Asperger Syndrome

The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder): A Guide to Living in an Intimate Relationship With a Partner Who Is on the Autism Spectrum Second Edition

by Maxine Aston  · 21 Feb 2014  · 126pp  · 35,044 words

. Aston’s upbeat tone and many insights give clarity to the unique issues facing couples as they improve their relationships.’ – Ashley Stanford, author of Asperger Syndrome and Long-Term Relationships and Troubleshooting Relationships on the Autism Spectrum ‘I highly recommend this rare treasure! Couldn’t put it down! Through numerous examples

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Friends, Present and Past 6Trying to Communicate 7Seeking a Diagnosis 8After the Diagnosis, What Next? 9Initial Attraction 10Getting Help Part II 11Living and Coping with Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) 12Improving Communication 13Getting the Message Across 14Anger 15Sex 16Parenting 17Money Matters 18Special Interests 19Routines 20Socialising Solutions 21Empathy and Reciprocity 22Asperger Syndrome (Autism

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on this research and my work as a couples counsellor. Since 1998 I have specialised in counselling individuals, couples and families who are affected by Asperger syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and have worked with hundreds of clients. The one thing that has stayed consistent is the importance of acceptance, support and

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abnormality of personality and implies sociopathic behaviour, a very different disorder from what we now think of as Asperger syndrome. What is the autistic spectrum? Asperger syndrome is an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The autistic spectrum encompasses Asperger syndrome and autism, both of which may vary from severe to mild, or ‘high-functioning’. Autism Spectrum Disorders

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to individuals who come under this bracket as simply having an ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’. Under the new diagnostic criteria those who were previously diagnosed with Asperger syndrome might fall under Autism Spectrum Disorder – Level 1. What is Wing’s triad of social and language impairments? The three main criteria that people

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to very monotonous, fixed and seemingly dull thought patterns and behaviour. However, to date, there is no specific universal agreement about the diagnostic criteria. Is Asperger syndrome hereditary? Hans Asperger, as we saw above, noticed that, among the children he diagnosed back in the 1940s, parents and their children had traits

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doubts that you may have if you are in this situation. There are various reasons that might lead you to wonder if your partner has Asperger syndrome. Asperger syndrome is being mentioned more and more in the media and so knowing about it may lead you to think that your partner could have the

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. It can give many mixed and ambiguous messages that may lead to a lot of confused emotions for partners living with them. A person with Asperger syndrome may be an expert in a particular, often obscure, field – Edwardian architecture, computers, feminism, aircraft, automobiles, theology, music or something perhaps more bizarre such

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have tried taking on different personas to try and fit in with peer groups. The problems with forming friendships go right back to childhood. Asperger syndrome is for life Asperger syndrome is present from birth – it is not something that develops in later life and it will not go away. It is not the

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feel about a particular issue. 6 TRYING TO COMMUNICATE Taking things literally Problems with literal and double meanings can cause many misunderstandings for those with Asperger syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder), many of whom complain that they wish people would just say what they mean. In a couple where one partner has

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the literal meanings in communication, non-verbal communication between partners may also cause problems. Giving non-verbal messages It can be difficult for those with Asperger syndrome to get facial expressions right, and knowing when to smile can be one problem. You may be telling your partner something quite serious and

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inappropriate moment. This lack of coordination with others’ facial expressions can also show itself in body language. Body language and personal space Some with Asperger syndrome do not have the natural ability to learn the unwritten rules regarding personal space that others take for granted. They will sometimes stand where they

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the appointment together as the more information that can be provided the better, especially any details about the developmental history of the person with suspected Asperger syndrome. These last details are very important to help form an accurate diagnosis, and questions will be asked about childhood, parents and siblings, any problems

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feel about the diagnosis and not to make any assumptions for each other. 8 AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS, WHAT NEXT? Acceptance After receiving a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder), give yourselves time to accept it. Although for some it may seem unfair or a hopeless situation on discovering for certain

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in the neurological wiring of the brain. Use the example of dyslexia as a comparison, explaining that rather than affecting reading, writing and spelling, Asperger syndrome causes difficulty in other specific areas, such as social interaction and communication, verbal and non-verbal, empathetic thought and possibly obsessive tendencies and a need

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So almost instantly there can be a ‘fit’ between the two halves of a couple of this type. The feminine side of men with Asperger syndrome Boys with Asperger syndrome are sometimes teased at school because they adopt a somewhat feminine approach, and are less likely to conform to social stereotypes of masculine and

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engineering, science, mathematics or computing. The ability to work with objects rather than people could be described as a characteristic trait of Asperger syndrome. Simon Baron-Cohen described individuals with Asperger syndrome as being highly capable in the area of ‘folk physics’, which is understanding objects, and quite poor in the area of ‘

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sometimes the couples arranged to go for counselling themselves. This is an avenue many couples find themselves travelling down when one of the partners has Asperger syndrome. 10 GETTING HELP Couples counselling Receiving couples counselling when relationships have run into problems can, in many cases, help revive them. Indeed, the problems

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More and more counsellors and therapists are coming to realise the importance of being able to offer appropriate and beneficial support to couples affected by Asperger syndrome. Training workshops are now available and articles have been written. I cannot express the importance of a counsellor being able to recognise the possibility

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someone’s personality. It may be that their lives are not full of obsessive interests or rigid routines because not all higher-functioning adults with Asperger syndrome have obvious obsessive tendencies. You may not find major problems around socialising in your relationship, but trying to get your views across could prove

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wires take, it is almost guaranteed that there will be problems with verbal and non-verbal communication between partners in a couple when one has Asperger syndrome. Good communication is vital Good quality communication between both partners is very important. Too many misunderstandings in a relationship can cause it to begin

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body language and facial expression can help smooth out two-way interactions, and if they do not run smoothly, confusion is inevitable. Many people with Asperger syndrome, whether male or female, show an impairment in non-verbal communication skills and often have difficulties with the ‘pragmatics of speech’. Non-verbal communication refers

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, they will remember the negative things to the exclusion of anything else, and perceive them to be a personal verbal attack. Disclosure Children with Asperger syndrome sometimes have difficulty revealing what is bothering them. They may have tremendous problems at school and many have a history of severe bullying. This is

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understandably a time that leaves them feeling very lonely. 15 SEX Loneliness in the bedroom Some women and men living with a partner who has Asperger syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) reported a complete lack of sexual intimacy in their relationship. In some cases, sexual intercourse had only occurred once or twice

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important to be aware that this is often not a reflection of a lack of love for you, but is more likely part of Asperger syndrome. Those with Asperger syndrome may not always require close physical or sexual contact with another person and would rather masturbate or abstain from sex totally. For some adults

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Sometimes the reason for sexual problems could be easily rectified if the couple could discuss their differences in clearer detail; more importantly, the adult without Asperger syndrome should not make any assumptions about their partner’s behaviour. Things that might seem quite trivial to others may prove to be of great importance

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remorse then it is unlikely that their partner will be able to forgive or learn to trust them again. 16 PARENTING When the parent with Asperger syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is female In her interview with Professor Tony Attwood, Liane Holliday Willey discussed her difficulties understanding her non-Asperger children. Holliday

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This area has not been studied sufficiently, however, and certainly, financial problems may occur in any relationship, whether one of the partners has Asperger syndrome or not. The difference Asperger syndrome makes in a relationship is that it introduces an extra level of difficulty when trying to discuss financial problems. It may be hard

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person’s field of work, perhaps in engineering or computers. Simon Baron-Cohen found that, statistically, engineering occupations featured more predominantly in families in which Asperger syndrome was present (Baron-Cohen et al. 1997). Some of the special interests reported were a little unusual, even quite bizarre. One woman said that

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SOLUTIONS Social problems Many women told me about problems that had occurred in social situations that at times made life very difficult. Sometimes people with Asperger syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) will do anything to avoid such events. Having problems with knowing how to interact socially with others is one of the

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and misunderstandings for all those involved. Literal interpretation Taking things literally and not understanding jokes and sarcasm can make socialising a nightmare for someone with Asperger syndrome. The women I contacted in the course of my original research gave accounts of some very awkward situations that arose because of their partner’

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knowing that there are some types of behaviour that are totally unacceptable and inappropriate, and top of the list is domestic violence. Domestic violence Having Asperger syndrome is not an excuse to be physically violent or aggressive towards you or your children, and should not be tolerated in any circumstances, regardless

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what is causing the difficulties and an incentive to try to change things, the relationship can still improve. 23 STAYING TOGETHER The positive sides of Asperger syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Many of the men and women I have encountered attribute all the positive qualities their partner displays to their own individual

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Half (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/AspergersAndOtherHalf/info) is for partners/spouses (females only) of individuals suspected to have, or officially diagnosed with, Asperger syndrome, to connect with other women facing similar situations who understand the realities of relationships with a partner on the spectrum. It is a safe place

