This book is informative and insightful, but can read like a text book at times.

So, this is my first review and please bare with me...As the mom of a recently diagnosed Aspie I was looking for a little more insight into better ways to help my daughter. I bought this book with some recommendations from her therapist only to crack it open and find a lot of the information that is contained within are things that I have learned through parenting her over the years, pre-diagnosis. There are a few useful tools here and there but nothing I would suggest someone go buy the book to get at. Instead hit your local library and save your money. After borrowing it from the library make a decision as to whether or not this is a resource you really need.

If you are going to buy only one book about Asperger's Syndrome, this is the one. Tony Atwood presents the information clearly and fully. After reading it cover to cover, I frequently refer back to this book for straightforward and accurate information.

While the information is incontrovertible as it pertains to assessing signs in the development of children, there is scarce information for assessing and living with adults. While I could identify symptoms in the history of my adult child, living with an adult with AS one looks for avenues of treatment and/or perspective. I found the latter to be sorely lacking.

While the information is incontrovertible as it pertains to assessing signs in the development of children, there is scarce information for assessing and living with adults. While I could identify symptoms in the history of my adult child, living with an adult with AS one looks for avenues of treatment and/or perspective. I found the latter to be sorely lacking.

This book was truely written for the parents and those in professions that deal with children with no previous knowledge of the syndrome in mind. It gives step by step descriptions of symptoms of the disorder.The reviews at the end of the chapters are quick and easy reference. The question and answer section in the back of the book is right on target!! Thank you Tony Attwood for helping me understand my son (and myself) much better!

Author of
THE TRUTH
ABOUT CAFFEINE

This is the first book I read on Asperger's, and I am glad that it was. Tony Attwood is one of the leading experts on Asperger's. He really gets it and doesn't try to fit an Asperger child into a nt understanding of the world, but goes to the Asperger world. It has really helped me understand myself and my children better. Well done! I can't wait to see more from him.

This is the first book I read on Asperger's, and I am glad that it was. Tony Attwood is one of the leading experts on Asperger's. He really gets it and doesn't try to fit an Asperger child into a nt understanding of the world, but goes to the Asperger world. It has really helped me understand myself and my children better. Well done! I can't wait to see more from him.

My son was miss diagnosed summer of 1999 with Asperger's, but he is now labelled as PDD-NOS. This book gave me so much insight into Alex, I got the book about 3 weeks after the diagnoses and it helped me nderstand my child's behavior and actions (or non-actions) within 2 hours. I cried realizing my son was not 'normal' but it also gave me hope. I bought two copies and let his teacher read it and made my Mom read it, so that she understood that he had a problem and that he was not 'spoiled'. In fact my Mom now realizes that my younger brother and father had this (PDD-NOS) This book is easy to read for non-experts.

I actually found out caffeine is what was making me so ill for so many years. I drank 2 pots of coffee a day plus a lot of soda. Once I figured out it was the caffeine, I've been sick free and I don't miss the caffeine at all. I drink coffee substitutes cause I love the taste of coffee and I also have given up soda. I'm into juices, herbal teas and water. I read it's better for ya anyway. If you don't believe me, then I recommended a book called "The Truth About Caffeine" by Marina Kushner. By the way, the caffeine in tea and chocolate doesn't bother me at all. I can't figure that out but what ever works.

My son was found with some type of High Functioning Autism about two months ago. I'm a physician and behavioral researcher, though not in the area of autism or anything related to children or developmental disorders. I've read many books, scientific texts, online publications... you name it, in the past weeks. I've obtained very valuable information from all of them. This book does not go into the details of genetics or the neurological issues around Autism, in which I'm deeply interested, but I got that from other sources. However, it was from this book that I could draw a clear plan of action for my son and my family. Mr. Atwood must be a very smart and practical person. So far, of all that I've read, I'd put this book at the top, with the much more academic though less practical textbook on AS by Klin, Volkmar and Sparrow.

This is a good book to help you better understand asperger's syndrome and high functioning autism. It defines the basic symptoms and discusses areas that are problematic. Goes through some great social skills techniques and career ideas too.

When I read this book I wept. Put in some proper names and I wouldn't have to tell you anything about my childhood. I have managed to learn the hard way what others learned effortlessly, but now I understand how I got here.

