With contributions from some of the best-known and most exciting writers in the field of Autism and Asperger Syndrome (AS), this new book examines AS diagnosis and disclosure (selective or otherwise) from many different perspectives. Drawing on anecdotal, professional and research-based evidence, Coming Out Asperger looks at the impact on children and adults of an AS diagnosis, as well as the effect on parents, teachers, colleagues, siblings and partners. Having considered the social model of disability and the role of diagnosis within it, the contributors go on to cover a range of issues, from the effect of a diagnosis on self-confidence and esteem (Liane Holliday Willey), to a clinician's view of sensitively disclosing a diagnosis to parents (Tony Attwood). Luke Jackson and Eoin Mason write first hand about the effect of being diagnosed with and experiencing AS as children and adolescents; Jacqui Jackson and Jennifer Overton look at how a diagnosis impacts upon family life and how to tell children that they have AS. The ever-difficult question of who and when to tell once a diagnosis has been confirmed, and how to deal with relationships and sexuality, are also discussed. This book is an essential guide for people with AS, parents, teachers, professionals and all those who have ever felt confused about revealing a personal issue.
Introduction Dinah Murray. 1.To Tell or not To Tell, That is the Aspie Question. Liane Holliday Willey. 2. Diagnosis in Adults. Tony Attwood. 3. Confidence, Self-Confidence and Social Confidence. Dinah Murray and Mike Lesser. 4. Psychiatry and Asperger Syndrome. Tom Berney. 5. Being Told or Being Told Off: Reciprocity at the Diagnostic Interview. Michelle Dawson. 6. Mental Health Issues Surrounding Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidence in the Context of Asperger Syndrome. David Andrews. 7. One That Got Away Dinah Murray. 8.`Why's it all so difficult?' Sharing the Diagnosis with the Young Person Philip Whitaker. 9. Telling Peers at School about AS - Thoughts on How and Why. Heta Pukki. 10. Disclosure at Secondary School. Penny Barratt. 11. The Conversation. Jennifer Overton. 12. Disclosure: Talking About What Makes Us Human. Stephen Shore. 13. Disclosure: A Parent's Perspective Jacqui Jackson. 14. Coming Out, Various. Wendy Lawson. 15. Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidence in Sexuality and Relationships. Lynne Moxon. 16. Diagnosis in Adulthood and Community Disclosure. Dora Georgiou. 17. Coming Out Autistic at Work. Jane Meyerding. 18. Disclosing to the Authorities. Dennis Debbaudt. Contributor biographies. Index.
It would be particularly useful for a wide range of professionals, including educationalists who are seeking detailed information about Asperger Syndrome and Autism, and parents would benefit form reading the book too.