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for women to talk about their experiences without facing disbelief, finding people who are familiar with their experiences and who offer empathy and support. Asperger Syndrome Partners and Individuals Resources, Encouragement and Support (ASPIRES) (www.aspires-relationships.com), an online resource for spouses and family members of adults diagnosed or

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Southern Derbyshire (http://relatederby.org.uk) enables people to talk directly to a counsellor and to discuss, in confidence, any relationship issues they have regarding Asperger syndrome. All calls to the Derby Relate Line are charged at the standard national rate. Address: 62 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DJ; Tel: 01332 349177

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), a Danish neurotypical site with some articles in English. Professor Tony Attwood (www.tonyattwood.com), a well respected author and expert on the subject of Asperger syndrome, especially as it relates to personal relationships and family dynamics. REFERENCES APA (American Psychiatric Association) (1994) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th

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Washington, DC: APA. Asperger, H. (1944) ‘Die “Autistischen Psychopath”.’ Kindesalter, Archiv für psychiatrie und nervenkrankheiten 117, 76–136. Reprinted in U. Frith (1991) Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Attwood, T. (1998) Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Bailey, A., Le Couteur, A

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cause Autism: a combination of approaches will be needed to maximize power.’ Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 28, 5, 439–445. Gillberg, C. (1989) ‘Asperger syndrome in 23 Swedish children.’ Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 31, 520–531. Golan, O., Baron-Cohen, S. and Hill. J. (2006) ‘The Cambridge Mindreading

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(CAM) Face-Voice Battery: testing complex emotion recognition in adults with and without Asperger syndrome.’ Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders 36, 2, February, 169–183. Holliday Willey, L. (1999) Pretending to be Normal. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Holliday Willey, L

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, T. (2000) Asperger’s Syndrome – Crossing the Bridge. Michael Thompson Productions [video]. Kadesjö, B., Gillberg, C. and Hagberg, B. (1999) ‘Brief report: autism and Asperger syndrome in seven-year-old children: a total population study.’ Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 29, 4, 327–331. Montagne, B., Kessels, R.P., Frigerio

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(1996) The Autistic Spectrum: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. London: Constable. Articles available on my website (www.maxineaston.co.uk) Aston, M.C. (2003) ‘Asperger syndrome in the counselling room.’ Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal 14, 5. Aston, M.C. (2005) ‘Growing up in an Asperger family.’ Counselling Children and Young People

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M.C. (2007) ‘Recognising AS and its implications for therapy.’ BACP Information Sheet G9. Lutterworth: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Aston. M.C. (2012) ‘Asperger syndrome in the bedroom.’ Sexual and Relationship Therapy: International Perspectives on Theory, Research and Practice 27, 1, 73–79. Simons H.F. and Thompson, J.R

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Available at www.maxineaston.co.uk/research/Affective%20Deprivation.pdf, accessed on 12 September 2013. INDEX acceptance of diagnosis 41–2 adolescents with Asperger syndrome 33–4 and parents with Asperger syndrome 95–6 American Psychiatric Association (APA) 18 anger arguments 119–20 avoidance of 79, 83 and depression 80 displaced 120–1 and

Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope?

by Matthew Tinsley and Sarah Hendrickx  · 31 May 2008  · 147pp  · 6,471 words

Autism Spectrum Marc Fleisher ISBN 978 1 84310 261 8 Asperger Syndrome and Employment Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon ISBN 978 1 84310 648 7 Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome series Asperger Syndrome and Social Relationships Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon ISBN 978

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1 84310 647 0 Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome series ASPERGER SYNDROME and ALCOHOL DRINKING TO COPE? Matthew Tinsley and Sarah Hendrickx Foreword by

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to a copyright work may result in both a civil claim for damages and criminal prosecution. Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Tinsley, Matthew. Asperger syndrome and alcohol drinking to cope? / Matthew Tinsley and Sarah Hendrickx ; foreword by Temple Grandin. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index. ISBN 978-1

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Athenaeum Press, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Foreword 7 Introduction 9 Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol – Why Should There Be a Link? 15 Childhood and Adolescence – Where Does It Start? 35 The Adult Social World – Friendship, Relationships and Other

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AS community a huge service and will hopefully help others to avoid the same problems. Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures INTRODUCTION Alcohol and Asperger Syndrome: a dangerous combination or a successful coping strategy? For those who experience difficulty in interacting, socializing or simply being in the presence of other people

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late diagnosed adult with an Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC): Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), also known as Atypical Asperger Syndrome, or Atypical Autism, to be 9 10 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL precise. Matt went through life until the age of 43 as a constantly anxious man who managed his feelings of

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occasion we have used the term ‘ASC’ (Autistic Spectrum Condition) as a catch-all for those with all autistic conditions 12 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL including Kanner’s/Classic Autism, Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, Semantic Pragmatic Disorder and any condition which affects individuals in a similar manner. While this term is

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with AS. Primary alcoholism is described as being where the alcoholism is the basic condition requiring treatment, regardless of the cause. Secondary alcoholism is 20 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL where the alcoholism is a symptom of another condition. This is also described as reactive alcoholism. This may apply to some with AS

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other people and their expectations that are often the biggest problem. To someone with AS, people are often confusing, contradictory, unpredictable and irrational. Unfortunately, com- ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL – WHY SHOULD THERE BE A LINK? / 21 municating and dealing with people is an unavoidable facet of life for most of us. Similarly

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silence and backing out of social commitments (in a panicky all-or-nothing way) without consultation or consideration for others. (Male with Asperger Syndrome) Avoid the situation. (Male with Asperger Syndrome) Those, like Matt, who have relied upon alcohol as a means of coping with everyday life have been allowed access to the social

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it harder for them to moderate their drinking in some cases, as they find it difficult to do anything in degrees. One man with Asperger Syndrome describes this: ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL – WHY SHOULD THERE BE A LINK? / 23 I find a small amount of alcohol stimulating and beneficial… I have difficulty, presumably because

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alcoholic drinking continues, the initial benefits are left behind and I become a drunken pain in the arse who still wishes more alcohol. (Male with Asperger Syndrome) AS is characterized diagnostically by significant differences or deficits in social interaction, communication and language, and flexibility of thought and behaviour. Environmental sensitivity, although not

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condition beneath the umbrella terms of the diagnostic criteria. Poor interaction with people, leading to social isolation, depression, lethargy and lack of ambition. (Male with Asperger Syndrome) Life-long difficulty making sense of what people get up to in their everyday lives and careers. Solitary habits…persistent and obsessive involvement in my

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tend to be my own person, but have problems of stress and anxiety fairly frequently. (Male with Asperger Syndrome) 24 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL Ultimately, breakdown of my marriage and abandonment of my professional life. (Male with Asperger Syndrome) Further examples of the ways in which a person with AS may exhibit differences or deficits in

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, sub-text and non-literal meanings of spoken language. • A tendency to need very precise instructions and a preference to not be overloaded with information. ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL – WHY SHOULD THERE BE A LINK? / 25 • A failure at times to communicate accurately, resulting in misunderstanding, stress and exclusion. People with AS

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anxiety, stress and depression in those who experience them; but what about further evidence of a connection? Tony Attwood, a leading authority on Asperger Syndrome, sees those with Asperger Syndrome managing anxiety as an everyday part of their lives, with some of them going on to develop anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder. He

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suggests that current research shows that around 65 per cent of adolescents with Asperger Syndrome have a secondary mood or affective disorder (such as depression or anxiety) (Attwood 2006). Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder, would be expected to be

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relatively common for those with Asperger Syndrome, especially in the teenage and adult years when they are more acutely aware of their confusion in social situations, of making social mistakes, and possibly

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. He suggests that this implies that the symptoms of social anxiety must thus already be symptoms of these developmental disorders. Both those with AS and ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL – WHY SHOULD THERE BE A LINK? / 29 those with social anxiety disorder will avoid social situations for fear of humiliation and/or embarrassment

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due to a need to have physical security • avoidance of contact with people in any context for fear of social failure, inadequacy or rejection. 30 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL Alcohol and cognitive processing There are a number of studies on issues around cognitive processing in alcoholics, some of which are outlined below

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examining theory of mind, humour processing and executive functioning – all areas which affect those with AS – in alcoholics found similar results (Uekermann et al. 2007). ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL – WHY SHOULD THERE BE A LINK? / 31 The findings indicate that the alcoholic participants showed humour processing deficits which were related to theory

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around 10 per cent (Thomas, Randall and Carrigan 2003). Thus, those with social anxiety are twice as likely to become alcoholics as the general population. Asperger Syndrome and alcohol – the link The idea that alcohol reduces anxiety has been around since the 1950s, when Conger proposed ‘tension reduction theory’ (1956). Since then

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with AS to addiction (van Wijngaarden-Cremers and van der Gaag 2006). • ‘Alcohol is an effective tranquillizer, particularly for someone who finds social groups uncomfortable. Asperger syndrome can add a compulsive quality to social drinking and encourage isolated drinking ungoverned by normal social conventions’ (Berney 2004, p.346). • AS is known to

