Autism Book Recommendations
Asperger Syndrome (2000) by A. Klin, F. Volkmar and S. Sparrow This book was written by a team of experts who specialize in Asperger’s Syndrome research and practice. The book discusses a familiar plight of those with this syndrome, in that they’re “too bright and articulate to qualify easily for supportive services, too impaired to function well without support” (Amazon.com Editorial Review). The information detailed in this book will enable those with Asperger’s to find resources and support systems as well as helping those with the syndrome to live full and satisfying lives.
The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome (2006) by Tony Attwood
Tony Attwood’s Book is written to be a manual for learning to live with Asperger’s Syndrome. The author covers many topics in his book including an explanation of what Asperger’s Syndrome is, how one diagnoses it, social understanding and friendship as related to Asperger’s, understanding and expressing emotions, special interests, language, cognitive abilities, movement and coordination, and sensory sensitivity. Other important topics include life after school, college and career, long term relationships, and psychotherapy. Another helpful section is devoted to frequently asked questions.
Congratulations! It’s Asperger Syndrome (2003) by Jen Birch
Jen Birch was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in adulthood. She discusses the path that lead to her diagnosis in 1999, and her continuing search to live and thrive with Asperger’s. The author hopes that this information will help others learn about Asperger’s, and how one diagnosed with this syndrome can live a fulfilling life.
Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence (2002) by Luke Jackson
Luke Jackson is 13 years old and has Asperger’s Syndrome. He has been called a “freak and a geek” all of his life. Luke has learned to find the humor in these names but finds that there are other aspects of life that are more difficult. Luke finds that adolescence is a maze of emotions, transitions and decisions – a maze that a child with Asperger’s often finds hard to navigate. The author discusses his own experiences and contrasts them with his teenage brother and sister’s experiences. He also covers other topics such as bullying, friendships, when and how to tell others about Asperger’s, school problems, dating and relationships, and morality.
Learning to Live with High Functioning Autism: A Parent’s Guide for Professionals (2000) by Mike Stanton
After his son was diagnosed with autism, Mike Stanton created this book to provide a clear explanation of the autistic spectrum and discuss some of the misunderstandings about the different types of autism. Mr. Stanton details his and other family’s experiences of living with an autistic child to give a clear picture of what daily life is like. This book aims to support families with autistic children, as well as provide information and advice for professionals working with autistic children and their families.
MindReading: The Interactive Guide to Emotions (2004) by Simon Baron Cohen
This book/software provides a way to teach students with high-functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome better emotional recognition. The interactive software program features actors that act out various emotions (over 400). The program helps the student to focus on the movement of the faces as the actors act out an emotion as well as voice intonation and messages to match the emotion.
The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome (2005) by Patricia Romanowski Bashe and Barbara L. Kirby
The authors strive to explain current knowledge about Asperger’s Syndrome from the perspective of both doctors and families. Bashe and Kirby use parent-friendly language to present information on how parents can gain access to information, support, and treatment for their child with Asperger’s. The authors also offer suggestions for parents on helping their child navigate various social and emotional aspects of their lives, including issues at school and at home.
Teaching Children with Autism to Mind-Read: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Parents (1998) by Simon Baron Cohen
Many difficulties experienced by children with autism and Asperger’s Syndrome are related to understanding the thoughts, beliefs, and intentions of others (also known as “theory of mind”). This book discusses the “theory of mind” difficulties that autistic children possess. The authors also examine ways to remediate difficulties in “theory of mind” including: how to interpret facial expressions; how to recognize feelings of anger, sadness, fear and happiness; how feelings are affected by what happens and what is expected to happen; how to see things from another person’s perspective; and how to understand another person’s knowledge and beliefs.
Social Competence Intervention Program by Laura A. Guli , Alison D. Wilkinson and Margaret Semrud-Clikeman
SCIP is a drama-based intervention for youth ages 8-14 on the autism spectrum. It is designed to help students accurately perceive and respond to nonverbal aspects of social interactions, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.
Program sessions are divided into three parts: input, integration, and output.
Input: the basic perception of social cues.
Integration: how to put social cues together.
Output: how to respond appropriately to others.
Students are asked to participate in process dramas and take on roles that explore various outcomes. During role plays, students learn to divide complex social interactions into sequential parts, discuss the emotions involved, and act out a variety of possible responses. They also learn practical skills for dealing with teasing and understanding complex social cues.