Transfer Boy: Perspectives on Asperger Syndrome explores what it is like to be an adolescent with Asperger Syndrome, through interviews with Teodor, a 'psychologically unusual' thirteen-year-old. In this detailed case study, Vuletic and Ferrari combine an autobiographical account with perspectives from other family members and people who know Teodor well, while simultaneously integrating psychiatric and psychological research on autism.The authors evaluate the merits and pitfalls of different interpretations of autism and address the broad psychological issues related to Asperger Syndrome intelligence, social skills, memory, the transitional period from childhood to adolescence. The study includes results and interpretations of standard measures of self-concept, an IQ test and a psychiatric exam, contributing to the hitherto under-researched area of autistic self-knowledge.
1. A Transfer Boy. 2. A Good and Loving Child: The Family Perspective. 3. A Good and Well Behaved Student: The School Perspective. 4. An Autistic or Asperger Syndrome Child: The Scientific Perspective. 5. A Transfer Boy: The First Person Perspective. 6. Conclusion. Where Do We Go From Here? References.
This is a very detailed and well-constructed volume relating to contemporary issues in Asperger Syndrome. The authors are to be complimented on the inclusive nature of this work... this book's greatest achievement is the manner in which the authors simultaneously integrate existing research on autism with a biographical narrative. Probably the best part of this book, for the reader, is the intricately woven story of the Asperger experience from a very human perspective. The authors are to be congratulated for the manner in which they tackle the many various and flawed assessment methodologies which may lead to a diagnosis with Asperger Syndrome. The lack of agreement in research circles regarding the causal nature of the syndrome is well evidenced. This argument is well made and enhanced as scientific theories regarding Asperger Syndrome's aetiology are given new and real meaning, as they are applied to Teodor's lived experience of the condition. In summary, this a timely volume as the incidence of the diagnosis Autistic Spectrum Disorders are ever increasing. I would recommend this volume as an ideal reference text for all those working with and caring for people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, wherever they may be. The many issues raised in this volume demonstrate the international transferability of issues relating to families experiencing Asperger Syndrome. A must-have volume for all educational establishments training professional groups to work with people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
