Asperger’s syndrome: a guide for parents and professionals

Providing a description and analysis of the unusual characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome, with strategies to reduce those that are most conspicuous and debilitating, this guide brings together the most relevant and useful information on all aspects of the syndrome, from language and social behaviour to motor clumsiness. Incorporating case studies from the author’s own practical experience, the book contains many examples of, and numerous quotations from, people with Asperger’s syndrome

Amity Ruth

This guide to Asperger’s syndrome outlines the disorder, its associated deficits, and some frequently asked questions about the syndrome, and also provides additional resource materials. The purpose of this book is to provide an inclusive overview and description of Asperger’s syndrome for non-specialists. It provides advice to parents and teachers about an unusual and, until recently, largely under-diagnosed syndrome. The author provides information regarding diagnostic criteria, the evaluation process, associated symptomatology, and practical suggestions for relating to individuals with Asperger’s syndrome. The book also includes a qualitative description of the syndrome using vignettes and quotations providing insight into the experience of the disorder. This text is geared towards parents, teachers, and nonspecialists. This guide is useful to general practitioners as an introduction to the disorder, but is primarily designed as a comprehensive but general overview and should not be relied on as a technical treatment guide. The author provides some unique features in this text. A summary list at the end of each chapter helps summarize clinical strategies. The text includes rating scales, some clinical measures, and an appendix of formal clinical criteria to help identify the syndrome. It also provides reference materials on Asperger’s syndrome and related subjects, including publications and web sites. This book provides a complete and clear description of Asperger’s syndrome. It is well organized and gives substantive information on aspects of this disorder without confusing the reader with technical terminology. It is a particularly good text for teachers and parents whowish to gain a better understanding of the syndrome. The book not only outlines the clinical aspects and diagnostic criteria, but also provides the reader with a good sense of what it is like experientially for individuals with Asperger’s syndrome and for those who interact with them.