time I've finally got the hang of a lot of it. The emotional experience was that if I had had this book in my hands, or if someone who cared about me had had this book in their hands thirty years ago... my life might have been radically different. If someone had been there able to coach me on the skills that this book can empower a parent or teacher to coach a child on, I might have struggled less and enjoyed more.
Thirty years ago, I was the age that my son is now, and he has some of the same sorts of struggles that I had. I'm so thankful that I've stumbled across this information now, at a time when I can still help him before he winds up, as many Asperger's children do, having a very tough time in high school. There's still time for me to help him have an easier time than I had. I am so, so glad.
I'm definitely looking forward to spending some time with the author's more recent work, The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome. I don't have a lot of shelf space and I don't often re-read, so I don't frequently buy books, but since I got a Kindle for Christmas, the newer, more detailed book may well be a digital gift I give to myself. My son deserves it.
Thirty years ago, I was the age that my son is now, and he has some of the same sorts of struggles that I had. I'm so thankful that I've stumbled across this information now, at a time when I can still help him before he winds up, as many Asperger's children do, having a very tough time in high school. There's still time for me to help him have an easier time than I had. I am so, so glad.
I'm definitely looking forward to spending some time with the author's more recent work, The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome. I don't have a lot of shelf space and I don't often re-read, so I don't frequently buy books, but since I got a Kindle for Christmas, the newer, more detailed book may well be a digital gift I give to myself. My son deserves it.
December 23, 2021
There is no getting away from this book if you have a child with Asperger's. It was the first book I bought when I was up at night googling it. I bought it because so many other people bought it--based on reviews and popularity. I'm not sorry I have it, but it is depressing. It's academic (again, that's okay). I prefer to read a book about Asperger's that was written by someone with Asperger's. I like Karla Fisher's writing much better. She is genuinely helpful.
January 20, 2009
This is the book every parent should be handed when receiving their child's (or their own) AS diagnosis. It is a thorough description of the condition, using vocabulary appropriate for the newly initiated. The Asperger's "bible" in our home.
June 14, 2024
There’s some useful information in here, but most of it is very dated and ableist… pretty much what you’d expect from a book written by an allistic clinician about autistics. There’s a lot of description of the outward presentation of mainly autistic white boys, with very little insight into the internal autistic experience or any of the nuanced & less stereotypical presentations. If you are a parent/caregiver or clinician trying to learn about the authentic autistic experience, I recommend literature written by autistic authors. If you are autistic yourself, don’t bother with this one.
August 13, 2009
Excellent book for teachers and parents. Very comprehensive and interesting. It will help me a lot with my Aspie students (as Tony Attwood would say). LOVE THEM.
August 3, 2011
this book is a great reference for parents. it has easy to understand descriptions of the syndrome and ideas for helping your child as well.
September 21, 2011
A great help to families with a member who has Asperger's Syndrome.
January 4, 2016
Utile punto di partenza per capire qualcosa della sindrome.
Io l'ho letto perché ho un allievo che ne è affetto. E penso che sia un bambino meraviglioso.
-
Principali caratteristiche cliniche della sindrome di Asperger:
⁃ mancanza di empatia
⁃ interazione naïf, inadeguata, unidirezionale
⁃ abilità scarse o assenti di fare amicizie
⁃ linguaggio pedante, ripetitivo
⁃ scarsa comunicazione non verbale
⁃ interesse spasmodico per certi argomenti
⁃ movimenti goffi e poco coordinati e posture bizzarre
Humans are the most illogical race.
Nothing they say,
Nothing they do,
Makes any sense.
Oh, why can't humans be logical?
(Dianne Mear, 1994)
Nella mia esperienza posso dire di aver trovato che tra le qualità della persona Asperger ci sono l'onestà, la lealtà, l'affidabilità, la schiettezza, e l'avere un forte codice morale e senso di giustizia. Le qualità cognitive includono una memoria eccezionale, entusiasmo e conoscenze approfondite sul loro interesse speciale, un modo originale di pensare, una buona immaginazione e una notevole abilità di pensare per immagini. Queste qualità non sono esclusive della sindrome, ma vengono esaltate da essa.