If you are looking for a respectable, straightforward guide to Asperger Syndrome then you will be happy with Tony Attwood's well written and thoughtful offering. This book is one of the best sellers on the subject, and has remained popular despite many similar books continually coming on to the market. It covers diagnosis, social behaviour, language, interests and routine, motor clumsiness, cognition, sensory sensitivity, and frequently asked questions, and includes helpful summaries of practical advice at the end of each chapter. It is easy read but still a very comprehensive introduction, and while it focuses mainly on children, it can be relevant to adults with the diagnosis too. It's not perfect, but nonetheless I consider this book to be helpful and sensitive, and if you are the parent of a child with AS and you are only going to read one book on the subject then this one would be a good choice.

As a parent of one AS child, and another with learning difficulties, I am constantly on the lookout for more information. This book helped me to deal with my child's original diagnosis and I refer to it often as he grows and changes-as all children do. A great book!

It is a must for a parent/ teacher of a child, who was just diagnosed. This book gives a lot of useful information about Asperger Syndrome. Shows, that AS is not just a "bad verdict", shows, what has to be done, and how- to help the child live to full potential

Dr Tony Attwood is undoubtably the world's leading authority on Asperger's Syndrome (AS), as cleary evidenced in his book.

I had the good fortune of hearing Dr Attwood speak on television one day, addressing a national press club. I realised within 15 minutes that I had Asperger's Syndrome, and suddenly a lot of problems that I had experienced, mainly social in nature, were explained.

In his book, Dr Attwood attempts to explain AS to the neuro-typical (NT) person, mainly parents and.or associated carers. As an AS sufferer, I found Dt Attwood had a deep understanding on the syndrome and the way it affects people. The book has a lot of practical value, and his insights and associated advice are extremely well thought out.

One of the overriding themes of the book is Dr Attwood's positive outlook for AS sufferers, and he emphasises that it can be overcome with time and perseverence. I found this approach refreshing from the outlook presented in other tomes for AS, which suggest that AS sufferers must accept the inherent limitations imposed on them by the AS. I feel that the majority, if not all, of AS sufferers can overcome the condition. All people go through learning curves in life, and must 'ride uphill' to get there. For AS sufferers, the hill is merely longer and steeper. Dr Attwood makes this point very well, and I'd like to quote a passage from his book (p183):

'The author has met many adults with Asperger's Syndrome who have described how in their late twenties or thirties they eventually managed to intellectually grasp the mechanisms of social skills. From then on the only people who knew of their condition were their family and those who knew them intimately.'

I found this statement one of the most uplifting of the book, not to mention very true.

Another important component of the book are the emotional and social skills exercises recommended for young children. As an AS sufferer myself, I cannot stress the importance of early diagnosis. It prevents much disappointment and heartache in later life.

This is the authoritative text on AS, and required reading for any who has, or is associated with someone who has, Asperger's Syndrome. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I bought this book just under a week ago and read it fairly quickly.

Good points are that a great deal is explained in a language that is accessible to a literate public that is not au fait with medical jargon or psychiatric terms. There is plenty of information which is of use to parents and there are strategies for combatting difficulties that are likely to arise as a result of a child having AS/ASD.

The reason I mention the fact that the book focuses on parents and professionals (which is appropriate, considering the subtitle of the book), is that a clinical perspective on how AS develops alongside the teen growing into an adult could be informative for the lay person.

I think it is reasonably fair to say that manifestations of AS in an adult would be expressed differently to that of a child, since many adults are acutely aware of the inappropriateness of letting their tempers go in public as an adult. However having said that, I do not doubt that sometimes this will happen.

From the tenor of this review and in regard to the preceding paragraph, it might be possible to infer that I have considered the possibility of AS in relation to myself, which brings me onto the next point I wished to make.

This point is the matter of opinions held among some clinical psychologists (and quite a few lay people too), that stretches from the view that Asperger's is not a real condition and that it is merely another way of seeing misbehaviour, social isolation and an unwillingness/inability to 'fit in'. Such a point of view can - to my mind at least - be largely ignored however a more considered position; that of a perception that there is now perhaps on occasion an 'over-diagnosis' of the condition as a reaction to previous years of under-diagnosis cannot be so easily dismissed out of hand.

In Asperger's Syndrome (A Guide for Parents and Professionals), there seems to be a wide spectrum of manifestation from unmistakeable Asperger's with most of the diagnostic criteria readily manifested, to something akin to the so-called 'loner' who doesn't like sudden and loud noises, lots of people around them, bright sunlight streaming through the windows and who has difficulty making sense of multiple simultaneous sources of noise. The 'loner' end would also seem to evince aspects of the social deficit to some extent.