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as a means of managing the anxiety associated with social situations, and many individuals report that they drink in order to feel more confident socially. ° Asperger Syndrome is characterized by a difficulty in social interaction and also by high levels of anxiety in many individuals. There are estimated to be significant numbers

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of individuals with Asperger Syndrome who also experience social anxiety disorder. ° Several studies have indicated that those with social anxiety disorders have an above average chance of developing alcoholism. CHAPTER

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2 CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE – WHERE DOES IT START? Childhood For a child with Asperger Syndrome, the world is a very confusing and frightening place to be. These children often need consistent routines in order to feel safe and relaxed and

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commonplace amongst children and adults with AS. Tony Attwood (2006) quotes a figure of around 90 per cent of those with Asperger Syndrome experiencing bullying throughout their lives: a 35 36 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL shockingly high figure, which demonstrates the ease with which other people, even children, can easily spot the difference in

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alcohol to drink at home was one which didn’t gain much currency with me until I started working after leaving college. 44 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL Key Points ° Characteristics of Asperger Syndrome are evident from early childhood and may include anxious or worrying behaviour. ° Teenage years are often the time when those with

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gaucheness (physical, spoken, appearance) isn’t so pervasive to the eye (mind) of the recipient. This reduces the chances of being dismissed immediately. (Male with Asperger Syndrome) Many of those who do attempt relationships find the demands and expectations placed upon them by their partner difficult to deal with. They may wish

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. Attraction and selection of partners There is some evidence (Hendrickx 2008) that the selection criteria of a potential partner are slightly different for those with Asperger Syndrome than for the general population. Amongst those questioned for research, one of the most popular responses was that the level of interest shown in the

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personal relationship that may cause anxiety for a person with AS, which may lead to increased alcohol consumption. CHAPTER 4 EMPLOYMENT – DRINKING AND THE WORKPLACE Asperger Syndrome and the workplace As a group, those with AS are typically hugely under-employed. A survey by the National Autistic Society (Barnard et al. 2001

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stress and problems. Some potential issues that may arise for someone with AS through the entire process of job seeking are as follows: 63 64 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL Selecting and applying for work • A possibly unrealistic assessment of own abilities: a tendency to either over- or under-estimate strengths and areas

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instructions: may struggle to understand full extent of what is said • incomplete or brief instructions where ‘gaps’ are to be filled by the person 66 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL • decision-making, due to an inability to see the consequences of unknown courses of action • eating or drinking with others, and may have

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. • Increasing and excessive consumption of alcohol. • Genuine physical difficulty in coping without alcohol for any length of time – experiences nausea, sweats and shakes. 75 76 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL • Responsibilities and activities being forgotten or neglected as a result of drinking alcohol. • Financial difficulties – debts arise as a result of spending large

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is high in calories and sugar. High blood pressure, which may lead to strokes. Hepatitis (liver inflammation). Sexual problems: alcohol increases impotency and infertility. 78 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL The remainder of this chapter goes to Matt to relate his chilling and emotive account of hitting absolute rock bottom with his alcoholism

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one shared by increasing numbers of adults. The work of Hans Asperger was not translated into English until relatively recently. Classic Autism, which typically 98 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL includes a learning disability, was identified by Leo Kanner, an American, working in the 1940s – the same time as Asperger. Because English was

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, these may include: • access to services – housing, social care, etc. – where these exist • access to welfare benefits on the grounds of disability or incapacity 100 / ASPERGER SYNDROME AND ALCOHOL • being taken seriously by family, friends and professionals • having one’s own suspicions ‘officially’ verified. The decision to seek a diagnosis is a

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the root causes of substance misuse, led me to investigate the connection between alcoholism/substance misuse and the intense anxiety often suffered by people with Asperger Syndrome. I knew I had originally used alcohol as a readily available tranquillizer in situations of great apprehension: not just difficult social situations either, but any

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seemed so unimportant and stupid to me; now I understand why I felt this way). Support and strategies for professionals Specialist support for adults with Asperger Syndrome and other so-called ‘high-functioning’ Autistic Spectrum Conditions is varied and intermittent, with some areas having better coverage than others. In general, it can

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., Prior, A. and Potter, D. (2001) Ignored or Ineligible? The Reality for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. London: The National Autistic Society. Berney, T. (2004) ‘Asperger Syndrome from childhood into adulthood.’ Advances in Psychiatric Treatment 10, 341–351. Conger, J.J. (1956) ‘Reinforcement theory and the dynamics of alcoholism.’ Quarterly Journal of

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of Anxiety Disorders 3, 1, 15–23. Slater-Walker, G. and Slater-Walker, C. (2003) An Asperger Marriage. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Stanford, A. (2003) Asperger Syndrome and Long-Term Relationships. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. The Information Centre (2007) Statistics on Alcohol: England 2007. London: The Information Centre. Thomas, S.E., Randall

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, Matt and another colleague deliver training courses and presentations for organizations – universities, employers and service providers – and support for individuals, families and partners affected by Asperger Syndrome and autism. National Autistic Society: www.nas.org.uk UK charity supporting those with autism. Tony Attwood: www.tonyattwood.com.au Considered to be the

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world authority on Asperger Syndrome and also a very nice man. Based in Australia, but gives presentations worldwide. Alcohol information Addaction: www.addaction.org.uk Alcohol Concern: www.alcoholconcern.org

Asperger Syndrome: A Love Story

by Sarah Hendrickx and Keith Newton  · 14 Jun 2007

Love Story Sarah Hendrickx and Keith Newton Foreword by Tony Attwood ISBN 978 1 84310 540 4 Asperger Syndrome and Employment What People with Asperger Syndrome Really Really Want Sarah Hendrickx ISBN 978 1 84310 677 7 of related interest The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome Tony Attwood ISBN 978

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and Christopher Slater-Walker Foreword by Tony Attword ISBN 978 1 84310 017 1 Asperger Syndrome and Long-Term Relationships Ashley Stanford Foreword by Liane Holliday Willey ISBN 978 1 84310 734 7 Asperger Syndrome and Employment Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon ISBN 978 1 84310 648 7

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Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome series Love, Sex and Long-Term Relationships What People with Asperger Syndrome Really Really Want Sarah Hendrickx Foreword by Stephen

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civil claim for damages and criminal prosecution. Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Hendrickx, Sarah. Love, sex and long-term relationships : what people with asperger syndrome really really want / Sarah Hendrickx ; foreword by Stephen Shore. p. cm. ISBN 978-1-84310-605-0 (pb : alk. paper) 1. Asperger’s syndrome—Patients

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31 4. Sensory Perception and Solitude 53 5. Me? Us? No One? – Options and Choices for Sexual Pleasure 67 6. Statistics of Sex 83 7. Asperger Syndrome Between the Sheets 93 8. Gender Identity and Sexuality 107 9. Infidelity and Inappropriate Behaviour 117 10. Great Sex! 127 11. Conclusion 137 REFERENCES 141

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shrouded in secrecy and shame, sexuality and intimate relationships can be a difficult topic to just talk about, never mind to research. For people with Asperger Syndrome these challenges are magnified still further due to myths and misconceptions of how we relate to others. However, Sarah Hendrickx has masterfully taken the vastly

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under-researched area of Asperger Syndrome and sexuality. By directly interviewing people on the autistic spectrum and non-spectrum partners, Sarah has smashed the old theories of sexuality in areas such

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desire, masturbation, quantity, emotions (or lack of same), and brought understanding of intimate relations of people with Asperger Syndrome to new heights. Sarah’s research indicates that although there are differences between those with Asperger Syndrome and the rest of the population, many things remain the same. For example, for those able to do

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relationshipsaving tips helping to promote greater understanding. Whether it is seeking out others, socialising or maintaining harmony in a relationship we find that people with Asperger Syndrome run the gauntlet of emotions, desires and preferences just like everyone else – perhaps just more so. Thank you Sarah for opening a doorway into a

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Asperger’s Association of New England author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome co-author of Understanding Autism for Dummies 1 Introduction This book seeks to explore the experiences of adults with Asperger Syndrome (AS) within the realms of sex, gender and relationships. Primarily, this work is for those

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of AS and does not go into the diagnostic criteria in detail. There are many websites and resources which do this. The Complete Guide to Asperger Syndrome by Tony Attwood (2006) is the most comprehensive of these to date. I write as a freelance trainer and worker with adults with AS and

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also as a partner of a man with AS. My partner and I have discussed our own relationship in our previous book, Asperger Syndrome – A Love Story (Hendrickx and Newton 2007). I do not presume to know how those with AS feel and experience the world because I do

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non-AS insights along with the comments of those questioned. For further information on training, support and consultancy services for individuals and couples affected by Asperger Syndrome and autism, please visit www.asperger-training.com. I am very grateful to all those who willingly agreed to answer personal questions and took the

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, communication, adapting to change and comprehending the needs of others, all aspects of finding, establishing and maintaining a relationship are potentially problematic for individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS). When we also consider other possible differences in motor skills and sensory experiences, the likelihood of confusion and difficulty increases. Despite all these obstacles