Quando vengono spiegati i codici di condotta sociale, il bambino inizia spesso a rispettarli rigidamente, diventando a volte anche il "poliziotto" di classe. Ad esempio, in una classe l'insegnante si era momentaneamente distratto e un bambino si stava comportando deliberatamente male, facendo ridere tutti gli altri. L'insegnante si accorse che qualcuno aveva fatto qualcosa e chiese "chi è stato?". Ci fu un lungo silenzio, rotto dal bambino con sindrome di Asperger che venne in aiuto dell'insegnante dicendo chi si era comportato male, non accorgendosi delle occhiatacce dei compagni.
Gli altri bambini sono determinati a piegare le regole a proprio favore, o a romperle; il bambino con sindrome di Asperger vuole solo farle rispettare.
Le social stories si costruiscono usando 4 tipi di frasi:
⁃ descrittive: definiscono oggettivamente dove, cosa, chi, perché
⁃ di prospettiva: descrivono, e spiegano se necessario, le reazioni e i sentimenti degli altri in una certa situazione
⁃ direttive: stabiliscono cosa deve fare o dire il bambino
⁃ di controllo: indicano strategie che aiutano il bambino a ricordarsi cosa fare o come comprendere la situazione.
Vanno usate con la proporzione di 1 frase direttiva e/o di controllo ogni 2-5 descrittive e/o di prospettiva. I racconti vanno scritti al presente.
Avevo un'amica - non un genitore guidato dall'amore e dall'impulso a cercare di raggiungermi, non un professionista che si è costruito una carriera studiando il mio disturbo, ma soltanto qualcuno che pensava che io fossi abbastanza interessante da volermi conoscere meglio - un'amica che, senza nessuna preparazione formale in psicologia o educazione speciale, ha pensato da sola a linee guida per relazionarsi con me: mai dare per scontato, senza chiederlo, cosa sto pensando, provando o cosa ho capito solo perché lei rispetto alle stesse circostanze avrebbe una certa reazione. Chiedere, invece che cercare di indovinare.
A pupil with Asperger syndrome is asked to "put the work right". The child appeared confused, and slowly moved his workbook to the right of his desk.
In ambulatorio di diagnosi e valutazione, venne chiesto ad una bambina: "Sai contare fino a 10?", alla qual cosa lei rispose semplicemente di sì, continuando a giocare silenziosamente.
Una persona che era andata a fare visita ad una famiglia disse ad uno dei figli: "hai gli occhi di tuo padre". Questo turbò profondamente il bambino, che si rivolse alla madre e disse: "ma mamma, io ho solo i miei di occhi".
I bambini aspie mostrano una preferenza per la lettura di libri che contengono informazioni, piuttosto che opere di narrativa.
Queste ultime descrivono le personalità ed esperienze personali dei personaggi, danno risalto alle esperienze sociali ed affettive, al contrario del genere documentaristico e saggistico che non richiede di comprendere allo stesso livello la gente ed i loro pensieri, sentimenti, esperienze.
Due test per aspie:
a)Helen aveva atteso tutto l'anno che arrivasse il Natale perché sapeva che a Natale avrebbe potuto chiedere ai suoi genitori un coniglio. Helen desiderava un coniglio più di ogni altra cosa al mondo. Alla fine, arrivò il giorno di Natale, e Helen corse a scartare la grossa scatola che i suoi genitori le avevano regalato. Era sicura che contenesse un piccolo coniglietto in una gabbietta. Ma quando aprì il pacco, con tutta la famiglia che la guardava, scoprì che il suo regalo era soltanto la solita vecchia enciclopedia, che Helen non desiderava affatto. Tuttavia, quando i genitori di Helen le chiesero se le piaceva il regalo, lei disse: "è magnifico grazie, è proprio quello che volevo"
1 È vero quello che ha detto Helen?
2 Perché ha detto così ai suoi genitori?
b)Durante una guerra, l'esercito rosso cattura un membro dell'esercito blu.
Vogliono che lui dica dove si trovano i carri armati del suo esercito: sanno che si trovano o vicino al mare, o sulle montagne. Essi sanno che il prigioniero non lo vorrà dire, che vorrà salvare il suo esercito, e che quindi quasi di sicuro mentirà. Il prigioniero è molto coraggioso e molto intelligente e non permetterà loro di trovare i suoi carri armati.
I carri sono sulle montagne.
Quando gli chiedono dove sono i carri, lui risponde: "sono sulle montagne".
1 È vero quello che ha detto il prigioniero?