Perhaps this is where the idea of a 'spectrum' originates, the fact that presentation can vary from mild/irritating/annoying with a gradual build-up of stress, to the immediately intolerable (from the point of view of the person experiencing it).

I mention all the above due in no small part to the fact that by all acounts, a few years ago, AS/ASD was considered something of a 'hot topic' and was mistakenly seen as some kind of 'badge of honour', a spurious status that probably does not serve people who genuinely have marked AS/ASD characteristics particularly well.

All in all, the book was well worth reading and I will be looking around for anything else Tony Attwood has written on the topic, with particular reference to presentation of Asperger's in Adults.

I was very surprised at how well Tony Attwood understands AS people. This level of understanding I'd only ever seen in autistic people, yet Mr Attwood, who appears to be neurotypical, has bridged the gap of understanding. I would strongly suggest that this not be your only source of information about AS, though. Autistic people are the best source of information about autism, since we live it, but Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals is the best NT-written book about an autism spectrum condition I can find. Even if you are trying to understand someone diagnosed with or suspected to have PDD NOS(which I have) or classic autism, or maybe even CDD/Heller's Syndrome, this is a good source of information. For example, the stuff about sensory issues applies to the entire spectrum. Anyway, www.autistics.org/library has a list of books by autistics. One caveat: each autistic person is unique, so a stament by an autistic about themselves may not apply to other autistic people. Which is why you should not get all your information from one person.
Ettina, an autistic self-advocate

Tony Attwood uses a blend of case studies, research, observation, anecdotal evidence, and theory to give the reader a description of all that is entailed in people with Asperger's Syndrome. The book is well-written, and very upbeat and hope-inspiring in its tone. Many techniques are suggested that fit well with the aspects of Asperger's they are designated to treat.


Saying all that, why did I give it only three stars? There are three reasons.


1. Tony Attwood, at times, and probably in an attempt to maintain the upbeat, hopeful tone, seems to understate the severity of the disorder. The overall impression, after reading the whole book, is that Asperger's Syndrome is a collection of developmental delays and deficits that can be addressed by skill-training and/or by letting the person grow out of it (this impression comes through strongly near the end of the book). While it is certainly true that people with Asperger's Syndrome can mature out of some of the drelays, and can learn techniques to cope with and compensate for some of the deficits associated with the Syndrome, I believe that the book goes too far in painting a rosy picture. When people use the suggested techniques to help someone with Asperger's Syndrome, the person will likely progress and grow, but not as quickly, as far, or as conclusively as the book suggests.


2. The author starts by sticking very clearly to diagnostic criteria, in describing Asperger's Syndrome, but then gradually, almost imperceptibly, expands the boundaries of what the Syndrome encompasses, until the lines become quite blurred. Near the end of the book, Tony Attwood talks about "loners" as a way to describe people who are so far to the end of the autistic spectrum that they no longer meet any diagnostic criteria. In looking back at the entire book, I think the "loners" might be who he is describing throughout most of the book. I am a clinical psychologist who works with children. The children whom I have worked with, who do genuinely meet the criteria for Asperger's Syndrome, all presented as struggling with delays and deficits that were much less tractable and remediable than those described in this book.


3. The case studies presented in the book all seem to represent very bright, articulate (at least in writing), insightful individuals. The selection of these particular cases reinforces the points that I made in number 1 and number 2 above. Just as Temple Grandin is a truly outstanding, intelligent, insightful person with autism, and can describe autism in ways that make it graspable for many people, but still does not represent the typical person with autism, so do the case studies in this book probably not represent typical people with Asperger's Syndrome.


