This book offers a comprehensive overview of clinical, research and personal perspectives on Asperger Syndrome, including contributions from parents and experts in the fields of psychology, social work, psychiatry, genetics, sexology and vocational counselling.It includes first-hand accounts from adults with AS, highlighting their difficulties in areas such as social competence and education. Specialist perspectives on AS, including sexuality and relationships, finding and keeping employment and anxiety and depression are sensitively addressed. The viewpoints of parents explore experiences of parenting AS individuals. These varied approaches to living with AS complement the emerging literature on theory, research and practice in this area.The broad scope of Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome guarantees a wide readership among practitioners, students, parents, young people and adults with AS, educates service providers how to assist people with AS and suggests a model of interdisciplinary collaboration for administrators and funders.
Introduction. Part 1: Clinical Issues and Perspectives. 1. Clinical Assessment of Children and Adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome. Rosina Schnurr. 2. Communication and Asperger's: The Speech-Language Pathology Role. Tracie Lindblad. 3. Psychological Assessment of More Able Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Lillian Burke. 4. Social Interaction Groups for Children and Adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome. Leon Sloman and Jonathan Leef. 5. Asperger's Syndrome and the Developmental Paediatricians's Role. Wendy Roberts. 6. Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome. Mary Konstantareas. 7. Interventions to Promote Social Competence in Asperger's Syndrome. Barbara Muskat. 8. The Psychosocial and Clinical Needs of Young Adults with Asperger's Syndrome. Kevin Stoddart. 9. Education and the Student with Asperger's Syndrome. Georgina Rayner. 10. Sensory-Motor Issues and Asperger's Syndrome: The Occupational Therapy Role. Paula Aquilla, Ellen Yack and Shirley Sutton. 11. An Ecological-Systems Approach to Asperger's Syndrome in Children and Youth: The Social Work Contribution. Kevin Stoddart, Barbara Muskat and Faye Mishna. 12. Sexuality, Relationships and Asperger's Syndrome. Isabelle Henault. 13. Making it to Work: Helping the Adolescent with Asperger's Transition to Employment. Gail Hawkins. 14. The Relationship Between Tourette Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome: Overlapping Features and Treatment Implications. Trina Epstein and Jennifer Salzman-Benaiah. 15. Use of Medication in Children with Asperger's Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism. Leon Sloman. Part 2: Parent and Personal Perspectives. 16. The Story of a Young Adult with AS. Peter Jansen. 17. How I Survived Life Adversity and Paternalism. Fern Lee Quint. 18. The Story of a Young Adult with AS. Donna Moon. 19. Parenting Children with AS. Margot Nelles. 20. Life on the Outside: A Personal Perspective on Asperger's Syndrome. Chris Dakin. Part 3: Theoretical and Research Perspectives. 21. Developing a Research Agenda for Asperger's Syndrome. Peter Szatmari. 22. Is There an Asperger's Culture? Charmaine Williams. 23. The Genetics of Asperger's and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Jeanette Holden. 24. Quality of Life for Children with Asperger's Syndrome: Their Parents' Perspective. Ann Fudge Schormans, Rebecca Renwick, Renee Ryan and HeeSun Lim. 25. The Social Construction of Asperger's: Are We Better Off? Kevin Stoddart. References. Subject Index. Author Index.
'This new emphasis in the field on the more able group with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is an important one for researchers and practitioners so this comprehensive book is a welcome addition to the literature. The editor has assembled a distinguished group of contributors, representing a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. The result is a comprehensive volume that adds immeasurably to our understanding of theory and practice in this important area. Although the contributors are primarily Canadian, their themes and reputations are international, and readers will appreciate the multitude of experiences they bring to these important issues. Clinical practice is highlighted but there is a solid section on theoretical perspectives as well. Of particular interest to many are the personal perspectives of individuals with ASD and their parents. The book will be of interest to parents, professionals, academics, and everyone else affected by or interested in ASD. It is a welcome addition to the literature and the editor and contributor are to be thanked for their efforts.' - Gary B. Mesibov, Ph.D., Professor & Director, Division TEACCH, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
