Asperger Syndrome (AS) has often been considered to be incompatible with love and relationships, but as the number of people who are diagnosed with the disorder increases, it is becoming apparent that people with AS can and do have full and intimate relationships. Comparing and contrasting both AS and non-AS partners' viewpoints, this book frankly examines the fundamental aspects of relationships that are often complicated by the disorder. With all findings illustrated with case examples taken from interviews conducted with couples, the author tackles issues such as attraction, trust, communication, sex and intimacy, and parenting. Drawing on her extensive research and established career as a Relate counsellor, Maxine Aston has produced a much-needed analysis of intimate relationships where one adult has AS and this book is a must for all those with AS and their partners, as well as for friends, family and counsellors.
Foreword, Gisela and Chris Slater-Walker. Terminology. Introduction. 1. Attraction. 2. Shared interests. 3. Trust. 4. Being Valued. 5. Understanding. 6. Self-disclosure 7. Communication. 8. The Asperger side of Communication. 9. The Unspoken Word. 10. Social scenes. 11. Routines, rules and boundaries. 12.The Asperger Parent. 13. The Sexual side of Asperger syndrome. 14. Infidelity. 15. Sexuality and Aspergers. 16. Verbal abuse and Aspergers. 17. Domestic Violence. 18. Aspergers and Awareness. 19. Diagnosis. 20. Mental and Physical health and Aspergers. 21. Counseling and Aspergers. 22. Women and Aspergers. 23. Disadvantages of Aspergers. 24. Benefit of Aspergers. Conclusion. Frequently Asked Questions. References.
'This challenging and fascinating reader dispels myths and assumptions about the ability of people with Asperger to form and maintain loving relationships...Numerous relationship issues examined by Aston and those who were interviewed, including the many difficulties which both partners may face. At the same time there is a wealth of practical information about how couples can address and overcome problems. As there is an increasing number of people with Asperger, and as more and more reach adulthood and seek relationships and have children, this is becoming an important topic.' -Care & Health Magazine 'Maxine Aston is the only professional currently working as counsellor and researcher in the field of relationships in which one partner has Asperger syndrome, and so she is uniquely placed to write this book...not only does she make clear the difficulties that both partners in such a relationship experience, she also suggests strategies for dealing with them...read this book and breathe a sigh of relief that there really is someone who does understand the impact of Asperger syndrome on both partners in a ''mixed marriage''. - from the Foreword by Gisela and Chris Slater-Walker
