Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome

This book offers a comprehensive overview of clinical, research and personal perspectives on Asperger Syndrome, including contributions from parents and experts in the fields of psychology, social work, psychiatry, genetics, sexology and vocational counselling.It includes first-hand accounts from adults with AS, highlighting their difficulties in areas such as social competence and education. Specialist perspectives on AS, including sexuality and relationships, finding and keeping employment and anxiety and depression are sensitively addressed. The viewpoints of parents explore experiences of parenting AS individuals. These varied approaches to living with AS complement the emerging literature on theory, research and practice in this area.The broad scope of Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome guarantees a wide readership among practitioners, students, parents, young people and adults with AS, educates service providers how to assist people with AS and suggests a model of interdisciplinary collaboration for administrators and funders.

This book covers a lot of ground, but it does not stint on detail and thoroughness. It is easy to read and yet includes information and knowledge that will be useful in many different situations. It offers an insight into many important perspectives it is necessary to understand if one is to offer a useful response to Asperger's syndrome. This is a book that everyone should have the opportunity of reading and thinking about., This new emphasis in the field on the more able group with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is an important one for researchers and practitioners so this comprehensive book is a welcome addition to the literature. The editor has assembled a distinguished group of contributors, representing a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. The result is a comprehensive volume that adds immeasurably to our understanding of theory and practice in this important area. Although the contributors are primarily Canadian, their themes and reputations are international, and readers will appreciate the multitude of experiences they bring to these important issues. Clinical practice is highlighted but there is a solid section on theoretical perspectives as well. Of particular interest to many are the personal perspectives of individuals with ASD and their parents. The book will be of interest to parents, professionals, academics, and everyone else affected by or interested in ASD. It is a welcome addition to the literature and the editor and contributor are to be thanked for their efforts.

Gail Hawkins is an experienced vocational consultant, who has specialized in working with people on the autism spectrum for the past 15 years. Formerly Director of the Kerry's Place Autism Services, in 1995 she founded Mission Possible, the first agency in North America to find avenues to employment specifically for people with Asperger Syndrome. Isabelle Hénault has a masters degree in sexology and a doctorate of psychology from the Quebec University in Montreal. She has a private practice that provides assessment and therapy for individuals, couples and families, and acts as a consultant to a variety of organizations and schools. Her expertise lies in Asperger's Syndrome, with a special emphasis on sexuality, and she is the author of a sociosexual education programme for people with AS. She is involved with several international research projects on sexual education and psychotherapy for people on the autism spectrum.