2 Dov'è che i rossi cercheranno i carri dell'esercito blu?
3 Perché il prigioniero ha detto questo?
Sensibilità sensoriale.
Albert utilizzava la sua spiccata sensibilità uditiva per sapere quando un treno sarebbe arrivato in stazione, molti minuti prima che i suoi genitori potessero sentirlo. Egli disse: "riesco sempre a sentirlo, mamma e papà non possono, lo sentivo rumoroso nelle mie orecchie e nel mio corpo." Prima che si vedesse un veicolo, egli era in grado di individuare la marca del motore. Egli era inoltre riluttante a giocare in giardino a casa. Quando gli venne chiesto il perché, rispose che odiava il "clak-clak" che facevano le farfalle sbattendo le ali.
Falsa diagnosi.
Sebbene esistano differenze marcate fra Asperger e schizofrenia, una serie di semplici errori può portare ad una falsa diagnosi.
Uno dei sintomi di schizofrenia sono le allucinazioni uditive. Quando uno psichiatra chiede: "Senti delle voci?" è facile che una persona aspie risponda di sì. Questo è dovuto ad una interpretazione letterale della domanda. La domanda successiva potrebbe essere: "Senti le voci di persone che non si trovano dove sei?", ma anche questa domanda può avere risposta positiva, eppure può avere risposto così nel senso che sente quando le persone parlano in un'altra stanza vicina.
Il più grande scienziato di questo secolo, Albert Einstein, era un pensatore visivo. È interessante che la sua personalità e la storia familiare contengano alcuni elementi indicativi della sindrome di Asperger. Ci sono anche prove riguardo a Bela Bartok, Van Gogh e Bill Gates.
Hans Asperger diceva:
"Sembra che per avere successo nelle scienze e nell'arte, un pizzico di autismo sia essenziale. Per il successo, l'ingrediente necessario potrebbe essere la capacità di allontanarsi dal mondo di ogni giorno, dal semplicemente pratico, una capacità di pensare di nuovo a qualcosa in modo originale, per creare strade non ancora percorse."
A persone affette dalla sindrome di Asperger sono stati attribuiti grandi progressi nelle scienze e nell'arte.
Secondo la mia opinione, rappresentano un filo molto brillante nel ricco tessuto della vita. La nostra civiltà sarebbe estremamente noiosa e sterile se non avessimo persone con sindrome di Asperger e non ne facessimo tesoro.
Io l'ho letto perché ho un allievo che ne è affetto. E penso che sia un bambino meraviglioso.
-
Principali caratteristiche cliniche della sindrome di Asperger:
⁃ mancanza di empatia
⁃ interazione naïf, inadeguata, unidirezionale
⁃ abilità scarse o assenti di fare amicizie
⁃ linguaggio pedante, ripetitivo
⁃ scarsa comunicazione non verbale
⁃ interesse spasmodico per certi argomenti
⁃ movimenti goffi e poco coordinati e posture bizzarre
Humans are the most illogical race.
Nothing they say,
Nothing they do,
Makes any sense.
Oh, why can't humans be logical?
(Dianne Mear, 1994)
Nella mia esperienza posso dire di aver trovato che tra le qualità della persona Asperger ci sono l'onestà, la lealtà, l'affidabilità, la schiettezza, e l'avere un forte codice morale e senso di giustizia. Le qualità cognitive includono una memoria eccezionale, entusiasmo e conoscenze approfondite sul loro interesse speciale, un modo originale di pensare, una buona immaginazione e una notevole abilità di pensare per immagini. Queste qualità non sono esclusive della sindrome, ma vengono esaltate da essa.
Quando vengono spiegati i codici di condotta sociale, il bambino inizia spesso a rispettarli rigidamente, diventando a volte anche il "poliziotto" di classe. Ad esempio, in una classe l'insegnante si era momentaneamente distratto e un bambino si stava comportando deliberatamente male, facendo ridere tutti gli altri. L'insegnante si accorse che qualcuno aveva fatto qualcosa e chiese "chi è stato?". Ci fu un lungo silenzio, rotto dal bambino con sindrome di Asperger che venne in aiuto dell'insegnante dicendo chi si era comportato male, non accorgendosi delle occhiatacce dei compagni.
Gli altri bambini sono determinati a piegare le regole a proprio favore, o a romperle; il bambino con sindrome di Asperger vuole solo farle rispettare.
