A poster on the parenting forum I belong to has posted this question:

Hi all!

Just wondering if anyone has some good book titles on aspergers. I was just told about one called the Asperger answer book - by Susan Ashley - i hear some very specifec questions are answered, covering a variety of things. I also heard about a book that has a group of different families with kids(s) on the spectrum telling their stories, and what they do, etc.- it may be called living with autism ? - anyone have any info ?

I know there are several Asperger's experts on here. Could anybody suggest any books?

Thanks!
Hugs
Karen

Karen, ya know Ursa's one of the experts here. I am sure she can be helpful.

Yeah, she's the main one I was thinking of.....

Okay, fine, here I am!

Most of the books I have are about/for adults with AS, as I am the one with it, and my kids may have some tendencies, but none of them are even close to actually having AS.

I'll list all of the books I have (except for one, which I decidedly didn't like and don't think is helpful).

Asperger Syndrome and Sensory Issues, Practical Solutions for Making Sense of the World!, by Brenda Smith Myles, Katherine Tascott Cook, Nancy E Miller, Louann Rinner and Lisa A. Robbins. Very good book that helps understand the sensory problems people with AS experience.

Children, Youth and Adults with Asperger Syndrome, Integrating Multiple Perspectives. Edited by Kevin P. Stoddart (who wrote one section as well as editing, and is the one who diagnosed me). It has about 25 different contributors, and therefore approaches AS from different perspectives.

The Genesis of Artistic Creativity, Asperger's Syndrome and the Arts, by Michael Fitzgerald. Showing that people with AS are some of the most creative people on this planet when it comes to writing, inventing, painting, music etc., and giving evidence that would 'diagnose' many great people today. This book shows the strengths of Aspies, rather than always harping about their 'deficiencies' (I call it 'being different' myself, too bad that many people don't like people that don't fit their mold, and they think they need to fix them).

Born on the Wrong Planet, by Erika Hammerschmidt. Autobiography of a young woman with AS and TS (Tourette Syndrome), telling about her problems and triumphs. Excellent read and eye opening.

Pretending to be Normal, Living with Asperger's Syndrome, by Liane Holliday Willey. Interesting read, even though she isn't really autistic enough to be considering herself an Aspie, as far as I am concerned.

Congratulations! It's Asperger Syndrome, by Jen Birch. I read that and cried, as so many of her awful experiences happened to me too, because of being so naive and not recognizing danger to myself (strangely, I can spot danger for my kids, but I am oblivious to situations that put myself in danger, I simply don't recognize them). This is another autobiography, and definitely worth reading. A real eye opener as well. http://www.aspergers.co.nz/contact.shtml

Solutions for Adults with Asperger Syndrome, Maximizing the Benefits, Minimizing the Drawbacks, to Achieve Success, by Juanita P. Lovett, PH.D. Very helpful and insightful! And not boring at all.

The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome, A guide to living in an intimate relationship with a partner who has Asperger Syndrome, by Maxine Aston. Invaluable for the open-minded spouse/partner of somebody with AS (too bad my husband is not open minded, and therefore this wasn't helpful to him). An excellent book.

Aspergers in Love, Couple Relationships and Family Affairs, by Maxine Aston. Keeps going where the previous book leaves off, invaluable for couples who have one or both partners with AS.

Asperger Syndrome and Long-Term Relationships, by Ashley Stanford. Amazing book, well worth reading.

In addition, go to Tony Attwood's website for a ton of invaluable information. He is one of the leading experts on AS in the world (he is in Australia). http://www.tonyattwood.com.au/

Also, check out the website of the other leading specialist (this one is in England) http://www.autismresearchcentre.com/arc/st...ember.asp?id=33

There, that ought to keep you guys busy for a while!

Thanks Ursa! Your reply was extremely helpful and she was quite thankful!

Hugs
Karen

Thanks so much for posting these. I will be picking up the at least a couple of these for myself and my DS. The one on Aspergers and the Arts will be quite valuable for us. My DS is very gifted but he still struggles a great deal. The diet helps an unbelievable amount but as you know it is not a 'cure'. Although some things can be a real struggle, especially in the social world, it does (at least in my family) seem to go with creative abilities that are not something we would want to go away. It would be great if somehow my DS and I could be more comfortable and feel less alone.

Hi,

I have read the Aspergers answer book and found it very helpful, it covers many practical day to day issues with simple easy to follow ideas and solutions for each. It is written so that it can be used as a reference. I have found myself referring to it for all kinds of situations.

Bon chance

Stan