Dealing with the everyday realities facing teens with Asperger Syndrome, this book presents a toolkit of tried-and-trusted ideas to help them work through difficulties and find the solutions that work best for them.
This book covers everything they need to know to thrive in their adolescent years, including how to hack your own internal alarm system to overcome anxiety and other difficult emotions.
It also arms teenagers with everything they need to navigate sexuality and relationships, develop a healthy self-image, deal with bullies, be smart with money and stay savvy online... In short, no issue is left unexplored.
Fun and informative, this is a must-read for teens with high-functioning autism, and for those who want to understand what adolescence is like on the spectrum.
Market: Teenagers with high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome, as well as their parents, carers, therapists, counsellors and teachers.
Foreword. Introduction. Part One - Relationships. 1. Self Image. 2. Gender, Sexual Identity & Self-Expression. 3. Relationships & Sex. 4. Dealing with Bullies and Difficult People. 5. Social Media. Part Two - Wellbeing. 6. Your Brain: From Here To Maturity. 7. Anxiety: How To Hack Your Own Internal Alarm System. 8. Depression: How To Stay Buoyant When You Don't Feel Up To It. 9. Dealing with Anger & Emotions. 10. Self Medication, Substance Abuse, Alcohol and Drugs. 11. Self Harming. 12. When It All Gets Too Much. 13. Health & Comfort Food. Part Three - Interests. 14. Music, Feeling & Emotion. 15. Gaming Obsession. 16. Why Pets Are Good At Fixing Your Brain. 17. Acting, Drama and Role Play. 18. Being Smart With Money. 19. Build Your Own Pyramid of Strength. Index.
'I personally love the fact that the toolkit covers so many really up to date and relevant areas ... The Asperger Teen's Toolkit will most certainly help so many young people navigate the complexities of adolescence and will also benefit parents, carers and teaching staff.'
- Dr Christopher Morrell DclinPsy, MSc, BSc, AFBPsS, Chartered Clinical Psychologist
'At last, accessible and helpful advice specifically for teens (not only those with Asperger's, but other neurodevelopmental difficulties as well). Assisting communication, it is a tool that could strengthen relationships within families as gives a clear framework for whole family involvement. Well organised, practical, easy-to-implement strategies. A great resource not only for young people, but also parents/carers and professionals alike.'
- Sue Jinks, Paediatric occupational therapist specialising in neurodevelopmental difficulties and autism
'A truly inspiring and reassuring book ... Francis has provided an honest but thoughtful approach to tackling the ever adapting path through teenage years into young adulthood. It's the perfect book for not only ASD teens but also for parents wanting to lovingly guide them on this journey.'
- Kristian Clarke, qualified youth worker and mother of two beautiful daughters with ASD, ADHD and OCD
