In this volume several of the major experts in the field discuss the diagnostic criteria of Asperger syndrome.

"In this book Simon Baron-Cohen summarizes the current understanding of autism and Asperger Syndrome. He explains the process of diagnosis, as well as the options for education and intervention for those with these conditions. Taking a lifespan approach, Professor Baron-Cohen considers how the conditions affect very young children through to adulthood. He also outlines his new Empathizing-Systemizing (ES) theory, which aims to explain all of the psychological features of autistic-spectrum conditions." "This book is designed firstly for people with these conditions and their families. It will be useful to clinicians, teachers, and other professionals involved in the care and support of people on the autistic-spectrum. The book will also provide an introduction to the topic for students in the social and biological sciences."--BOOK JACKET.

Providing a theoretical foundation for understanding communication and language impairments specific to autism, Olga Bogdashina explores the effects of different perceptual and cognitive styles on the communication and language development of autistic children. She stresses the importance of identifying each autistic individual's nonverbal language - which can be visual, tactile, kinaesthetic, auditory, olfactory or gustatory - with a view to establish a shared means of verbal communication. She offers an explanation of why certain approaches, for example PECS, might work with some autistic children but not others. Offering real insights, the `What They Say' sections enable the reader to see through the eyes of autistic individuals and to understand their language differences first hand. `What We Can Do to Help' sections throughout the book give practical recommendations on what to do in order to help autistic individuals use their natural mechanisms to learn and develop social and communicative skills. The final chapters are devoted to assessment and intervention issues with practical recommendations for selecting appropriate methods and techniques to enhance communication, based on the specific mode of communication a person uses.

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.

Some of the world's most celebrated authors indicate signs of autism and AS. Through analysis of biographies, autobiographies, letters and diaries, Professor Julie Brown identifies literary talents who display characteristics of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and uncovers the similarities in their writing that suggest atypical, autistic brains.

The precise relationship between high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome is still a subject of debate. This volume provides a general overview of the disorder and present diverse opinions on diagnosis and assessment, neuropsychological issues, treatment, and related conditions. A special section features personal essays by individuals diagnosed with autism or Asperger Syndrome. The result is a comprehensive and useful survey of the current state of the field that will be of great interest to clinicians, teachers, researchers, and parents.

Autism, including Asperger syndrome, is a strongly heritable condition that can usually be diagnosed in children by the age of two or three years. Although autism is more common in the less intellectually able child, in the more able child the condition is often overlooked until adulthood. Epidemiological research has shown that most adults in the general population meeting the criteria for autism are unrecognized and undiagnosed. There is a growing pressure on psychiatrists to be able to recognize autism and to consider its effects on their adult patients, particularly when they are also showing signs of another mental disorder, such as psychosis, personality disorder, or chronic depression. The Psychiatry of Adult Autism and Asperger Syndrome: A practical guide introduces adult psychiatrists, including sub-specialist psychiatrists, to autism and Asperger syndrome. It covers recognition and diagnosis and the psychiatrist's role in treating patients with co-morbid mental disorder whilst taking account of the autism component. It explores the process of sign-posting patients with autism to appropriate care and support as family involvement diminishes or ceases. While there are a number of books written on how to cope with autism as an adult, The Psychiatry of Adult Autism and Asperger Syndrome: A practical guide is aimed at the practising adult psychiatrist. The book describes normal and pathological functioning and then guides the reader through assessment and post diagnostic intervention issues. The use of fictionalized clinical examples helps to illustrate autism and its presentation in adulthood, and illustrate the issues psychiatrists often raise in training workshops.

Autism and Asperger Syndrome reviews what is known about adults with autism in terms of their social functioning, educational and occupational status. Focusing mainly on the problems experienced by high functioning people with autism - and those working with and caring for them - the book offers practical ways of dealing with their difficulties. Each chapter makes use of clinical case material to illustrate the kinds of problems faced and ways in which they may be overcome. First-hand accounts from people with autism are included and links with psychiatric illness in later life are explored. This updated edition is helpful to both professionals and families with autistic children and has been completely updated to take account of the latest research in the field. It also includes an additional chapter on the differences between autism and Asperger syndrome.

This is an excellent travelers' guide because it is written by people who have been there. The stories are enthralling and the authors' experiences enable us to understand the culture and perspective of people with autistic spectrum disorder. This book is recommended for anyone who has embarked on a journey to explore a part of our world that we have only recently discovered.' - from the foreword by Tony Attwood 'I had a great many of my hunches and hopes confirmed when I read the words of the generous parents, and their even more generous children, who contributed to this book ... Most important, I learned it is possible to be inspired to see the glass as half full, no matter how many leaks there seem to be in the cup ... I believe the community who reads this book will join me in thanking those who wrote it, for their courage, their wit and their plethora of ideas.' - from the foreword by Liane Holliday Willey For the families who have contributed to this book, living with autism spectrum disorders has been a journey of self-discovery. With honesty and humor, they describe the ways autism has affected their daily lives, the challenges they have faced and the approaches they have found beneficial. They share their practical and original strategies for dealing with issues such as helping children to develop empathy and humor, developing and maintaining friendships and explaining their autism spectrum disorders to other people. This book will be a source of advice and inspiration for families of children with autism and the professionals who work with them. It is practical, realistic and positive - autism is seen as something to be understood and celebrated. As 11-year-old Glen states in the Appendix, written by some of the children with autism featured in the book: 'I like myself and consider my difference something positive.' Linda Andron is a licensed clinical social worker, Adjunct Lecturer in Psychiatry and Bio-Behavioural Sciences and Clinical Instructor at the University of California at Los Angeles. She is the director of the UCLA Family Support Community Program and the clinical director of the Center for Asperger's Assessment and Intervention at the HELP Group. She has worked with over 500 families of children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome and is a member of the Professional Advisory Board of the Autism Society of Los Angeles. She has written many articles and chapters on developmental disabilities.

'Luke has years of valuable experience, and is always thinking and learning about autism' - Professor Nicola Martin Have you recently been diagnosed as autistic? Do you suspect you might be autistic? If you've recently been diagnosed as autistic, think you may be or are close to someone who is, one of the things you will like most about this book is the way in which it challenges the idea of autism as a 'disorder' or 'impairment'. Instead, Dr Luke Beardon will help you to reframe what you feel, and challenge what you know, about being on the spectrum. He explains how autism impacts on the individual, and what purpose a diagnosis might - or might not - serve. There is a lot of myth-busting, and dismantling of the stereotypes and clichés around ASD and areas like communication, social interaction and relationships. Practical tips for undiagnosed adults will help you navigate things like school, work, study, parenthood and even to understand what happens when autistic people break the law. Above all, this book is a celebration of what it means to be autistic - of the passion, honesty, humour, lack of ego, loyalty and trustworthiness that make you, or your loved one, such an amazing person.