Friendships

Contents: Acknowledgements. Foreword by Emma Wall. Introduction. 1. What is a friend? 2. How to recognise a friend from a foe. 3. Too many friends! 4. You're just too honest! 5. Family comes first? 6. Sharing common goals. 7. Baring all. 8. It's hard to be a good friend. 9. Letting your friends know you care. 10. Sustaining and developing our friendships. Appendix 1. Personality Test Just For Fun. Appendix 2. Online Friendship And Support Agencies. Appendix 3. Autism Alert Cards. Index.

`This book describes the friendship experiences of individuals with Asperger Syndrome…it is a little book that packs a powerful message: how to recognise, share, nurture, value, enjoy, cope with, avoid and break friendships. The fundamental importance of friendship to life and learning is discussed. Differences between being friendly and friendships are explained. Complex relationships are sensitively explored, for example, friendships between partners, colleagues, longstanding and new friends, family and pets. The impact of personal belief systems on our ability to make and remain friends and the importance of being a friend to oneself are recurrent themes. Concrete examples, tips for avoiding common misunderstandings, friendship `rules', personal anecdotes, non-literal explanations, poetry and contributions from Wendy's friends are woven into a through-provoking read…this book encourages reflection on one's own concepts, beliefs, values and experiences of friendship. It makes a highly emotive subject accessible to all.'