'Parents, other family members and professionals have to understand the point of view of people with Asperger's Syndrome in order to work with them effectively. The strength of Tony Attwood's book is that he has made the essential imaginative leap into the Asperger world. He has real empathy with the children and adults he writes about and his sympathy, knowledge and common sense come through on every page. Readers will appreciate the detailed discussions of the problems people with the syndrome will encounter and the practical suggestions for helping to overcome or compensate for them. This is a book to be read and consulted over and over again.'

Tony Attwood's guide will assist parents and professionals with the identification, treatment and care of both children and adults with Asperger's Syndrome. The book provides a description and analysis of the unusual characteristics of the syndrome and practical strategies to reduce those that are most conspicuous or debilitating. Beginning with a chapter on diagnosis, including an assessment test, the book covers all aspects of the syndrome from language to social behaviour and motor clumsiness, concluding with a chapter based on the questions most frequently asked by those who come into contact with individuals with this syndrome. Covering the available literature in full, this guide brings together the most relevant and useful information on Asperger's Syndrome, incorporating case studies from the author's own practical experience as a Clinical Psychologist, with examples of, and numerous quotations from people with Asperger's Syndrome.

Reviews

Tony Attwood's empathy, knowledge and common-sense approach to describing individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, highlighting the problems that they and their, families, teachers and carers often face, and outlining the practical and achievable strategies dfor intervention and education is spot-on. Attwood has achieved the rare feat of describing the current state of scientific knowledge in accessible and understandable language. The book is thus a rich source of information... I'm almost embarrassed to find myself writing such an overwhelmingly positive review, but this book was a delight to read from start to finish. Everyone who works in the field, every parent, and I suspect many individuals with Asperger's Syndrome will want to read this book.
Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry

This is one of the best books for parents and teachers on Asperger's Syndrome. The information in this book is also applicable to individuals who are labeled with high functioning autism. Teenagers and adults who have Asperger's Syndrome will also benefit greatly from reading this book. It is important for the person with either Asperger's or high functioning autism to learn that their ways of thinking are different... Tony Attwood's book would have been a great benefit to me when I was a teenager and young adult. I would have used it as a road map to help guide me through the social and emotional jungle... Another thing I liked about this book is that it emphasizes the positive aspects of Asperger's Syndrome. Some people Asperger's have become scientists and artists. Dr Attwood gives practical advice on how to direct fixations and interests into a career. This book is a 'must buy' for any one who works with individuals with either Asperger's or high functioning autism. It is free of scientific jargon. The teaching methods and information in this book is most applicable to individuals ranged in age from eight to adult.
Temple Grandin

nicely written and extensively referenced book... The author writes beautifully and simply... Its detailed, imaginative and practical advice about how people with Asperger's Syndrome can best be helped...makes a unique contribution to the literature... This book should be widely read by parents, teachers, doctors and everyone else called upon to help people with this... increasingly recognised condition
Young Minds

[the author's] experience of working with thousands of individuals over the years has made his book Asperger's Syndrome one that is destined to find a position high on the 'must read' list for parents...a text both rich in example and straightforward in presentation. Professionals will appreciate it, and parents, particularly those who are often unfamiliar with medical terminology and are flailing in the undertow of diagnosis will find it a welcome lifeline. Each chapter contains illuminating anecdotes, pertinent studies, coping strategies, and end-of-chapter summary of key points. Chapters on social behaviour and language are particularly meaty. While childhood years are emphasized, adults with Asperger Syndrome will also gain from these chapters, and comments and insights from adults are sprinkled throughout the book... the author offers a seasoned viewpoint in a calm, cautiously optimistic manner, often reminding that along with the liabilities of Asperger Syndrome come many strengths. Far from feeling overwhelmed, the reader's reaction to this book is to come away with feelings of empowerment and direction.
the source, Aspen of America

...full of practical ideas... For a family just having received a diagnosis it would make a good first read, as it is fundamentally a very positive book...of value to people with Asperger's Syndrome, parents, health professionals, therapists and teachers... this book is important in that it brings together the scant knowledge of the disorder into one volume, which is easy to read and refer to.
Adoption UK

This book is an excellent analysis of what is generally considered to be a complex and baffling disorder. The style is clear and concise; Attwood clearly knows his subject, and his writing is reinforced with examples taken from his clinical experience and knowledge of current research... This is a vital read for parents and professionals... Attwood explains the disorder, recognises the difficulties which families may face, and offers real, practical strategies for dealing with them.' - Mental Health Care 'This is a concise consideration...which brings together many up to the minute concerns and approaches' - AFASIC News 'This book is not only practical, but a very caring and sensitive consideration of the needs of a group of children and adults with Asperger's Syndrome.
Child Care Forum

...turns theory into practical advice in an inspiring way.
Uta Frith

an interesting, wide-ranging, outline of Asperger's Syndrome... Perhaps the most significant feature is the author's ability to be honest and discuss difficulties while remaining positive. I would happily recommend this text to a parent or professional.
Community Practitioner

An excellent analysis of what is generally considered to be a complex and baffling disorder. Attwood clearly knows what he is talking about and his writing is reinforced with examples from his clinical expereince and knowledge of existing research. The value of this book is that it covers the subject in a format that is meaningful to to parents and professional workers alike. Many research papers and text books highlight the theory of the disorder but the writer of this guide goes a step further in acknowledging the difficulties that families may face and offers practical strategies for dealing with some of the problems that may occur. A vital read for parents and professional workers across all services.
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Contents

Forward
Preface
Diagnosis
Social Behavior
Language
Interests and Routines
Motor Clumsiness
Cognition
Sensory Sensitivity
FAQ’S
Appendix 1 Resource Materials on Emotions and Friendships
Appendix 2 How do you feel Today?
Appendix 3 Diagnostic Criteria
References and Index