A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive - Softcover

Sally Ozonoff; Geraldine Dawson; James McPartland

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1572305312 ISBN 13: 9781572305311

Publisher: The Guilford Press, 2002

Synopsis

Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism are detected earlier and more accurately today than ever before. Children and teens with these disorders often stand out for their precocious intelligence and language abilities--yet profound social difficulties can limit every aspect of their lives. This hopeful, compassionate guide shows parents how to work with their child's unique impairments and capabilities to help him or her learn to engage more fully with the world and live as self-sufficiently as possible. From leading experts in the field, the book is packed with practical ideas for helping children relate more comfortably to peers, learn the rules of appropriate behavior, and participate more fully in school and family life. It also explains what scientists currently know about autistic spectrum disorders and how they are diagnosed and treated. Real-life success stories, problem-solving ideas, and matter-of-fact advice on everything from educational placements to career planning make this an indispensable reference that families will turn to again and again.
 

About this title

About the Author

Sally Ozonoff, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the M.I.N.D. Institute, a national center for the study and treatment of autism spectrum disorders based at the University of California, Davis. She is widely known for her research, teaching, and clinical expertise in the areas of Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism. Previously, she was Associate Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and co-Director of the Autism Specialty Clinic at the University of Utah.

Geraldine Dawson, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Duke Center for Autism Diagnosis and Treatment at Duke University. She served as Founding Director of the University of Washington Autism Center. An internationally recognized autism expert with a focus on early detection, intervention, and brain plasticity in autism, Dr. Dawson is a passionate advocate for families. She is coauthor of An Early Start for Your Child with Autism and A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism.

James McPartland is a doctoral candidate in child clinical psychology at the University of Washington.
 

Reviews

Among various autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism (AS-HFA) are similar diagnoses. Representing a majority of ASD cases, these two diagnoses are used interchangeably, and Ozonoff (M.I.N.D. Inst.) and her coauthors rightfully make little distinction between them. In Part 1 of this book, the authors cover definitions, diagnosis, causes, and treatments of AS-HFA, while Part 2 considers living with AS-HFA, channeling a child's strengths, and dealing with home, school, and the social world and life as an adult with AS-HFA. Throughout, readers will find excellent examples and solutions to basic problems; also included are numerous instances of older children who went beyond basic communication issues to social situations such as dating, school, living on their own, and employment. Most books on AS-HFA focus on early intervention and basic skills, but this book offers help for older children and adults as well, making it very valuable. Strongly recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with autism or education collections. Corey Seeman, Univ. of Toledo Libs., OH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Preface I. Understanding Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism 1. What are Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism? 2. The Diagnostic Process 3. Causes of Autism Spectrum Disorders 4. Treatments for AS and HFA II. Living with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism 5. Channeling Your Child's Strengths: A Guiding Principle 6. Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism at Home 7. HFA and AS at School 8. The AS-HFA Child's Social World 9. Looking Ahead: AS-HFA in Late Adolescence and Adulthood Resources

Edition details

• Publisher: The Guilford Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1572305312
• ISBN 13: 9781572305311
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 278