Le social stories si costruiscono usando 4 tipi di frasi:
⁃ descrittive: definiscono oggettivamente dove, cosa, chi, perché
⁃ di prospettiva: descrivono, e spiegano se necessario, le reazioni e i sentimenti degli altri in una certa situazione
⁃ direttive: stabiliscono cosa deve fare o dire il bambino
⁃ di controllo: indicano strategie che aiutano il bambino a ricordarsi cosa fare o come comprendere la situazione.
Vanno usate con la proporzione di 1 frase direttiva e/o di controllo ogni 2-5 descrittive e/o di prospettiva. I racconti vanno scritti al presente.
Avevo un'amica - non un genitore guidato dall'amore e dall'impulso a cercare di raggiungermi, non un professionista che si è costruito una carriera studiando il mio disturbo, ma soltanto qualcuno che pensava che io fossi abbastanza interessante da volermi conoscere meglio - un'amica che, senza nessuna preparazione formale in psicologia o educazione speciale, ha pensato da sola a linee guida per relazionarsi con me: mai dare per scontato, senza chiederlo, cosa sto pensando, provando o cosa ho capito solo perché lei rispetto alle stesse circostanze avrebbe una certa reazione. Chiedere, invece che cercare di indovinare.
A pupil with Asperger syndrome is asked to "put the work right". The child appeared confused, and slowly moved his workbook to the right of his desk.
In ambulatorio di diagnosi e valutazione, venne chiesto ad una bambina: "Sai contare fino a 10?", alla qual cosa lei rispose semplicemente di sì, continuando a giocare silenziosamente.
Una persona che era andata a fare visita ad una famiglia disse ad uno dei figli: "hai gli occhi di tuo padre". Questo turbò profondamente il bambino, che si rivolse alla madre e disse: "ma mamma, io ho solo i miei di occhi".
I bambini aspie mostrano una preferenza per la lettura di libri che contengono informazioni, piuttosto che opere di narrativa.
Queste ultime descrivono le personalità ed esperienze personali dei personaggi, danno risalto alle esperienze sociali ed affettive, al contrario del genere documentaristico e saggistico che non richiede di comprendere allo stesso livello la gente ed i loro pensieri, sentimenti, esperienze.
Due test per aspie:
a)Helen aveva atteso tutto l'anno che arrivasse il Natale perché sapeva che a Natale avrebbe potuto chiedere ai suoi genitori un coniglio. Helen desiderava un coniglio più di ogni altra cosa al mondo. Alla fine, arrivò il giorno di Natale, e Helen corse a scartare la grossa scatola che i suoi genitori le avevano regalato. Era sicura che contenesse un piccolo coniglietto in una gabbietta. Ma quando aprì il pacco, con tutta la famiglia che la guardava, scoprì che il suo regalo era soltanto la solita vecchia enciclopedia, che Helen non desiderava affatto. Tuttavia, quando i genitori di Helen le chiesero se le piaceva il regalo, lei disse: "è magnifico grazie, è proprio quello che volevo"
1 È vero quello che ha detto Helen?
2 Perché ha detto così ai suoi genitori?
b)Durante una guerra, l'esercito rosso cattura un membro dell'esercito blu.
Vogliono che lui dica dove si trovano i carri armati del suo esercito: sanno che si trovano o vicino al mare, o sulle montagne. Essi sanno che il prigioniero non lo vorrà dire, che vorrà salvare il suo esercito, e che quindi quasi di sicuro mentirà. Il prigioniero è molto coraggioso e molto intelligente e non permetterà loro di trovare i suoi carri armati.
I carri sono sulle montagne.
Quando gli chiedono dove sono i carri, lui risponde: "sono sulle montagne".
1 È vero quello che ha detto il prigioniero?
2 Dov'è che i rossi cercheranno i carri dell'esercito blu?
3 Perché il prigioniero ha detto questo?
Sensibilità sensoriale.
Albert utilizzava la sua spiccata sensibilità uditiva per sapere quando un treno sarebbe arrivato in stazione, molti minuti prima che i suoi genitori potessero sentirlo. Egli disse: "riesco sempre a sentirlo, mamma e papà non possono, lo sentivo rumoroso nelle mie orecchie e nel mio corpo." Prima che si vedesse un veicolo, egli era in grado di individuare la marca del motore. Egli era inoltre riluttante a giocare in giardino a casa. Quando gli venne chiesto il perché, rispose che odiava il "clak-clak" che facevano le farfalle sbattendo le ali.
