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Summary: Important information, but don't get carried away
Review: I was led to this book by an article in Wired about an autism epidemic in Silly Valley. When I took the "test" accompanying the article, I noticed that most of the people I know would show as borderline autistic! I was freaked, until I found:"It seems that for success in science or art, a dash of autism is essential. For success, the necessary ingredient may be an ability to turn away from the everyday world, from the simply practical, an ability to re-think a subject with originality so as to create in new untrodden ways, with all abilities canalised into the one specialty." --Hans Asperger (1979)
Of course, I didn't find that quote until I got this book. Tony Attwood does an outstanding job of gathering information about the range of symptoms and resulting handicaps associated with Asperger's Syndrome. What he doesn't do as well is to present effective interventions or treatments. I think the reasons for this include the relative newness of differentiating Asperger's from other mild autisms, but also the mistaken (IMHO) belief that psychology is a real science, as opposed to a way to isolate everyone with their own special labels. Read this book if you have a real concern that a child you're responsible for may need professional evaluation. Don't however, fall into the trap that mild symptoms are in fact pointers to the disorder -- you'll suspect every kid under 20, and most adults.
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Summary: Great book, very informative
Review: I bought this book for a college paper I did and to learn more about Asperger as my son is symtomatic, yet undiagnosed. Attwood has a great way of explainging this syndrome in terms anyone can understand. Charts are included to see how this is diagnosed and even ways to help a child who is diagnosed with this syndrome. I would recommend this book highly.
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Summary: The basic book on Asperger's
Review: If you could own only one book on Asperger's this is the book. While it is not perfect, it leaves out lots of information on research regarding aggression, language, etc., it covers the basics extremely well while presenting the state of the research honestly. All too many books on this currently hot topic seem to want to sensationalize the issues surrounding Asperger's while Attwood presents his material in a very careful, caring, and honest fashion. I have given several copies of this book to professional educators who had been misinformed by reading other works on Asperger's and they have uniformly praised this book for its clarity and utility.
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Summary: Would like info about adults
Review: Where are the books for adults with this condition? Do people with Asperger's just disappear? I don't think so.
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Summary: An AS Bible
Review: A must-have for any AS parent or educator. If you're not much of a reader - look for Tony Attwood's video of the same title. He covers much of the material (superficially) during a lecture on this tape...
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Summary: Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
Review: All Medical Personel to whom I have shown this book have asked for info on getting one for their offices. It has been a great help in understanding and dealing with this Syndrome. It answered many questions that have been asked by those who deal with my grandson, teachers, nurses, doctors, therapists, and even more important, the parents of his friends. God Bless Tony Attwood.
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Summary: Not just for parents and professionals
Review: While this book is primarily for parents and teachers of children with AS, it belongs on the bookshelf of anyone concerned about AS. What sets this book apart from others is that it not only describes AS, but also provides concrete guidance. The first chapter describes diagnosis. Each of the next six chapters describes a particular impairment associated with AS, with real-life examples, and gives strategies for dealing with that impairment, both in detail and in bullet form at the end of the chapter. After those chapters are a FAQ and various appendices, one of which lists numerous resources. The most touching parts are the numerous first-hand descriptions of AS included in the various chapters, in both prose and poems.
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Summary: Best Yet!
Review: Tony Attwood has a knack for explaining a difficult subject. This book's greatest assest is that it is concise and educational, but not overwhelmingly scientific and boring. The FAQ section towards the end of the book is wonderful! There are answers to common questions, and even questions that one didn't think to ask. There are also three appendices for further information, as well as a large reference section (including a list of informational websites). I purchased this book shortly after my son was diagnosed with AS, and it gave me the information and hope that I so badly needed. It's also a great book to share with family members, teachers, and caregivers so they can better understand your unique situation. Highly recommended!
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Summary: A very enlightening book
Review: When my son was young, no one knew about Asperger's. He was diagnosed ADD, then ADHD with PDD. When he was diagnosed with AS at age 14, this is the first thing I read. It was as if Dr. Attwood had been spying on my son since he was born. This book gives incredible insight into this syndrome and has been of great help to our family and my son's teachers in dealing with his way of viewing life. Thank you!
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Summary: If someone you love has Aspergers, you need this book
Review: Not many books can truly be called "must-have", but if you have a child with Aspergers, teach a child with Aspergers or deal in any way with a child with Aspergers, you NEED this book. I find myself referring so often back to it to help me understand my 5 year old son. I think my favorite part of this book is that it's positive---it doesn't gloss over the tough parts of life with AS, but it leaves you feeling the author truly likes and admires those with AS. I have lend this book to all my son's teachers, my parents and many others. It's amazing how it deals with the big issues, like school, dealing with changes and socialization, and even helped me understand little issues like why my son is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine!
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