Happily married to her husband with Asperger Syndrome for 25 years, Ashley Stanford is an expert on how Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can affect a relationship and her bestselling book has helped thousands of couples.Brought fully up to date, this second edition clarifies the new DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and explains how, without a solid awareness of the condition, ASD behaviours can easily be misinterpreted. Stanford's book provides a wealth of strategies for living with the more uncompromising aspects of ASD, pointing out that ASD also brings enormous strengths to a relationship. It shows how understanding the intentions, motivations and reasoning behind ASD behaviors can lead to better communication, relief of tension, and ultimately to a happier, more mutually fulfilling relationship.
Acknowledgments. Foreword by Liane Holliday Willey. Preface. 1. One Day I Woke Up. 2. What Does Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Look Like in an Adult? 3. The Full Realization. 4. Diagnostic Criteria A - Persistent Deficits in Social Communication and Interaction. What it May Look Like: Social Reciprocity. What it May Look Like: Emotional Reciprocity. What it May Look Like: Sharing Interests. What it May Look Like: Failure to Initiate or Respond to Social Interactions. What it May Look Like: Eye Contact. What it May Look Like: Body Language. What it May Look Like: Gestures. What it May Look Like: Facial Expression. What it May Look Like: Relationships. What it May Look Like: Sharing Enjoyment. 5. Diagnostic Criteria B - Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behavior. What it May Look Like: Repetitive Movements. What it May Look Like: Routines. What it May Look Like: Fixated Interest. What it May Look Like: Sensory Dysfunction. 6. Diagnostic Criteria C - Symptoms Must Be Present in Early Development. What it May Look Like: Language through the Lifespan. 7. Diagnostic Criteria D - Clinically Significant Impairment in Social, Occupational, or Other Functioning. What it May Look Like: Social. What it May Look Like: Occupational. 8. Diagnostic Criteria E - Not Better Explained by Intellectual Disability. What it May Look Like: Cognitive Development. What it May Look Like: Self-Help Skills/Adaptive Behavior. 9. The ASD-Linked Long-Term Relationship. 10. Help! Where to Look. Epilogue. Glossary. References. Index.
Having read Ashley Stanford's first edition of this book, I am pleased that she has maintained her encouraging and positive outlook. A really refreshing and well-structured read that will offer hope to all who are in a relationship with a partner who is on the spectrum. It is a book I would recommend to anyone who wishes to increase their understanding of Asperger Syndrome (ASD level one) and relationships.