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without this attachment is discussed in a later chapter. Understanding and responding to the emotional requirements of a partner can be problematic for someone with Asperger Syndrome (AS), because they may simply have no clue as to what these needs are and how to meet them. ‘Intimacy can be a vague concept

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Perception and Solitude Although not part of the diagnostic criteria, it is a widely held belief, validated by numerous personal accounts, that many individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and autism experience differences in sensory perception. Some anecdotal reports suggest that all those with AS are affected in some way. The results of

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then only in private. Some people find pornography degrading to women and distasteful to look at. Their views need to be respected. For those with Asperger Syndrome (AS), who may have had little contact with sexual partners and limited social experiences, there may be the added issue that the behaviour and events

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a person have? As with any group, the answer is not conclusive and nor does it seek to be: the ages at which those with Asperger Syndrome (AS) lose their virginity, and the frequency and head count of partners, all vary and depend on the circumstances of each individual. Some people report

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the numbers of partners are more typical of NT females than of AS males (75% having 5 or more partners). 7 Asperger Syndrome Between the Sheets What do couples with Asperger Syndrome (AS) get up to in the bedroom? Those who responded to the questionnaires were surprisingly open and willing to reveal their pleasures

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be different. (AS male) He (AS) prefers a set routine, a planned night, and the exact same quick sex in the same position. (NT female) Asperger Syndrome Between the Sheets / 95 Partner as experiment/plaything Several people commented on their partner’s almost clinical, exploratory fascination with their bodies; some enjoyed this

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that others have different thoughts, feelings and preferences from the person with AS – a less developed sense of empathy, which is said to accompany AS: Asperger Syndrome Between the Sheets / 97 It seems to offend him (AS) if I gently move his hand to where it is good for me. We don

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consider my sexual relationship with (him) to be a good one, because he was willing to read if he did not know something. (NT female) Asperger Syndrome Between the Sheets / 99 How much? How often? Research has shown that 45–50 per cent (Aston 2003; Jacobs 2006) of couples, where one or

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. Many women felt unhappy about the little or no sex that their AS partners required, or alternatively felt resentful of the high sexual demands made Asperger Syndrome Between the Sheets / 101 by some partners. Some AS men were also unhappy about the expectations placed upon them to perform, the knowledge that they

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have a very good relationship. (NT female) We only have sex about once every six to eight months. His excuse is always ‘stress’. (NT female) Asperger Syndrome Between the Sheets / 103 I’m pretty much in a non-sexual relationship now. I only try because she wants it and is getting upset

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situation comes up, I will not feel like I give in that way and try to flee if I think someone is trying to be Asperger Syndrome Between the Sheets / 105 sexual in a way with me that I cannot be at the time in question. (AS male) Stress can certainly affect

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the same way that neuro-typical (NT) people are. This study found some evidence of ambiguity in sexuality and self-perception of gender in both Asperger Syndrome (AS) and NT responses. Possible reasons for this reported difference may be: • Gender can be viewed as a social construct (other than biological gender: ‘male

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been told that I am an ‘honorary girly’ and have a strong feminine side. (AS male) 9 Infidelity and Inappropriate Behaviour For some people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) (and without), the boundaries of a relationship are different from those that would be perceived as typical. Often having a strong dislike for authority

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the keys to a good relationship and, consequently, a good sex life. It is stated (Aston 2003; Attwood 2006) that the requisites for a successful Asperger Syndrome (AS) relationship are acknowledgement of the existence of AS by both partners, a willingness to learn and change by both partners, and a willingness to

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2003) and my own experience (Hendrickx and Newton 2007), there is strong evidence that mutually satisfying personal and sexual relationships are happily occurring within the Asperger Syndrome (AS) population. It is also evident that some relationships have significant problems, which are resulting in one or both partners feeling unhappy and dissatisfied. I

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in Love. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Attwood, T. (2002) Why Does Chris Do That? London: National Autistic Society. Attwood, T. (2006) The Complete Guide to Asperger Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Baron-Cohen, S. (2003) The Essential Difference: Men, Women and the Extreme Male Brain. London: Penguin. Grandin, T. (1996) Thinking in

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from My Life with Autism. London: Bloomsbury. Hénault, I. (2006) Asperger’s Syndrome and Sexuality. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Hendrickx, S. and Newton, K. (2007) Asperger Syndrome – A Love Story. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Holliday Willey, L. (2005) Pretending to Be Normal. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Ingudomnukul, E., Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright

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the Autistic Spectrum. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Slater-Walker, G. and Slater-Walker, C. (2002) An Asperger Marriage. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Stanford, A. (2003) Asperger Syndrome and Long-Term Relationships. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Williams, D. (2003) Exposure Anxiety – The Invisible Cage. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 141 Index abuse 81–2

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, 137–8 affection 40 alcohol 19, 28–9, 41 anxiety 39–40, 44 Asperger Syndrome (AS) 9, 10, 13, 15 dating websites 17–18 diagnosis 11, 12 emotional needs 31–6 men 110–11, 137 physical affects 53–6 showing

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showing love 42–51 marriage 9 masturbation 61, 67, 71–3, 74, 138 144 / Love, Sex and Long-Term Relationships men 24, 26, 67–8 Asperger Syndrome (AS) 110–11, 137 mental health 37, 40 motor skills 15 neuro-typical (NT) people 9, 16, 18 emotional needs 31–2, 34, 38, 40

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10, 15, 31 virginity 78–80, 83 visual contact 62 Willey, L. H. 23 Williams, D. 39 withdrawal 55, 63 women 25, 26 67–8 Asperger Syndrome (AS) 108–10, 137–8 sex 81–2 work 16–17, 20, 68, 126 

NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity

by Steve Silberman  · 24 Aug 2015  · 786pp  · 195,810 words

did the trick for many youngsters. I also got a call from a supervisor at Microsoft who told me, “All of my top debuggers have Asperger syndrome. They can hold hundreds of lines of code in their head as a visual image. They look for the flaws in the pattern, and that

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broadcast television for the rest of his life. After discovering that he and his sons were on the spectrum, Hedin joined the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP), one of the largest support groups for people with autism in the United States. Looking back, he feels certain that a number of

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legend”: The Strangest Man, p. 58. “metronomic” stride: Ibid., p. 60. a title for his biography: Ibid. In 2001: “Henry Cavendish: An Early Case of Asperger Syndrome?” Oliver Sacks. Neurology, Vol. 57, No. 7, Oct. 9, 2001, p. 1347. neighbors who thought they’d said their son or daughter was “artistic”: Ruth

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CHAPTER 3. WHAT SISTER VIKTORINE KNEW “Once one has learnt to pay attention”: “Autistic Psychopathy in Childhood,” Hans Asperger. Translated by Uta Frith. Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Cambridge University Press, 1991, p. 39. “feeble-minded”: “Qualitative Intelligence Testing as a Means of Diagnosis in the Examination of Psychopathic Children,” Anni Weiss. American

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by Jekelius in “Encopresis,” Acta Paediatrica, Vol. 55, Suppl. s169, 1966. the “true genius” of his clinic: “Asperger and His Syndrome,” Uta Frith. Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Cambridge University Press, 1991. started working at the clinic in 1927: George Frankl’s biographical file, Alan Mason Chesney Medical Archives, Johns Hopkins University. Asperger

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Effects for Boys and Girls with Autism,” Timothy M. Krahn, Andrew Fenton. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, Vol. 9, No. 1, March 2012. the Asperger FAQ: “Asperger Syndrome Fact Sheet,” National Institutes of Health. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm Weiss’s in-depth case study of Gottfried: “Qualitative

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, 1988. “Parents without special experience tend to overlook or reject the idea of autism”: “Asperger’s Syndrome and Kanner’s autism,” Lorna Wing. Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Cambridge University Press, 1991. images of rainbows: Lorna Wing and Judith Gould, interview with the author, 2011. CHAPTER 9. THE RAIN MAN EFFECT Barry Morrow

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Services Center. http://www.autismservicescenter.org/about/josephs_story CHAPTER 10. PANDORA’S BOX “I have felt like Pandora”: “Past and Future Research on Asperger Syndrome,” Lorna Wing. Asperger Syndrome, A. Klin, F. Volkmar, and S. Sparrow, eds. Guildford Press, 2000, p. 418. “I just didn’t know what the hell to do”: “The

Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism

by Barb Cook and Samantha Craft  · 20 Aug 2018  · 335pp  · 94,578 words

autism spectrum condition (ASC) for academic purposes. This is not a reflection of our personal choice in identification. • Asperger syndrome, Asperger’s, and the personal identifying term of aspie. We recognize that Asperger syndrome was removed from the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and was brought together under

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grasp on what is expected while occupying planet earth… Obviously not. Well, obviously not was my case until I hit my 40s. My diagnosis of Asperger syndrome didn’t eventuate until I was six weeks shy of my 40th birthday. You know that saying “life begins at 40”? Well, that statement

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would have reacted if I found myself in the same situation. “What was your eureka moment, the moment you thought for sure you might have Asperger syndrome?” The doctor leaned forward in her chair and gave me an encouraging smile. I told her about the night I pressed the pause button.

