Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence

Reflecting the views of parents, professionals and those with AS themselves, this book tackles issues that are pertinent to all teenagers, such as sexuality, depression and friendship, as well as topics like disclosure and therapeutic alternatives that are more specific to those with AS. This book is an essential survival guide to adolescence.

Childhood and adult experiences of individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS) are becoming increasingly well documented, yet the crucial formative teenage years have, so far, been neglected. Adolescence is a difficult time for any teenager, but when you have Asperger Syndrome this already emotionally complex time of life becomes all the more challenging. Reflecting the views of parents, professionals and those with AS themselves, this book tackles issues that are pertinent to all teenagers, such as sexuality, depression and friendship, as well as discussing topics like disclosure and therapeutic alternatives that are more specific to those with AS. This book aims to make the transition from child to adult as smooth as possible, and is an essential survival guide to adolescence.

Foreword, Luke Jackson, UK. Introduction. 1. Asperger Syndrome in the adolescent years, Richard Howlin, USA. 2. Cognitive behavior therapy, Tony Attwood, Australia. 3. The sexuality of adolescents with Asperger Syndrome, Isabelle Henault, University of Quebec, Canada. 4. Can my baby learn to dance?, Steve Gutstein, The Connections Center, USA. 5. The importance of occupational therapy for adolescents with Asperger Syndrome, Marc Willey and Liane Holliday Willey, USA. 6. Safety issues for Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome, Dennis Debbaudt, Debbaudt Detective Agency, USA. 7. When the thunder roars, Liane Holliday Willey, USA. 8. Settling into the diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome, Rebecca Moyes, Educational Consultant for State of Pennsylvania, USA. 9. Families and parenting - the domino effect, Jacqui Jackson, UK. 10. Starting from scratch: Being innovative in finding interventions for your adolescent with Asperger Syndrome, DeAnn Foley, President of `Reaching Aspergers/Autism through Information and Networking', USA. 11. Education and the adolescent with Asperger Syndrome, Lise Pyles, Australia. 12. Disclosure for people on the autism spectrum, Stephen Shore, USA. 13. How do I be me?, Mike Stanton, National Autistic Society, UK. Index.