Susan Ashley Ashley - The Aspergers Answer Book: Professional Answers to 300 of the Top Questions Parents Ask

The Top 300 Questions Parents Ask

SUSAN ASHLEY, PHD

Copyright 2007 by Susan Ashley
Cover and internal design 2007 by Sourcebooks, Inc.
Cover photo Getty Images
The Picture Communication Symbols 1981-2006 by Mayer-Johnson LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Used with permission.
Sourcebooks and the colophon are registered trademarks of Sourcebooks, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systemsexcept in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviewswithout permission in writing from its publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.From a Declaration of Principles Jointly Adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations

This book is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified physician. The intent of this book is to provide accurate general information in regard to the subject matter covered. If medical advice or other expert help is needed, the services of an appropriate medical professional should be sought.

Published by Sourcebooks, Inc.
P.O. Box 4410, Naperville, Illinois 60567-4410
(630) 961-3900
Fax: (630) 961-2168
www.sourcebooks.com

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Ashley, Susan, PhD.
The Asperger's answer book : the top 300 questions parents ask / Susan
Ashley.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4022-1977-1
ISBN-10: 1-4022-1977-6
1. Asperger's syndrome in children--Popular works. I. Title.

RJ506.A9A77 2006
618.92'858832--dc22

2006020833

Printed and bound in the United States of America.

CH 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Dedication

For todays child and tomorrows adult

The writing of this book would never have been possible without the many children with Aspergers Disorder whom I have had the great fortune to meet and share their lives. While a child psychologist learns from workshops, seminars, and books, it is the time spent with these children that has been the greatest teacher to me in my journey with Aspergers Disorder. I have felt honored by the parents who selected me to be their childs psychologist. While it has been my pleasure to help these children, it has been my personal joy to know each and every one.

The words thank you do not capture the depth of my gratitude to my research assistant Tiffany Kleoni-Witwit. It is only with her help that this book is able to provide the solid research-based findings.

A word of gratitude for Ed Brostoff, MA, special education advocate, for sharing his knowledge of special education.

Many thanks to Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BC, BA, founder and director of the Center for Autism and Related Disorders in Tarzana, CA, for her expertise on autism.

Appreciation goes to my copy editors Tara VanTimmeren and Rachel Jay who ensure that I have put the commas, colons, and periods in all the right places, and to Katie Olsen for her attention to detail throughout the production of this book.

Once again it was my great pleasure to work with Senior Editor Bethany Brown. She has a passion for child psychology and Aspergers Disorder that is the inspiration that gave life to this book.

To Teri for her never-ending supply of enthusiasm for whatever endeavor I pursue, including this book.

As always, my deepest appreciation to Stan for everything, and more.

The world of Aspergers Disorder is confusing and overwhelming. From the moment you suspect your child has Aspergers Disorder, also known as Aspergers Syndrome, you begin a journey that seems to have no road map. Once your child is diagnosed, the destination becomes even less clear.

Is it Aspergers Disorder or high-functioning autism?

Will your child be able to make friends?

What about special education?

Does your child need to be tested?

How can your child learn social skills?

The list of questions goes on and on, but the answers are difficult to find.

The Aspergers Answer Book gives you the answers to your most important questions. Over sixteen years in private practice has given me the inside perspective of what parents really want to know. The answers in this book are the same answers I would give to you if we were having a face-to-face consultation in my office. The answers are based on the current research and state-of-the-art psychological techniques.

This book differs from all other books about Aspergers Disorder because, like a dictionary, this book can be used as a reference. Over the years, as your child progresses through the various stages of this disorder, you will have The Aspergers Answer Book on your reference shelf to find the answers to your new questions.

The Aspergers Answer Book will transform you into a well-informed parent. You will have extensive knowledge direct from a child psychologist who treats Aspergers Disorder. You will have straightforward, no-holds-barred, honest information about what you are likely to face over the years in raising your child with Aspergers Disorder. You will have the most current information based on research and clinical practice.

In writing The Aspergers Answer Book, it is my hope that it becomes your guidebook and that you will use it frequently. I hope that you will turn to this book each time you have a question. It is my wish that you will use the numerous techniques in this book that I, and many other child psychologists, have used over the years in treating children with Aspergers Disorder. I hope that you find the inspiration to apply the techniques despite the tireless effort it requires on your part. While some of your reward for your hard work will come in the days, weeks, and months ahead, your true reward will come in the years ahead when you see your child succeed in school, find his place with friends, like who he has become, and find a passion that he can make his lifes work.

What is Aspergers Disorder?

What are the social interaction symptoms of Aspergers Disorder?

What are the thinking problems seen in Aspergers Disorder?

What are the emotional problems seen in Aspergers Disorder?

What are the intense preoccupations seen in Aspergers Disorder?

What are the repetitive behaviors, routines, and movements seen in Aspergers Disorder?