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spectrum disorder in one of their children or another family member. • Another common pathway for women is the internet—discovering female descriptions of having Asperger syndrome and resonating so well with those descriptions. It has certainly been the case historically that far fewer females have been diagnosed with autism than males

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knew I had ADHD and learning disabilities like my brother, and they too were confirmed. However, it was a shock hearing my primary diagnosis was Asperger syndrome. In hindsight, I knew it was true deep down, but oh did I fight it! I didn’t want to be the weird girl

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can also be presented or perceived as yet another deficit. I find in my clinical work that the earlier I can present the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome to a young girl the better. The best time is as soon as the girl starts to notice that she is different, and this

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book, I Am an Aspie Girl, for children and teenagers and the inspired Aspergirls by Rudy Simone for women. I find that knowing about Asperger syndrome for a girl on the spectrum is a precious gift, providing a logical scientific explanation for differences that she is excruciatingly aware of, but in

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“naughty,” “stupid,” or “weird.” Without a proper explanation, such labels start to form the basis of a negative self-identity. And ARtemisia is so right; Asperger syndrome (AS) is only one part of who that girl is. Understanding and integrating all aspects of the girl’s being with love and compassion is

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. In the early 1960s, Lorna Wing conceptualized autism as a spectrum, brought the work of Hans Asperger to world attention and created the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome for individuals not otherwise learning-disabled or speech-delayed. Even although autistic women (who once were girls) have been “out there” in full public

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issues that Catriona raises. The definition of autism has broadened enormously in the last 40 years since Lorna Wing’s seminal paper in 1981 describing Asperger syndrome in English for the first time. When I started working in this area in 1993, these broader definitions of autism were not in the

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funding and a unique understanding about how one thinks, senses, perceives, and learns, one must be diagnosed with a disorder. As one little boy with Asperger syndrome once said to me, “But why is it called a disorder? There is nothing ‘disordered’ about me.” I entirely agree with him. Presently, there

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to work; he knew I needed a lot of time to recover and find out who I was, which eventually led to my diagnosis of Asperger syndrome. Spending time discovering who I was wasn’t an easy task. Initially, it was a huge sense of relief, that I wasn’t losing

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more awareness of the vulnerability of those members of our community who have what is referred to as autism spectrum (level 1 or 2) or Asperger syndrome, particularly girls and women. Liane very clearly describes the reasons for this vulnerability: • Individuals on the autism spectrum are not neurologically “wired” to read

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, and without disabilities (11,500), and found that having ASD increased the rate of bullying by 50% compared with neurotypical children. Many adults with Asperger syndrome report that bullying from peers started as early as kindergarten. Unfortunately, this means that being bullied at school is another risk factor for later abuse

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therapist can provide this assessment; alternatively, you can utilize resources available in the community—for example, the wonderful book, Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome by Olga Bogdashina (2016). Being sensory-ready Our sensory system works best when our brain is well rested, well nourished, and oxygenated. When we

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Epilepsy Center at Centrastate Medical Center in New Jersey, research has found that adults with epilepsy are more likely to show signs of autism and Asperger syndrome. Nearly one-third of people with autism spectrum disorder also have epilepsy. The connection between the two conditions was made in a study that

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steps has been unsuccessful or unsatisfying. Although it’s geared toward providers, I learned about CBT through Gaus’s book Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome (2007). Medication Are you one of the many for whom a biochemical difference cannot be supported sufficiently by these options? Then, yes, medication may

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suggests that around 16% (Wentz et al., 1999) or as high as 28% (Gillberg et al., 1996) of adolescents with AN have signs of Asperger syndrome or a full diagnosis. In AS, anorexia nervosa is not always a disorder of body image; instead, an underweight body can be purposefully chosen to

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years); with my tender care, most have lived past 18 years. No surprise, then, that my favorite show-and-tell book is All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopmann (2007). Autistic children who are drawn to animals can enrol in animal therapy, especially equine, where they learn compassion, care habits,

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set of strengths and abilities, which can be used to overcome their challenges. I like Professor Tony Attwood’s and Carol Gray’s definition of Asperger syndrome, “The Discovery of Aspie,” which can be found in our book (Attwood and Garnett, 2016) and on Professor Tony Attwood’s website (www.tonyattwood

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.com.au). The premise for this article was the idea that Asperger syndrome is something to be discovered, in the same way as artists are discovered, rather than diagnosed. Section B in DSM-5 describes the restrictive and

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but Dad convinced me it was time to release him from his promise. I spent years teaching at university level until I was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. I like to share my experiences of living with autism to audiences worldwide, bringing to each presentation some humor and positivity along with the real

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And even without a land of their own they could stand proud, together. About the Contributors Barb Cook Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia Formally identified with Asperger syndrome in 2009 at the age of 40, Barb is founder and editor in chief of Spectrum Women Magazine. Barb is a highly committed autism/Asperger

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Maura has spoken publicly about autism in both a personal and professional capacity and guest lectures at the University of Ulster. She was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in 2011 when she was 44 years old. Like many adults on the spectrum, she sought the diagnosis after learning that her son had autism

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autism to learn more about her son, it became apparent that she too related to autism, and two years later she received a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, followed by her ten-year-old daughter. In 2003, Renata majored in International Business, working in this field until 2011. In Brazil, Renata was

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in mid-2008. She changed careers in 2013 from social care to special educational needs, where she quickly developed a personal interest in autism and Asperger syndrome. After being recommended Rudy Simone’s book Aspergirls in July 2015, her perception and understanding of herself changed and “everything suddenly made sense.” Kate

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of 2008, aged 482/3. In 2011 she co-founded Asperfemme in Ottawa, “a forum to validate adult women with self/official diagnosis of Asperger syndrome… It exists for members to inform and support each other in areas of mutual interest and to foster friendships and social contacts.” A chapter has

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, Australia: Allen & Unwin. Singer, J. (2016) NeuroDiversity: The Birth of an Idea. Australia: Judy Singer. Stewart, C. (2011) “Hermeneutic Phenomenology: Experiences of girls with Asperger syndrome and anxiety” (PhD thesis), Napier University, Edinburgh. Stewart, C. (2012) “Where can we be what we are? The experiences of girls with

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Focus and Be More Productive. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review Press. Holtmann, M., Bolte, S. and Poustka, F. (2005) “Letters to the editor: ADHD, Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism.” Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 44, 1101. Moraine, P. (2015) Autism and Everyday Executive Function: A

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2017, from www.medicinenet.com/diabetes_mellitus/article.htm Dudova, I., Kocourkova, J. and Koutek, J. (2015) “Early-onset anorexia nervosa in girls with Asperger syndrome.” Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 2015, 11, 1639–1643. Dyscalculia.org (2017) “Learning Disabilities.” Retrieved 12 November 2017, from www.dyscalculia.org/learning-disabilities/autism Dyspraxia

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and Child Neurology 58, 11, 1124–1131. Burke, L. and Stoddart, K.P. (2014) “Medical and Health Problems in Adults with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome.” In F.R. Volkmar, B. Reichow and J.C. McPartland (eds) Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. New York, NY: Springer. Croen, L

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spectrum.” Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice 19, 7, 814–823. Fling, E.R. (2000) Eating an Artichoke: A Mother’s Perspective on Asperger Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Gassner, D.L. (2012) “You are Precious!” In L. Perner (ed.) Scholars with Autism: Achieving Dreams. Sedona, AZ: Auricle Books.

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Gaus, V.L. (2007) Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome. New York, NY: Guilford Press. Gaus, V.L. (2011) Living Well on the Spectrum: How to Use Your Strengths to Meet the Challenges of

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Asperger Syndrome/High-Functioning Autism. New York, NY: Guilford Press. Geurts, H.M. and Jansen, M.D. (2012) “A retrospective chart study: The pathway to a

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, CA: New Harbinger. Milovanov, A., Paquette-Smith, M., Lunsky, Y. and Weiss, J.A. (2013) “Prevalence and impact of significant life events for adults with asperger syndrome.” Journal on Developmental Disabilities 19, 3, 50–54. Nicolaidis, C., Raymaker, D., McDonald, K., Dern, S. et al. (2013) “Comparison of healthcare experiences in

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is Scripting?” YouTube. Retrieved 20 September 2017, from http://youtu.be/vtbbmeyh5rk Additional Bibliography Chapter 5 Friendship Bogdashina, O. (2005) Communication Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Edmonds, G. and Beardon, L. (2008) Asperger’s Syndrome and Social Relationships: Adults Speak Out About Asperger’s Syndrome. London:

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Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Thompson, B. (2008) Counselling for Asperger Couples. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Chapter 11 Bogdashina, O. (2016) Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome: Different Sensory Experiences, Different Perceptual Worlds, 2nd edn. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Chapter 12 Attwood, T. and Garnett M.S. (2016) Exploring Depression and Beating

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20 September 2017, from www.nytimes.com/2017/05/18/t-magazine/germany-forest-kindergarten-outdoor-preschool-waldkitas.html Hoopmann, K. (2007) All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Levitin, D. (2006) This Is Your Brain on Music: Understanding a Human Obsession. New York, NY: Penguin Books. MacGregor, R.