In the past, Asperger's Syndrome was significantly under- diagnosed and overlooked. Recently, in the news, there has been a lot of talk about the skyrocketing rate of autism and Asperger's Syndrome. I have strong questions about this "change," as I think that two attenuating factors are being overlooked: in an attempt to rectify the errors of the past, autism and Asperger's Syndrome are now being (accurately) identified much more often; again, in response to the mistakes of the past, the pendulum has swung and both autism and Asperger's Syndrome are now being diagnosed too easily and too much. I have assessed and worked with several children who had been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, prior to coming to our agency. After a thorough assessment, addressing psychosocial, psychological, psychiatric, and neuropsychological aspects, Asperger's Syndrome was ruled out. One of these children had grown up, from ages three to eleven, being labeled and treated as someone with Asperger's Syndrome, and had fit the mold given. After treatment, some sensory issues remained, but the progress was otherwise remarkable. Was this child cured of Asperger's Syndrome? No; an inaccurate diagnosis had been identified and the child's self-image, and the family's image of the child, had been adjusted, and the child had responded with a tremendous normalization of behavior. Tony Attwood's book is a reflection of the pendulum overswing that can lead to over-diagnosis of a significant disorder. In that respect, it is a disservice to those who really do have Asperger's Syndrome.


Why did I give the book as many as three stars? If the diagnostic criteria, described early in the book, are adhered to strictly, and the techniques in the book are used with a person who genuinely has Asperger's Syndrome, and the expectations for progress are set high, but kept realistic, I think that significant progress can occur. The delays can be "caught up" on, at least partly, and the deficits can be compensated for, or at least dropped to levels that are much less hindering.

I have not read this book cover to cover. I have a 5 year old with PDD-NOS, and some of the information in this book, as I've looked through it, does not yet apply to her. However, every time I look at this book I am impressed with the specific ideas and strategies to deal with social and communication issues. I will definitely hold on to this as my daughter grows up because I sense I will be using it regularly in the next few years. The book is easy to read.

As most of us who deal or have dealt with this are aware, the range of the "syndromes" runs the gamut from autism to AS. Then there's DID, ADD, and just about everything else thrown in. But keep in mind that all these labels are relatively new and constantly moving around, like some giant kaliedoscopic series of diagnosis that you can't quite put your finger on. Enter "Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals." As others have said, "Thank you, Mr. Attwood" for this book that helps sort out all of the possibilities. Concise and well-written, this is THE book when it comes to this syndrome, and while many have written about AS or autism (think Haddon's "The Curious Incident" or McCrae's "Bark of the Dogwood") as fiction or fictional characters (though you're never really sure excatly WHAT the character in "Bark of the Dogwood" has), few have come to professional diagnostic arena the way Attwood does. Practial and informative, this is the book you've been looking for.

This book is the first book I reccommend to anyone who is facing a diagnosis of high functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome in their family. My 10 year old son is "officially" diagnosed with high functioning autism, but those of us in the know, realize how little that means. Tony Attwood is simply amazing, this book breaks Asperger's Syndrome down for you, step by step, symptom by symptom, and is a real help and reference. Even after being involved in the autism spectrum now for over 6 years, I still refer to this book on a regular basis. Also, unlike many books I have read about autism and Asperger's Syndrome, this book is written very much for the lay person, you don't have to have a PhD to understand this book. There are also very practical solutions for many of the challenging problems unique to Asperger's and austism in here as well, many of them we have used with much sucess with our son. One example I can think of off the top of my head is teaching pragmatic language skills, something that neuro-typical children understand naturally, and children with Asperger's have to laboriously be taught. Temple Grandin's endorsement at the end is literally the icing on the cake.

I work with a lot of children on the autistic spectrum, in fact I am often the person to give the diagnosis. I try my best to explain about the autistic spectrum and the nature of the pattern of strengths and weaknesses that are typical in Asperger's Syndrome, but it is great to know that there is one good solid staple book I can also recommend, and this is it.

I also recommend Luke Jackson's book "Freaks Geeks and Asperger Syndrome" and Kenneth Hall's "Asperger Syndrome the Universe and Everything", which give an inside view that I have valued and I know parents also like.

I am about to re-read my copy of Tony Attwoods book, as I renew my own research into computer interventions to help children with ASD learn about emotions (see emotiontrainer.co.uk for more information). I've also heard Tony speak and I consider his advice in person and in the book to be realistic, positive and practical. I'd thoroughly recommend it.

My 7 year-old son was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. I went looking for a book on Asperger's that would help me understand where we were in the whole process of getting my son well as well as a book that would cover the whys and what now questions I had. Lucky for me, in picking this book, I couldn't have picked a better guide to Asperger's.

This book ended up being a textbook on my child. Tony Attwood describes the four different tests the global medical community uses as testing criteria for Asperger's. He also goes into wonderful depth about the traits these people may or may not have. The different treatments was very interesting as well. The insight my whole family has into my son since reading this book is a godsend.

