Tony Attwood explores in depth the complexity of the mysterious group of clinical pictures known collectively as Aspergers syndrome, part of the wider autistic spectrum. He describes all the puzzling and fascinating aspects of these conditions and brings them vividly to life with illustrations from personal histories. He emphasises the fact that the individuals concerned have special skills as well as disabilities. Most important of all, he makes imaginative but always practical suggestions for helping people with the syndrome, their families and others who are involved. The author has achieved real empathic understanding of children and adults whose basic problem is a biologically based lack of empathy with others. The book is to be highly recommended for those with Aspergers syndrome as well as for families, other carers and professionals in the field.
Lorna Wing
Tony Attwoods Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome is a boon for all those who are confronted by this intriguing condition in their daily lives. It is full of good sense and the wisdom that comes from years of clinical experience, and full of compassionate advice for a host of problems, vividly illustrated by case material. This is a comprehensively researched and beautifully written state of the art review of what is currently known about Aspergers syndrome. I would recommend this volume as essential reading not only to those who want to learn about Aspergers syndrome, or expand their knowledge, but also to professionals who would like to gain a fuller, wiser and richer picture than can currently be gained from any other source.
Uta Frith
An encyclopedia on Aspergers syndrome written in easy-to-read non-technical language. It will be especially useful for helping individuals with Aspergers, parents and professionals understand the social difficulties. There is a good mix of research information, first person reports and clinical information. The section on sensory over-sensitivity is excellent. Sensory issues prevent many people on the autism/Aspergers spectrum from participating in many social activities because stimuli that do not bother most people are intolerable.
Temple Grandin
author of Thinking in Pictures and Animals in Translation
Ten years ago, I picked up a copy of Tony Attwoods Aspergers Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals . Little did I know it would change me, my family and our lives together. This straightforward, no nonsense book did for me what nothing and no one else in my entire life had ever been able to do. Simply put, it explained the whys behind who I was, and in so doing, it gave me the building blocks that would enable me to become who I am today a happy and confident, gainfully employed, married mother of three. Now I realize that might not sound like much of a resume, but for someone like me someone who was not identified as having Aspergers syndrome until they were in their thirties well, its stupendous. Until I read Dr. Attwoods book, everything about me was in jeopardy of evaporating into the thin air I had spent my life stumbling through. My marriage, my self-esteem, my identity, my ability to form relationships and keep a job all those things did I barely have a grasp of, even if all the while others thought I had it made in the shade. Dr. Attwood, or Saint Tony as I call him, gave me the strength to come out to the world and admit I was only pretending to be normal. That strength saved my life, of that I am certain. And now Saint Tony has penned a new book and it is extraordinary. The Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome is a comprehensive manual filled with useful information, updated research and most importantly, helpful advice and encouragement for those of us who have AS and those who strive to support us.
Liane Holliday Willey, EdD
author of Pretending to be Normal: Living With Aspergers Syndrome
Grounded in research from close to 30 years of direct experience, yet very accessible, Dr Attwood brings understanding of Asperger Syndrome to new heights. Peppered with personal accounts and clear explanations Tony guides the reader with practical solutions to the myriad challenges facing people with Asperger Syndrome, and empowering them in maximizing their considerable strengths for leading fulfilling and productive lives. This book is a must have for everyone, including those with Asperger Syndrome.
Stephen Shore, AbD
author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome
The Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome
from the same author
Aspergers Syndrome
A Guide for Parents and Professionals
Tony Attwood
Foreword by Lorna Wing
ISBN 978 1 85302 577 8
eISBN 978 1 84642 697 1
The Autism Spectrum, Sexuality and the Law
What every parent and professional needs to know
Tony Attwood, Isabelle Hnault and Nick Dubin
ISBN 978 1 84905 919 0
eISBN 978 0 85700 679 0
From Like to Love for Young People with Aspergers Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Learning How to Express and Enjoy Affection with Family and Friends
Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett
ISBN 978 1 84905 436 2
eISBN 978 0 85700 777 3
Exploring Feelings for Young Children with High-Functioning Autism or Aspergers Disorder
The STAMP Treatment Manual
Angela Scarpa, Anthony Wells and Tony Attwood
ISBN 978 1 84905 920 6
eISBN 978 0 85700 681 3
Been There. Done That. Try This!
An Aspies Guide to Life on Earth
Edited by Tony Attwood, Craig R. Evans and Anita Lesko
ISBN 978 1 84905 964 0
eISBN 978 0 85700 871 8
Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Autism Spectrum, Tourettes, Anxiety, and More!
The one-stop guide for parents, teachers, and other professionals 2nd edition
Martin L. Kutscher MD
With contributions from Tony Attwood PhD and Robert R. Wolff MD
ISBN 978 1 84905 967 1
eISBN 978 0 85700 882 4
The Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome
Tony Attwood
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
London and Philadelphia
First published in hardback in 2007
Paperback edition first published in 2008
This revised edition published in 2015
by Jessica Kingsley Publishers
73 Collier Street
London N1 9BE, UK
and
400 Market Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
www.jkp.com
Copyright Tony Attwood 2007, 2015
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form (including photocopying or storing it in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without the written permission of the copyright owner except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 or under the terms of a licence issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd, Saffron House, 610 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS. Applications for the copyright owners written permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the publisher.
Warning: The doing of an unauthorised act in relation to a copyright work may result in both a civil claim for damages and criminal prosecution.
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Attwood, Tony.
The complete guide to Aspergers syndrome / Tony Attwood.
p. cm.
First published in 2006.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-84310-669-2 (pb : alk. paper) 1. Aspergers syndrome. I. Title.