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-are/our-story/ Prince-Hughes, D. (2004) Songs of the Gorilla Nation. New York, NY: Harmony Books. Simone, R. (2010) Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Wikipedia (2017) “Ernest Thompson Seton.” Retrieved 19 September 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Thompson_Seton Wikipedia (2017) “Laurent

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September 2017, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laurent_Mottron Recommended Resources Publications 22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves a Man with Asperger Syndrome, Rudy Simone (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2009) 22 Things a Woman with Aspergers Wants Her Partner to Know, Rudy Simone (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2012) A

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Autism: The Stuff That Transformed My Life as an Autism Parent, Debby Elley (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2018) Finding a Different Kind of Normal: Misadventures with Asperger Syndrome, Jeanette Purkis (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2006) From Here to Maternity: Pregnancy and Motherhood on the Autism Spectrum, Lana Grant (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2015) I

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91–2 ADHD 223 adolescence 37–7 aging experience of ASD in 39–42 Michelle Garnett on 44–5 alcohol 80–8 All Cats have Asperger Syndrome (Hoopmann) 276 American Psychiatric Association 66, 157 American Psychological Association 223 anesthesia 214–15 animals 275–6 Antony, Pavan John 249 anxiety 80–6

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as co-occurring condition 221–3 as mental health issue 240–1 Michelle Garnett on 88–92 in parenting 110–11 arts 276–8 Asperger syndrome described by Lorna Wing 66 and parenting 109–10 recognition of 13 Aspergirls (Simone) 54 Attwood, Tony 50, 89, 92, 176, 217, 252, 282

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6 sensory processing disorder 228 sexual dysfunction 231 sleep apnea 231 sleep disturbances 224 cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 247, 252 Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome (Gaus) 247 Coleman, M. 66 collecting 270–2 communication challenges of 164–5 definitions of 161–2 forms of 162–4 and gender 169–

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Autism and Healthcare (Lesko) 211, 214, 221 Conrad Stöppler, M. 230 control need for 196–7 Cook, Barb independent living 121–9 living with Asperger syndrome 15–18 runs website for advice 97 Croen, L.A. 239 Dalai Lama 265 depression 223, 241–2 diabetes 230 diagnosis of autism benefits of

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–5 Ormond, S. 43 outdoors interests 273–6 Overton, J. 249 pain thresholds 213 Paradiz, Valerie 238, 245 parenting anxiety in 110–11 and Asperger syndrome 109–10 early years 108–9 humor in 113 logic in 113 ‘mama bear’ 115–17 Michelle Garnett on 118–20 order in 111–12

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242–3 Michelle Garnett on 250 sensory issues 148–52 Michelle Garnett on 157–60 sensory processing disorder 228 Sensory Perceptual Issues in Autism and Asperger Syndrome (Bogdashina) 158 sexual abuse 97–8 sexual dysfunction 231 sharing interests 278–9 Shore, Stephen 245, 249 shutdowns 177–80 Silberman, Steve 56–7

Thinking in Pictures: And Other Reports From My Life With Autism

by Temple Grandin  · 10 Jan 2006  · 291pp  · 92,406 words

probably Asperger's. Famous people on the autism/Asperger spectrum are profiled in books and on Web sites. Baron-Cohen asks an important question: is Asperger Syndrome a disability? Where is the dividing line between normal and abnormal? He is referring to mild Asperger's with no speech delays where the student

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of school into the world of work. The Advocate. Autism Society of America, Spring T. Grandin, K. Duffy 2004 Developing Talents, Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Shawnee Mission, Kansas., Autism Asperger Publishing Co. R. Louv 2005 Last Child in the Woods, Saving our Children from Nature Deficit

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Community and Culture of High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome London., Jessica Kingsley S. Shore 2001 Beyond the Wall—Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Shawnee Mission, Kansas., Autism Asperger Publishing B. Trivedi 2005 pp. 36–40. Autistic and Pour, New Scientist, June 18, OTHER READINGS L. Kanner 1971 112

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in writers and first-degree relatives. American Journal of Psychiatry, 144: 1288–1292. H. Asperger 1944 American Journal of Psychiatry, S. Baron-Cohen 2000 Is Asperger syndrome/high functioning autism necessarily a disability? Developmental Psychopathology 12: 480–500. P. Callow 1990 Vincent van Gogh: a life. Chicago., Ivan R. Dee Clark R

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Einstein: the life and times. New York., Thomas Y Crowell Delong G. R. Dwyer J. T. 1988 Correlation of family history and specific autistic subgroups: Asperger' syndrome and bipolar affective disease. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 18: 593–600. Dowling C. G. 2005 MIT Nerds. Discover, June, pp. 36–43. S

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Moreno P.O. Box 529 Crown Point Indiana 46307 219-662-1311 www.maapservices.org chart@netnitco.net Information for older high-functioning individuals and Asperger' syndrome. Judevine Center for Autism 1101 Olivette Executive Parkway St. Louis, Missouri 63132 314-482-6200 www.judevine.org or www.judevine.org/autism/resources.html

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search box located on this site. Searches for many different kinds of information can be done. Tonyattwood.com.au A good source of information on Asperger' Syndrome. www.thegraycenter.org Contains information on teaching social skills to children with autism. Emily Post' The Etiquette Advantage in Business: Personal Skills for Professional Success

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888-268-3770 www.covd.org info@covd.org Information on finding doctors who can treat visual processing problems. Publishers of Books on Autism and Asperger Syndrome Autism Asperger Publishing Company P.O. Box 23173 Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66283-0173 877-277-8254 913-897-1004 www.asperger.net Future Horizons 721

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.com Karen Simmons info@autismtoday.com A good site for parents to get information and to communicate with other parents. Grasp—the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership 125 East 15th Street New York, NY 10003 645-242-4003 info@grasp.org www.grasp.org Contains lots of links to other sites

The Book of Woe: The DSM and the Unmaking of Psychiatry

by Gary Greenberg  · 1 May 2013  · 480pp  · 138,041 words

NGO savvy and his forceful personality to wangle money from the Fund for Social Change and turn the network into GRASP, the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership, the largest organization for adolescents and adults with Asperger’s. Like AANE, Nomi Kaim’s group, GRASP works to provide patients and their families

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: How Reliable Is Reliable Enough?,” 13. 11. a pair of op-ed columns: Paul Steinberg, “Asperger’s History of Overdiagnosis,” and Benjamin Nugent, “I Had Asperger Syndrome, Briefly,” The New York Times, January 31, 2012. 12. “The proposals in DSM-5”: See “Psychologists Fear US Manual Will Widen Mental Illness Diagnosis,” The

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, 323, 348 diagnosis of, 67, 250, 255, 260, 355 Genetics, 239, 267 Gerontophilia, 243 GlaxoSmithKline, 89, 163 Global Assessment of Functioning, 128 Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP), 193–94, 297–98 Goffman, Erving, 19 Goodwin, Frederick, 88 Gould, Glenn, 201 Gould, Stephen Jay, 125 Grassley, Charles, 85–90, 107, 154

Autism: A Very Short Introduction

by Uta Frith  · 22 Oct 2008  · 127pp  · 36,853 words

autism. Gary has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with a diffuse and atypical picture, but such complex cases are actually quite common. Edward has classic Asperger syndrome. David David was 3 when he was diagnosed as autistic. At that time he hardly looked at people, was not talking, and seemed lost in

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, he was eventually seen at a clinic at age 12. The psychologist explained that Gary had a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, a category that includes autism, Asperger syndrome, and a few other rare conditions. Actually Gary was diagnosed as having PDD-NOS, Pervasive Developmental Disorder—Not Otherwise Specified. This is a category for

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cases that have autistic features, but not all features are necessarily present. The psychologist also mentioned Asperger syndrome when she talked to Gary’s parents. They immediately favoured this label as it helped them to explain Gary’s problems to other people. The

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inappropriate social behaviour. At his mother’s insistence, Gary has joined a social skills group for people with Asperger syndrome, and he now attends the monthly meetings without fail. Edward Edward was diagnosed as having Asperger syndrome at the age of 8. Although clearly very bright, his teacher felt at her wits end with

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, he has started to read books of manners and body language and is hoping they will improve his social skills. Edward is very knowledgeable about Asperger syndrome and avidly participates in Asperger discussion forums on the web. He knows that he is far more intelligent than most ‘neurotypicals’. However, there are signs

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conversation has improved since he has started systematically to gather information about communication, through reading books on etiquette and body language and through reading about Asperger syndrome. 1a. Key feature 1: In a world of his own 1b. Key feature 2: Unable to communicate 1c. Key feature 3: Restricted and repetitive. Lining