Since reading this book, we've come up with a system for teaching my son facial expression. He has improved in leaps and bounds thanks to this book. Also, we've started the gluten and casein free diet. My son has completely turned around and is like the child we always hoped for. He is making friends and playing sports. While all of his traits aren't gone, he is living a much healthier and happier life now.

This book is for anyone who might be Asperger, has someone close to them who has Asperger's, or a professional looking for info on dealing or treating Asperger's. Tony Attwood's research, knowledge, and attention to detail is unparalleled.

I found this book to be very informative. Tony Attwood's explanation of the syndrome was clear and very easy to understand. Some professional jargon may be difficult for parents to decipher, however the overall approach to diagnostic criteria is very good. I am in the process of referring a high school student for Asperger's screening. This book was critical in my own exposure to this disability and its place on the Autistic spectrum. My 4 star rating was given only for lack of diagnostic examples for secondary level students. One would hope a child with Asperger's would be diagnosed at the elementary level. However, with such a new awakening to the topic, I feel there are probably hundreds of misdiagnosed adolescents out there waiting for help and insight. Parents, I urge you to approach your child's teachers if you suspect Asperger-like characteristics in your own child. Then, recommend they read this book!

This book is an excellent resource tool regarding Asperger's Syndrome. Asperger's Syndrome (AS)is on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) spectrum and has long been regarded as the "high functioning end of the autism spectrum." Because this IS a spectrum, the behaviors and experiences and manifestations are as varied as there are individuals on the spectrum. However, there are certain diagnostic criteria that have to be met in order to determine if someone has Asperger's Syndrome or a place on the a/A spectrum.

Tony Attwood validates the behavior of people on the spectrum; he writes in a plain, straight forward style that reaches ALL readers from professionals to persons just learning about Asperger's. I like the way he encourages people with Aspeger's embrace and accept this aspect of their lives. Tony Attwood makes it plain that a diagnosis of Asperger's is NOT a death knell or a mental health condemnation; on the contrary, he describes a place on the a/A spectrum as a baseline for behaviors that had previously caused "undefined differences." Asperger's is not a mental illness and this point is underscored throughout the book. Tony Attwood's voice is one of gentleness and acceptance; he describes behavior and sensory issues including synesthesia (linked sensory modes) in a way that invites and opens the door to discourse.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. Tony Attwood not only validates Asperger's, he explains it in a thoroughly logical and accepting way. This book deserves a place of honor among educators, medical/psychological/psychiatric professionals, parents whose children are on the spectrum and people who are on the spectrum. In fact, this is a book for everybody. THANK YOU, TONY ATTWOOD!

This book is an excellent explanation of Asperger's Syndrome. I had never read any material when my son was diagnosed, but I wish I had had this book before any others. I now understand so much more about my child, and it does well explaining certain behaviors that until that time I had no idea were actually part of the syndrome.
This book also gives some very good strategies for dealing with this syndrome.

As a parent of 2 boys on the spectrum I have read everything about Aspergers that I could get my hands on. Tony's book is the first thing you should read if you or your child has recently been diagnosed. It truly is the gold standard for anyone working with someone who has Aspergers. It is a very easy read in a non-medical way. It can easily be understood by teachers and family members who want to learn more. My copy is filled with dozens of little post-its sticking out. Every part of it is useful to whomever works with my sons; teachers, therapists, family and profesionals. You will be well prepared to advocate for your child after you read this book.

Tony Attwood's book on Asperger Syndrome should be considered the definitive book to date on children with Asperper's Syndrome. Therefore, any parent who has a child who they think might have Asperger's Syndrome or who has been recently diagnosed, should start here for information.

Perhaps you have recognized certain traits in your children, or other people's children, or even in yourself. These traits may include difficulty understanding the rules of conversation, reduced facial expressions, a monotonous voice, a photographic memory, obsessional interests and hobbies, and a predilection towards honesty.

It should be noted that not all Aspies have all the symptoms described. Therefore, if you recognize some, but not all the symptoms in your children, they may still have Asperger Syndrome. I should know this as I am an Aspie myself. For instance, I don't recall having difficulty reading other people's facial expressions or making eye contact. While I do recall making some social errorsas described in the book, it was usually because people couldn't read MY facial expressions rather than because I couldn't read theirs. I don't take everything literally as the book describes, and I DO understand figures-of-speech and metaphors, e.g. 'change your mind?', 'you're pulling my leg', 'cat got your tongue?', 'out of the blue'.