Falsa diagnosi.
Sebbene esistano differenze marcate fra Asperger e schizofrenia, una serie di semplici errori può portare ad una falsa diagnosi.
Uno dei sintomi di schizofrenia sono le allucinazioni uditive. Quando uno psichiatra chiede: "Senti delle voci?" è facile che una persona aspie risponda di sì. Questo è dovuto ad una interpretazione letterale della domanda. La domanda successiva potrebbe essere: "Senti le voci di persone che non si trovano dove sei?", ma anche questa domanda può avere risposta positiva, eppure può avere risposto così nel senso che sente quando le persone parlano in un'altra stanza vicina.
Il più grande scienziato di questo secolo, Albert Einstein, era un pensatore visivo. È interessante che la sua personalità e la storia familiare contengano alcuni elementi indicativi della sindrome di Asperger. Ci sono anche prove riguardo a Bela Bartok, Van Gogh e Bill Gates.
Hans Asperger diceva:
"Sembra che per avere successo nelle scienze e nell'arte, un pizzico di autismo sia essenziale. Per il successo, l'ingrediente necessario potrebbe essere la capacità di allontanarsi dal mondo di ogni giorno, dal semplicemente pratico, una capacità di pensare di nuovo a qualcosa in modo originale, per creare strade non ancora percorse."
A persone affette dalla sindrome di Asperger sono stati attribuiti grandi progressi nelle scienze e nell'arte.
Secondo la mia opinione, rappresentano un filo molto brillante nel ricco tessuto della vita. La nostra civiltà sarebbe estremamente noiosa e sterile se non avessimo persone con sindrome di Asperger e non ne facessimo tesoro.
April 29, 2019
Who would have known that a book that I borrowed and read to help me at work would be so enjoyable? Tony Attwood writes in a style that is both informative and approachable. I really enjoyed how he dotted his descriptions and advice with his clients' experiences. He is clearly someone who really cares about his clients and is keen to let others know about how to learn to be alongside, support or teach those with Asperger's. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more about the social, language, cognitive and sensory difficulties experienced. I sometimes work with arrestees who have Asperger's and, even though this book is about children, it will help me look at adults' experiences when they were younger, so I will have a better understanding of what they faced while growing up, and what they have been left to deal with decades later.
February 4, 2018
I added this book to my list while reading The Big Short and relating some Aspergers characteristics to my husband. As I started the book, I thought, my oldest child has a lot of these characteristics. Then further progression led to the thought that I have many of the characteristics. For comparison Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory is an over exaggerated example of all characteristics. As I approached the end, I realized I know of at least two people for every characteristic. They refer to this in the text as “ghosting.” I call bull shit. There is no such thing as normal and you are all kidding yourselves if you think you’re not “outside the norm.” So either everyone I know has some ghosting aspergers or normal people are really boring.
January 27, 2020
There's only one thing that I would add to this book: there's a moment when the author says something related to people with Aspergers, that they have to ask to other people about their feelings or problems, or showing interest, because they can't understand many times what the other person is feeling. Well... I think that people without Aspergers should do the same too, but maybe is utopic, because in this world it seems that the minorities have always to adapt themselves to the majorities (when those "majorities" are composed by lots of different minorities🙄🙄🙄).
Temple Grandin has some presence in this book and probably her own books must be really interesting.
Temple Grandin has some presence in this book and probably her own books must be really interesting.
March 11, 2020
As a guide to how valuable I found this book - when I read I often mark passages that I find interesting or want to reflect on with a removable tab, by the time I finished reading this it had about 80 tabs in it!
Explanations of certain behaviours gave me a greater understanding of motivations and reasons and this gave me ideas for new management strategies.
It was also really helpful to know that this is not uncommon and that many, many families go through these daily tests and small traumas!
It also opened my eyes to the value of a support group; which I have been resistant to.
Explanations of certain behaviours gave me a greater understanding of motivations and reasons and this gave me ideas for new management strategies.
It was also really helpful to know that this is not uncommon and that many, many families go through these daily tests and small traumas!
It also opened my eyes to the value of a support group; which I have been resistant to.