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. However, a number of children who apparently show these key behaviours nevertheless later go on to have an autistic disorder. This is likely to be Asperger syndrome. In the next chapter we will consider some of the historical reasons for how we think of autism now. We will also look at the

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hand with the increase in the awareness of autism and the widening of the boundaries of the autism spectrum. From the 1990s Asperger syndrome became a familiar label. The prototype of Asperger syndrome is the highly intelligent individual who has social impairments as well as abstruse interests. This new prototype was soon mixed up

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that social impairment comes in different varieties—the aloof, the passive, and the odd. She was also one of the first researchers to write about Asperger syndrome. The experimental work of Beate Hermelin (1919–2006) and Neil O’Connor (1918–97) was the foundation of the psychological work that I will report

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they have to get used to being lonely, a very hard adaptation for most of us. Is it easier if you never had any friends? Asperger syndrome Asperger syndrome has gained such popularity that we need to give it some special attention. It can be seen as a variety of autism with similar biological

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and similar effects on the development of brain and mind, but with somewhat different behavioural manifestations. At least this is what we assume at present. Asperger syndrome is usually considered a mild form of autism. But this may be deceptive. It may be a form of relatively pure autism where massive learning

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and compensation are covering up the core problems. There are good reasons for suspecting compensation and covering up. Asperger syndrome goes with high intelligence. Further, the writings of people with Asperger syndrome tell us about their difficulties and how they cope with them. These difficulties seem highly reminiscent of those of people

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with autism. Perhaps the strangest fact about Asperger syndrome is that it is not usually diagnosed at all until the age of 8 or even later, sometimes only in adulthood. This is strange, because

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does not start suddenly, but it was always there as family and sufferers almost unanimously proclaim. Research still needs to uncover the early signs of Asperger syndrome. In contrast to autism language is not delayed, but rather it is often advanced, as in the case of Edward. Further, classic autism implies aloofness

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, while this is not necessarily found in Asperger syndrome. Individuals with Asperger syndrome often have a strong interest in other people. Children typically seek out adults as valued listeners to monologues, as answerers of questions, and providers

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of useful information. A striking difference between autism and Asperger syndrome in childhood is that the child with Asperger syndrome displays high verbal intelligence. This is rightly a source of pride and joy to parents, but might make them overlook a lack

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of Gary shows, the label is sometimes also applied to individuals with distinct social impairment who also have a mild degree of intellectual impairment. Here, Asperger syndrome is used to indicate an atypical form of autism. What is the connection to Hans Asperger? Hans Asperger emphasized that autistic disorders appear in many

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, but part and parcel of someone’s personal make-up. Asperger did not define what we today call Asperger syndrome. Nevertheless it seems fitting that the syndrome is named in his honour. How did Asperger syndrome get its now well-established place? There are many reasons, but probably the most important was the need

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to widen the boundaries of the initially narrow concept of classic autism. In the 1980s a number of clinicians began to use the label Asperger syndrome. Lorna Wing in London used it to draw attention to the fact that some people with autistic disorders were highly verbal and even had some

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to capture this particular type of individual. This allowed clinicians in other centres to identify similar cases. The criteria that are now generally used for Asperger syndrome are very similar to what in the past was considered a residual or atypical form of autism. They are in almost every respect the same

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as those for autism. Critically, there is no language delay, and language is often a particular cognitive strength. Many clinicians took up the label Asperger syndrome with an eagerness that suggested that there was a real need for the category. They saw plenty of individuals who fitted the criteria. These children

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not so severely affected and promised hope of a better prognosis. Not surprisingly, many parents craved the diagnosis Asperger syndrome rather than autism. The popularity of the label rose inexorably. Rightly or wrongly, Asperger syndrome has become a magnet that attracts cases. One of its attractions is that it has acquired the cachet of

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being linked to genius. No wonder then that a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome suggests a more interesting and possibly more tractable difficulty than autism. But this is not correct. The difficulty is just as persistent as in other

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autistic disorders. Nevertheless, Asperger syndrome has a special place in the popular imagination. A vivid picture of a boy with Asperger syndrome is given in Mark Haddon’s book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. This

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book has sold 2 million copies and has been translated into thirty-six languages. It has undoubtedly increased awareness of Asperger syndrome. Chapter 2 starts with the terse description: ‘My name is Christopher John Francis Boone. I know all the countries of the world and their capital

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details in the story that could have been taken from real life and therefore supply telling examples of the typical features of someone who has Asperger syndrome. For example, Chris, who tells the story himself, states that he finds people confusing, that he does not tell lies, that he does not like

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or that they have special needs.’ Another chapter in the history of autism Even though it is extremely popular, the label Asperger syndrome is problematic. It is hard to know whether Asperger syndrome will eventually split off and form its own distinct category of developmental disorder. Is it indeed a form of autism and

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autism? Or is it merely a personality type and not a disorder? There are now a number of people who have diagnosed themselves as having Asperger syndrome. These individuals often call themselves Aspies, and they feel different from NTs or neurotypicals. They do not need the attention of a clinician. They are

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their everyday lives, occupying a niche that is just right for their special interests and skills. It is not surprising that these people argue that Asperger syndrome is not a disorder. To them it is merely a difference, and a difference to be proud of. Some campaigners go even further and say

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the estimate was 0.4 per cent, with 0.2 per cent fulfilling the narrow criteria of classic autism. Other forms of autistic disorder, including Asperger syndrome, make up around 0.7 per cent. If we take the 1 per cent estimate seriously, then in the USA, with a population of 280

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puzzling because, compared to their high intelligence, their social interaction and communication is relatively backward? There may now sometimes be pressure for a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, when in previous times no one would have worried. In past times these children would have been treasured for their high abilities, and their social

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. Was Asperger right in claiming that the autistic personality is an extreme variant of male intelligence? In his 1944 paper, which I translated (Autism and Asperger Syndrome (1991), 85), he says: Girls are the better learners. They are more gifted for the concrete and the practical, and for tidy, methodical work. Boys

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humanities students, and high systemizing scores are typical of science students. Interestingly, scientists are over-represented among the relatives of individuals with ASD. People with Asperger syndrome get very high scores on this questionnaire, much higher than most other people. But don’t think you can diagnose yourself, your friends, and relatives

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, but also the brain in rare cases, and this resulted in autism. As far as Diane knows, there was never a case of autism or Asperger syndrome in her or her husband’s family. But she cannot be reassured, because autism really can occur seemingly out of the blue. Obviously, in other

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diagnosed he had symptoms that could have fitted in with a number of different disorders: dyspraxia, mild learning disability, attention deficit disorder, PDD-NOS, or Asperger syndrome. Which of these labels is the most appropriate? Autism spectrum disorder tends to be the category that trumps others. This is partly because the social

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unable to do this. You would surely think the world of people complicated and unpredictable. Here is an extract from what an anonymous person with Asperger syndrome wrote: Something that most of us find difficult to remember is to whom we have said something and to whom not. Neurotypical people seem to

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watch such highly meaningful interactions. In fact, most people look at the characters’ eyes, often switching from one to the other. In contrast, people with Asperger syndrome tended to look at the characters’ mouths rather than their eyes. Often they looked at places in the picture that did not contain people at

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feelings is surely one of the hardest things to bear when you live with an autistic person. Angela, the wife of Andrew, a man with Asperger syndrome, was extremely distressed when her father died. Andrew showed no sympathy and talked loudly and disparagingly about his father-in-law, saying it was his

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focused interest in detail can appear narrow to others and narrow interests are a key feature for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and particularly Asperger syndrome. 16. When the boy looks at the toy car he sees details that would normally escape us. It is as if these details have precedence

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with the car as a car, but is more interested in its parts, especially those that he can flick, turn, and rotate Charles, who has Asperger syndrome, wrote in an email: ‘I have unusually strong, narrow interests. This is the feature that most strongly and obviously applies to me. Between the ages

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not working well. This could be true for all of the five big ideas. When I presented this idea at a conference, a man with Asperger syndrome came up and said he would write to me. His message was: ‘Experience has told me that I should never try to understand anything. It

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have been acutely aware of a tension in using examples sometimes of severe and classic cases of autism and sometimes very high-functioning cases and Asperger syndrome. There is also a gulf between the examples taken from cases of children and of adults. The anecdotes about what it feels like to be

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turn out not to belong to the autism spectrum but to have some other personality problem. Of course they may convince you that they have Asperger syndrome. But you can see the danger of circularity. A hard look at the boundaries of the autism spectrum will be necessary to get out of

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). Lancet, 368(9531): 210–15. Baron-Cohen, S., Wheelwright, S., Skinner, R., Martin, J., and Clubley, E. (2001) The autism spectrum quotient (AQ): evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 31: 5–17. Wing, L., and Potter, D. (2002) The