Remember, Aspies can improve their social skills through behavior intervention and natural development. Also remember that Aspies are quite talented individuals who's interests can lead them to successful job prospects later in life. Asperger Syndrome is a developmental disorder, NOT an intellectual disorder.

I'm sorry to say that this book was quite inaccurate in the portrayal of patients with Asperger's. I have Asperger's and very few of these things describe me. My hand-eye coordination is fairly good, my eye contact is normal, I know how to tell if people are even slightly irritated with me, I can pick up on social cues and I CAN carry on a conversation WITHOUT interrupting or babbling incessantly about some trivial topic on which I am fixated. Thank you for your time.

I was led to this book by an article in Wired about an autism epidemic in Silly Valley. When I took the "test" accompanying the article, I noticed that most of the people I know would show as borderline autistic! I was freaked, until I found:

"It seems that for success in science or art, a dash of autism is essential. For success, the necessary ingredient may be an ability to turn away from the everyday world, from the simply practical, an ability to re-think a subject with originality so as to create in new untrodden ways, with all abilities canalised into the one specialty." --Hans Asperger (1979)
Of course, I didn't find that quote until I got this book.

Tony Attwood does an outstanding job of gathering information about the range of symptoms and resulting handicaps associated with Asperger's Syndrome. What he doesn't do as well is to present effective interventions or treatments. I think the reasons for this include the relative newness of differentiating Asperger's from other mild autisms, but also the mistaken (IMHO) belief that psychology is a real science, as opposed to a way to isolate everyone with their own special labels.

Read this book if you have a real concern that a child you're responsible for may need professional evaluation. Don't however, fall into the trap that mild symptoms are in fact pointers to the disorder -- you'll suspect every kid under 20, and most adults.

I bought this book for a college paper I did and to learn more about Asperger as my son is symtomatic, yet undiagnosed. Attwood has a great way of explainging this syndrome in terms anyone can understand. Charts are included to see how this is diagnosed and even ways to help a child who is diagnosed with this syndrome. I would recommend this book highly.

If you could own only one book on Asperger's this is the book. While it is not perfect, it leaves out lots of information on research regarding aggression, language, etc., it covers the basics extremely well while presenting the state of the research honestly. All too many books on this currently hot topic seem to want to sensationalize the issues surrounding Asperger's while Attwood presents his material in a very careful, caring, and honest fashion. I have given several copies of this book to professional educators who had been misinformed by reading other works on Asperger's and they have uniformly praised this book for its clarity and utility.

Where are the books for adults with this condition? Do people with Asperger's just disappear? I don't think so.

A must-have for any AS parent or educator. If you're not much of a reader - look for Tony Attwood's video of the same title. He covers much of the material (superficially) during a lecture on this tape...

All Medical Personel to whom I have shown this book have asked for info on getting one for their offices. It has been a great help in understanding and dealing with this Syndrome. It answered many questions that have been asked by those who deal with my grandson, teachers, nurses, doctors, therapists, and even more important, the parents of his friends. God Bless Tony Attwood.

While this book is primarily for parents and teachers of children with AS, it belongs on the bookshelf of anyone concerned about AS. What sets this book apart from others is that it not only describes AS, but also provides concrete guidance.

The first chapter describes diagnosis. Each of the next six chapters describes a particular impairment associated with AS, with real-life examples, and gives strategies for dealing with that impairment, both in detail and in bullet form at the end of the chapter. After those chapters are a FAQ and various appendices, one of which lists numerous resources.

The most touching parts are the numerous first-hand descriptions of AS included in the various chapters, in both prose and poems.

Tony Attwood has a knack for explaining a difficult subject. This book's greatest assest is that it is concise and educational, but not overwhelmingly scientific and boring. The FAQ section towards the end of the book is wonderful! There are answers to common questions, and even questions that one didn't think to ask. There are also three appendices for further information, as well as a large reference section (including a list of informational websites). I purchased this book shortly after my son was diagnosed with AS, and it gave me the information and hope that I so badly needed. It's also a great book to share with family members, teachers, and caregivers so they can better understand your unique situation. Highly recommended!