July 26, 2020
Still waiting on a diagnosis on my son, but this book was recommended to us following his initial consultation. Gives great insight and much better understanding of this neurological condition. Found myself constantly saying "yes, he does that". Can be downbeat on prognosis, but the appendix has a more positive feel. Highly recommend to anyone who has a child who may have Asperger's, or be high functioning ASD.
August 27, 2017
There are people better placed than me to discuss the content of this book, but what I can say is that the writing is really accessible and entertaining. The main thing I didn't like was the Bill Bryson excerpt, which I thought unkind.
February 11, 2020
I didn't finish this book. I really liked the diagnostic information that was provided early on. Clearly a great book, with lots of information but not what I was after. I wanted a more broad knowledge.
June 22, 2025
of course this book is a little (quite a bit) outdated now, but I think it's still a good starting point to understanding ASD/Asperger's. It's well-written and clear, not too much jargon, with some (stereotypical) examples
September 26, 2019
Really informative. Uses more layman's terms which makes the whole book easy to process. Lots of references to help with learning more.
February 23, 2021
Essential reading for anyone with an autistic family member or who thinks they have some traits themselves.
March 24, 2023
A must-read as an absolutely accurate and intelligible introduction to the intricacies of the Syndrome, its similarities and differences with autism, ADD and other neuroatypical disorders.
September 4, 2024
A bit outdated but gives a good overall view on autism
March 24, 2025
我在 12 岁的时候拥有这本书，*我看不懂！它太枯燥了！*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2011
Some observations and quotes I appreciated:
"There is also research and clinical evidence that the person [with Asperger's] may have knowledge about other people's minds, but they are unable to apply this knowledge effectively....the knowledge was available, but was not recognized as relevant."
"While other children often pretend to be the characters in favorite films and television programmes, the imaginative play of some children with Asperger's Syndrome includes becoming an object rather than a person", such as car wiper blades, a teapot, or a stopped-up toilet.
"They are more self-centered than selfish."
"Although he was delighted when he found a new girlfriend, he was also very confused when she didn't like the same things as his previous girlfriend. He had assumed that when he had learnt what to do and say, it could be duplicated for all subsequent girlfriends. However, this may not be a characteristic exclusive to Asperger's Syndrome."
And from an assessment, some behaviors I related to:
- "When free to play with other children, such as school lunchtime, does the child avoid social contact with them? For example, finds a secluded place or goes to the library."
- "Does the child read books primarily for information, not seeming interested in fictional works? For example, being an avid reader of encyclopaedias and science books but not keen on adventure stories."
"There is also research and clinical evidence that the person [with Asperger's] may have knowledge about other people's minds, but they are unable to apply this knowledge effectively....the knowledge was available, but was not recognized as relevant."
"While other children often pretend to be the characters in favorite films and television programmes, the imaginative play of some children with Asperger's Syndrome includes becoming an object rather than a person", such as car wiper blades, a teapot, or a stopped-up toilet.
"They are more self-centered than selfish."
"Although he was delighted when he found a new girlfriend, he was also very confused when she didn't like the same things as his previous girlfriend. He had assumed that when he had learnt what to do and say, it could be duplicated for all subsequent girlfriends. However, this may not be a characteristic exclusive to Asperger's Syndrome."
And from an assessment, some behaviors I related to:
- "When free to play with other children, such as school lunchtime, does the child avoid social contact with them? For example, finds a secluded place or goes to the library."
- "Does the child read books primarily for information, not seeming interested in fictional works? For example, being an avid reader of encyclopaedias and science books but not keen on adventure stories."
July 9, 2016
Brilliant - easily digested and answers so many questions (including an extensive FAQ at the back). I now want to buy a copy for ourselves and ensure a certain school has copies - and reads them.
Attwood has really clarified the challenges faced, and ways to help the child - but, as he says, Asperger's kind of 'falls through the cracks'. The child may be achieving very well academically but be really unhappy in relationships with other children and have problems with some teachers, arising from problems and misunderstandings caused by their condition. Does this qualify as having 'Special Educational Needs'?
If the child continues to be highly anxious they may end up with psychiatric problems; but if things have not got to that stage then what practical help is on offer to prevent this? There are many kinds of therapeutic approaches of which I had been unaware until I read this book but they MUST be delivered by professionals who are specifically trained on Asperger's Syndrome.
