The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood
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Book Reviews of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
Book Review: Complete as of this date.
Summary: 5 Stars
When comparing this book to what others are available for learning about Asperger's Syndrome, this one is the best so far. As good as it is though, it must be kept in mind that it is far from perfection (i.e., being completed).
As with most books on the topic of AS, when it comes to discussions on "Theory of Mind," it's one sided. Yes, AS people can't "read" non-verbal messages neurotypical people send out like NTs do. However, what you will never read about is how NTs can't "read" non-verbal messages AS people send out.
Tony Attwood does bring up the tendency of AS people being more literal verbally, but he doesn't go into depth about why this is so. Without such explanations, it blinds typical people from seeing the more positive sides to AS. Logic goes hand-in-hand with literal; along with patterns, science, math, etc. If logic was used to explain the liberal use of figures in speech (like "hop on the scales" or "let's toast the bride," etc. found on page 115), then it would have to do so in a derogatory way because such things truly lack sense (logic). Words can be "playful," but when they are used in that manner, their true meaning is being raped away from their original purpose. It would be like insulting someone and then saying, "I was just joking." This is one of several reasons why AS children are most often the targets of bullies and are often referred to as being retarded when in reality they're usually a lot smarter than their attackers.
Another example on the next page (116), when Mr. Atwood writes, "Children with impaired ToM abilities may not know how to answer that question," he makes it sound like AS children are inferior. This particular issue on not knowing how to answer questions also creates problems with the way tests and exams are written neurotypcially. Typical children do not "read" into things deeply. They don't examine, analyze, investigate, and/or probe as far as the AS developed brain does. If the people who write the questions for exams were more thorough, they would realize how many questions are loaded with "it depends." Why don't AS books point out how the creative/inventive mind works? Without these details, people are not going to think of all the benefits that are hidden within the seemingly negative AS traits.
Apart from my being so habitually nitpicking (meticulous attention to detail as the the AS culture would call it), overall, I do highly recommend this book.
Book Review: A thoughtful, compassionate, accessible snapshot
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is considerably different from Attwood's 1998 book, in that it's more addressed to the general public, and has much more material about adult Aspies. A great many scholarly papers and books have been distilled to make up a good portion of the material. There is a great deal of encouraging material about materials developed to help Aspies navigate society, such as the Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations of Carol Gray, and the Interactive Guide to Emotions by Simon Baron-Cohen and his associates. Another stream of material is from the autobiographies of Aspies such as Liane Halliday Willie, Temple Grandin, Stephen Shore, Luke Jackson and Nita Jackson. It's great to have a human face on the phenomenon of AS.
There seems to be a running thread through the book that sensory sensitivity is a bigger deal for Aspies than previously considered. When I read the chapter on sensory sensitivity, I recalled autism books that suggested autism was a response to body chemistry equivalent to a non-stop drug trip. I grasped that the sensory sensitivity that Aspies feel is a milder version of what autistic people feel. I don't know if that's true, but that's what I grasped.
This book has a few chapters near the end dealing specifically with adult Aspies, chapters on career prospects and long-term relationships. This is a welcome addition.
This will be a good first book for some time to come for anyone with an Aspie in their life. It's not the last book, but it isn't really meant to be the last book. It's meant to be the State of the Aspie Union address for 2007. The message of the book is "We know more about AS than ever before. We know more about what works for Aspie kids than ever before. With a little help, Aspies can get along with society, leverage their talents and interests, and work around their weaknesses."
Book Review: The Asperger's Bible - Truly a Godsend
Summary: 5 Stars
Dr. Attwood is the leading expert on Asperger's Syndrome (AS) which is the spectrum partner to autism. This book is, at the time of this review his most current work. It is a shining gem and one of the standouts in autism/Asperger's (a/A) literature. If you are on the a/A continuum or know somebody who is, this book is your best friend. You will refer to it many times.
What makes this book all the more excellent and distinct is that Dr. Attwood discusses adults on the a/A spectrum as well. Autism in its myriad forms including AS does not clear up once a person hits adulthood. If you have it, it is with you for the long haul. Dr. Attwood's book and words of wisdom help lighten the load.
I have bought several copies of this book and have kept one for myself and gave the others to professionals in dire need of it. This book deserves a place of high honor and no parent; professional; person on the spectrum; anybody involved with a person/people on the spectrum should go without this book.
I was delighted to see a section devoted to intersensory marriage, that is of a neurotypical (NT) person to somebody on the a/A continuum. I would like to see more coverage of this much needed topic as AS presents a wide array of social challenges. Still, it is heartwarming; uplifting and encouraging to see more information devoted to intersensory marriages.
I agree with other reviewers who say Dr. Attwood is the best - I think we should propose a toast and raise our glasses to Dr. Attwood!
Book Review: A singular source on understanding a different kind of mind
Summary: 5 Stars
Tony Attwood's latest is once again a singular source on understanding the minds and hearts of those impacted by this different and fascinating way of being. Based upon current theory, research, clinical experience, and the first person life stories, this book is unequaled in the literature and accessible to many audiences. If your child just got a diagnosis of Asperger's, if anyone in your family has this condition, or if your professional life brings you into contact with children or adults with these unique skills and challenges, this book belongs on your shelf to be read and referred to over and over.
--Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D., psychologist, author of Special Children, Challenged Parents, and co-editor Voices from the Spectrum
Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People With Autism, And Professionals Share Their Wisdom
Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child With a Disability
Living Along the Autism Spectrum: What Does It Mean to have Autism or Asperger Syndrome?
Book Review: "In short...this is a Bible on Asperger's Syndrome"
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome" by Tony Atwood, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London 2007. ISBN 13: 978-1-84110-495-7, HC 397/347. Glossary 3 pgs., Resources. 8 pgs., Ref., 23 pgs., Sub. Index 11 pgs., Auth. Index 5 pgs. 10" x 7".
The author, a prolific writer and practicing clinician having studied some 2,000 cases of Asperger's syndrome, presents a culmination of his experiences and observations in a complete treatise on a no longer rare genetic syndrome in which the neuronal wiring is imperfect. In 15 chapters the author has laid bare the essentials of AS, its diagnosis & prognosis, the vulnerabilities, their special skills, disabilities, sensory disturbances and the treatment options and opportunities for intervention with emphasis on integrating the child to become a productive contributing member of society by acknowledging and nurturing their oft found special abilities both within the family structure, a marriage, learning institution and workplace.
Of the many books I have on Asperger's syndrome, this one excels in so many ways that it is a `must have' for those concerned in the clinical setting of Asperger's syndrome.