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(1): 27–43. Further reading Classic readings Asperger, H. (1944) Die ‘autistischen Psychopathen’, in Kindesalter, trans. U. Frith in U. Frith, ed. (1991) Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Kanner, L. (1943) Autistic disturbances of affective contact, Nervous Child, 2:217–50. Introductions Frith, U. (2003) Autism: Explaining the Enigma

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Aloof 9, 27–8 Animated triangles 69, 70 Applied Behaviour Analysis, ABA 24, 115 AQ test 50, 122 Asperger, Hans 20, 34, 49, 54, 125 Asperger syndrome 6–7, 21, 33–5, 37, 47, 49–50, 88, 111 Attention 14, 83, 93, 100–2, 124 Autism spectrum 4, 25, 41, 46, 48

Marriage and Lasting Relationships With Asperger's Syndrome: Successful Strategies for Couples or Counselors

by Eva A. Mendes  · 1 Sep 2015  · 291pp  · 75,110 words

, really knows, what ASD is all about, how it can bewilder, irritate or even collapse a relationship. Partners trying to communicate through the curves of Asperger syndrome and autism will be able to use Mendes’ guidance to great advantage. Couples’ lives will be touched and changed for the better, thanks to this

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insights and genuine compassion for everyone involved.” —David Finch, New York Times best-selling author of The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man’s Quest to Be a Better Husband Marriage and Lasting Relationships with Asperger’s Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) of related interest The

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Other Half of Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) A Guide to Living in an Intimate Relationship with a Partner who is on the Autism Spectrum 2nd Edition Maxine Aston Foreword

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referring to ASD as “Autism Spectrum Difference,” this invaluable guide and resource provides a therapeutic road map for couples where one or both partners have Asperger Syndrome and autism, and starts off on a positive note by considering neurodiversity as a different, rather than a disordered way of being. Considering autism and

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the strategies worked and that they were able to minimize some of their challenges. Encouraged by this feedback, I wrote a paper called “Marriage with Asperger Syndrome: 14 Practical Strategies,” which has now been translated into four different languages other than English. These well-received strategies are the basis for this book

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Disorder.” Available at www.maxineaston.co.uk/cassandra, accessed July 5, 2014. Aston, M. (2001) The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome: A Guide to Living in an Intimate Relationship with a Partner who has Asperger Syndrome. London: National Autistic Society. Attwood, T., Evans, C. R. and Lesko, A. (2014) Been There. Done That. Try

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autism and mental retardation.” Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders, 24, 5, 565–576. Finch, D. (2012) The Journal of Best Practices: A Memoir of Marriage, Asperger Syndrome, and One Man’s Quest to Be a Better Husband. New York, NY: Scribner. Finch, D. and Finch, K. (2012) “Yes, You Are Supposed to

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-Mixed Marriages and Other Harrowing Relationships.” Talk presented by AANE in Waltham, MA. December 1, 2012. Gaus, V. L. (2007) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult Asperger Syndrome. New York, NY: Guilford Press. Goleman, D. (2005) Emotional Intelligence: Why it can Matter More than IQ. New York, NY: Bantam Books. Gottman, J. (1995

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/index.php?p=cms&cid=409&pid=149, accessed January 27, 2014. Marshack, K. (n.d.) Asperger and Marriage: Therapy Recommendations for Marriages Impacted by Asperger Syndrome. Available at www.kmarshack.com/Asperger-and-Marriage.html, accessed July 5, 2014. Mehrabian, A. (1972) Nonverbal Communication. New Brunswick, NJ: Aldine Transaction. Mendes, E

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marriage: Partnering in exciting and novel activities of play.” Master’s thesis: The Vermont College of Union Institute and University. Mendes, E. (2013) “Marriage with Asperger Syndrome: 14 practical strategies.” AANE Journal, 11, 5−7. Merriam-Webster (n.d.) Available at www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-exploration, accessed May 26, 2015

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Couple’s Workbook Practical Advice and Activities for Couples and Counsellors Maxine Aston ISBN 978 1 84310 253 3 eISBN 978 1 84642 851 7 Asperger Syndrome (AS) can affect some of the fundamental ingredients required to make a relationship work, such as emotional empathy and communication. Maxine Aston, author of Aspergers

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in Love, has created this workbook to help couples where one of the partners has Asperger Syndrome deal with the difficulties that may arise in their relationship. With candid advice, activities and example worksheets, the book explores a variety of approaches that

Living Well on the Spectrum

by Valerie L. Gaus  · 4 Feb 2011

decrease stress and maximize their progress toward life goals by understanding, fully utilizing, and celebrating their special qualities.” —Gary B. Mesibov, PhD, coauthor of Understanding Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism “Valerie Gaus offers readers on the autism spectrum a positive, powerful plan for living life to the fullest. Presenting autism as

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autism spectrum, as well as those who support them.” —from the Foreword by Stephen Shore, author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome Living Well on the Spectrum Living Well on the Spectrum How to Use Your Strengths to Meet the Challenges of

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Asperger Syndrome/ High-Functioning Autism Valerie L. Gaus, PhD Foreword by Stephen Shore THE GUILFORD PRESS New York London © 2011 The Guilford Press A Division of Guilford

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Gaus, Valerie L. Living well on the spectrum : how to use your strengths to meet the challenges of Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism / Valerie L. Gaus.   p.  cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-60623-634-5 (pbk.) 1. Asperger’s syndrome—Psychological

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. As a clinical psychologist, I have been working with adults with milder forms of autism for over 15 years, with a focus on people with Asperger syndrome (AS) or “high-functioning” autism (HFA). My patients have described to me countless times what a struggle it is to get along in a world

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, following are the terms that I will be using, in bold print, with the equivalent terms that you may read or hear next to them. „„ Asperger syndrome (AS): Asperger’s disorder as defined above „„ Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs): the collection of syndromes sometimes called pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) that includes autistic disorder

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, asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder—not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) „„ High-­functioning autism (HFA): Autistic disorder as seen in a person with average or above intelligence

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patients have come up with, on their own, to help themselves endure extremely painful situations in their lives. One man, who was not diagnosed with Asperger syndrome until he was in his early 40s, had learned as a young man that he could comfort himself by listening to folk music. The lyrics

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First “I read about the communication techniques that could help in a situation like this. My husband was with me when I was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, so he already knows a little bit about it. I will tell him that I have sensory issues that make long hugs uncomfortable. I consider

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. (2006). The complete guide to Asperger’s syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley. Baron-Cohen, S. (2008). Autism and Asperger syndrome: The facts. London: Oxford University Press. McPartland, J. C., Klin, A., & Volkmar, F. R. (Eds.). (2014). Asperger syndrome (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press. Shore, S. M., & Rastelli, L. G. (2006). Understanding autism for dummies

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supportive and practical guide for anyone with Asperger’s syndrome. New York: Penguin. Finch, D. (2012). The journal of best practices: A memoir of marriage, Asperger syndrome, and one man's quest to be a better husband. New York: Scribner. 367 368 Resources Grandin, T. (1995). Thinking in pictures and other reports

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love story. London: Jessica Kingsley. Paradiz, V. (2002). Elijah’s cup: A family’s journey into the community and culture of high­functioning autism and Asperger syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley. Prince-­Hughes, D. (2004). Songs of the gorilla nation: My journey through autism. New York: Harmony Books. Robison, J. E. (2007). Look

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me in the eye: My life with Asperger’s. New York: Crown. Shore, S. (2003). Beyond the wall: Personal experiences with autism and Asperger syndrome (2nd ed.). Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger. Slater-­Walker, C., & Slater-­Walker, G. (2002). An asperger marriage. London: Jessica Kingsley. Wiley, L. H. (2001

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). Asperger syndrome in the family: Redefining normal. London: Jessica Kingsley. Wiley, L. H. (2014). Pretending to be normal: Living with Asperger’s syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder). London:

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cognitive-­behavioral therapy skills to people vulnerable to depression and anxiety. Cognitive-­Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—For ASDs Gaus, V. (2007). Cognitive-­behavioral therapy for adult Asperger syndrome. New York: Guilford Press. Scarpa, A., White, S. W., & Attwood, T. (Eds.). (2013). CBT for children and adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders. New

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„„Basic information about autism and Autism Society chapter locater by state for people who would like to be more involved. 372 Resources Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP): www.grasp.org „„An educational and advocacy organization serving and run by people on the autism spectrum. Offers articles and interviews, lists of

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support groups on- and offline, and e-lists. OASIS@MAAP (jointly operated by Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support and MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome: www.aspergersyndrome. org „„A resource for families, individuals, and medical professionals that provides articles, educational resources, links to local, national

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’s Association of New England (AANE): www.aane.org „„New England–based association whose website offers up-to-date information on resources, interventions, and conferences. Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association (AHA): www.ahany.org „„New York–based association whose website lists support groups, newsgroups, and listservs all devoted to disseminating

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more than 15 years of experience providing mental health services to people with autism spectrum disorders, Dr. Gaus serves on the advisory board of the Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association and has lectured internationally on Asperger syndrome and related topics. She is the author of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adult

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