Funding can be obtained if you achieve an EHCP for your child, but the flowcharts I've seen imply you are supposed to try first to get all the help you need from the school's SEN department. More dialogue obviously required.
Attwood has really clarified the challenges faced, and ways to help the child - but, as he says, Asperger's kind of 'falls through the cracks'. The child may be achieving very well academically but be really unhappy in relationships with other children and have problems with some teachers, arising from problems and misunderstandings caused by their condition. Does this qualify as having 'Special Educational Needs'?
If the child continues to be highly anxious they may end up with psychiatric problems; but if things have not got to that stage then what practical help is on offer to prevent this? There are many kinds of therapeutic approaches of which I had been unaware until I read this book but they MUST be delivered by professionals who are specifically trained on Asperger's Syndrome.
Funding can be obtained if you achieve an EHCP for your child, but the flowcharts I've seen imply you are supposed to try first to get all the help you need from the school's SEN department. More dialogue obviously required.
Want to read
April 24, 2008I have someone in my extended family who I am positive has Aspberger's Syndrome. POSITIVE. My husband disagrees and says I'm crazy, even though I have read a thousand books and articles on the topic and he has read zip. (He is not the crazy reading person that I am.) This is the only book my library seems to have on Asperger's Syndrome, and I kinda want to read it, but under the radar of my husband. There are a lot of cool books about Aspberger's Syndrome. I wish I could read them all but don't really want to buy them, considering my husband (bless his heart) doesn't listen to me about it, even though I am 100% absolutely positively sure I am right. Oh, it is so frustrating knowing you are right and yet not being able to convince someone that you are, and not wanting to bring it up because it causes contention. OH!!! It's such an agonized existence that I live. Thank you for being my therapists, my listening audience.
March 27, 2016
Asperger’s is a newer term for high functioning autism. Neither term is very well understood.
The author compares Asperger’s to a thousand piece puzzle without a defining picture. I will add that some of the puzzle pieces may be missing.
In the 1950’s when I was growing up, kids like me were described as different, eccentric, and unsociable. We were loners not because we wanted to be, but because we didn’t know how to join the play and friendships that surrounded us in the schoolyard. Conversation is not something you learn in a books.
People with Asperger’s don’t read body language or facial expressions. I describe it as a type of blindness. I don’t see what others might find obvious.
While this book was written for mental health professionals and teachers, I recommend it for parents and for adults who got the diagnoses late in life. Teens with Asperger’s will also appreciate the insight. The author will answer your questions.
The author compares Asperger’s to a thousand piece puzzle without a defining picture. I will add that some of the puzzle pieces may be missing.
In the 1950’s when I was growing up, kids like me were described as different, eccentric, and unsociable. We were loners not because we wanted to be, but because we didn’t know how to join the play and friendships that surrounded us in the schoolyard. Conversation is not something you learn in a books.
People with Asperger’s don’t read body language or facial expressions. I describe it as a type of blindness. I don’t see what others might find obvious.
While this book was written for mental health professionals and teachers, I recommend it for parents and for adults who got the diagnoses late in life. Teens with Asperger’s will also appreciate the insight. The author will answer your questions.
June 18, 2012
Though this book is now outdated, it does give a good overview of how Asperger's manifests itself in different spheres of a person's life and possible accommodations/treatments. Twelve years ago much of this information would have been new to me, but working in schools for nine years means it was all very familiar. Though I'm sure there are more current resources for parents who are unfamiliar with Asperger's and have a child with a recent diagnosis, or potential diagnosis, it is written in an accessible way.
March 27, 2011
I read this as a part of my voyage of self-discovery and self-diagnosis. I probably should have read this one first. It's a great introduction to what Aspergers is, and it's not prone to condescension the way the first book I read on the topic was. Is this me or is it not? I'm not a psychologist, but I sure feel like my personal experiences fall right in line with what I'm reading about. Anyway, Attwood's book is a must read for anyone with Aspergers or high functioning autism in their life or work. Now that I've read it, I feel ready to get cracking on my own memoir/weirdo manifesto.
May 8, 2012
My son has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, so I read this book to help understand the various aspects, symptoms, and effective means of support involved. It is fairly comprehensive and includes not only technical descriptions of various challenges, but also personal accounts from the author's patients of their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. The book has been helpful but is only a start on a long road for us.
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