When my son was young, no one knew about Asperger's. He was diagnosed ADD, then ADHD with PDD. When he was diagnosed with AS at age 14, this is the first thing I read. It was as if Dr. Attwood had been spying on my son since he was born. This book gives incredible insight into this syndrome and has been of great help to our family and my son's teachers in dealing with his way of viewing life. Thank you!

Not many books can truly be called "must-have", but if you have a child with Aspergers, teach a child with Aspergers or deal in any way with a child with Aspergers, you NEED this book. I find myself referring so often back to it to help me understand my 5 year old son. I think my favorite part of this book is that it's positive---it doesn't gloss over the tough parts of life with AS, but it leaves you feeling the author truly likes and admires those with AS. I have lend this book to all my son's teachers, my parents and many others. It's amazing how it deals with the big issues, like school, dealing with changes and socialization, and even helped me understand little issues like why my son is obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine!

After years of reading, trying to find THE BOOK that I could refer my son's educators to, I finally found it! Every page reaffirms what I know as a parent, every page has information that will help the professionals who work with our 12 year old AS son, and hopefully one day our son will read this book and find it reassuring..to know that it's okay to have Aspergers, that it's okay to be himself, armed with a knowledge that people can understand him and that there are others like him. Thank you Tony Attwood!

THIS BOOK IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME I AM STUDYING SPECIAL ED AND IT WILL BE USEFULL TO ME LATER.ALSO I THINK THAT I HAVE AS MY SELF TO A MILD DEGREE I SAW MY SELF IN MANY OF THE PARTS OF THE BOOK. ANYWAY THIS BOOKS IS A MUST READ FOR PEOPLE INTERSETED OR AFFECTED BY THIS DISORDER.

I have a personal interest in the subject of Asperger Syndrome in connection with my son's condition and I would like to get a hold of Mr. Attwood's email or any other contact avenue. This is URGENT. Can anybody help and email me at cathdlau@netvigator.com

If you are a parent or teacher of a child with Asperger's this is a must have. It is the most helpful book I have read regarding Asperger's Syndrome.

This is an excellent book! There's lots of info in it, and what's amazing is that there are all of these toys and games out now on socializing and figuring out people. Those things would have been a GREAT help if they'd been around when I was a kid, especially the Trivial Pursuit thing, as I would insist on knowing every answer down cold hehe. This shows how to teach kids the things I had to learn through hard experience, there are lots of things emphasizing rules, and I can't concieve of how anyone copes with social things without following rules. Finally I'd like to say this rates extra Aspie appeal points because (1) the rectangular thing on the cover looks really cool and (2) the paper this thing is made of, under light with any appreciable UV componant, *glows with an eerie blue along the spine* and that's just interesting!

A very good book, I underlined about 1/4. Good overview although, I found ''Asperger's Syndrome and Difficult Moments'' slightly more helpful and more practical.

I truly can't say enough about this book. It really IS the key to understanding an Asperger's child. It is concise, easy to read, and has a short, clear index so you are able to zero in on what you want to find out. The author is honest, yet optimistic about these childrens' abilities and the strengths and weaknesses associated with this disorder. If you only buy one book regarding Asperger's Syndrome, this is the one to get.

In the Preface, Attwood mentions meeting over a thousand individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, ranging widely in age, ability, and background, and of being impressed by some of their abilities. As an AS person myself, I am impressed by Attwood's understanding of these individuals as real people, and by the simple straightforward language used. Temple Grandin's review, as printed on the back cover of this book, said that the book would have been a great benefit to her as a teenager and young adult. It also includes positive aspects of Asperger's Syndrome. Her full review summed up the book well and could well have been included in this series of reviews. There are eight main chapters, titled Diagnosis, Social Behaviour, Language, Interests and Routine, Motor Clumsiness, Cognition, Sensory Sensitivity, and Frequently Asked Questions. There are also three appendices, including Diagnostic Criteria. And there are References, Subject Index, and Author Index. Only of late has there been a widening of knowledge of Asperger's Syndrome. This is a book that has measurably helped, and will be useful for quite a while yet.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this book!!! If you know someone who seems to exhibit certain autistic behaviors, yet does not fit your (outdated) profile of an autistic person, this book is a must read.

This is a fantastic book and has helped me immensely in my odyssey to understand my 8 year old son. It is very parent-friendly without being at all condescending in tone. It has a wealth of examples that humanize the subject and concrete suggestions for helping children with this syndrome. It is at the same time short enough not to be daunting. Thank heavens for this kind of guidance.