Life And Love: Positive Strategies for Autistic Adults

Written for adults on the spectrum and those involved – parents, spouses, friends – this book is divided into two sections: life and love. In the life section, the author describes and suggests concrete ways to deal with some of the issues and problems faced by those on the autism spectrum. Examples include how to accommodate sensory issues, maintain a home, and manage a career. In the love section, instead of focusing on one topic, such as dating, the author includes a broad spectrum of suggestions for different types of relationships and weaves these together with the core concept of self-esteem.

Zosia Zaks has Asperger Syndrome. Although she completed her master’s degree in technical journalism from Polytechnic University in 2000 and held a variety of writing and editing jobs, it was various vocational and social challenges that led to her diagnosis at age 31. Now, with a clearer understanding of autism and how it impacts her life, Zosia has managed to face these challenges with creative ideas and innovative compromises. She now works as a heavy equipment operator in the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825. This type of work allows her to go from project to project and is concrete in nature. She also runs www.intelligirl.com, a website that allows visitors to customize jewelry. Additionally, she lectures and conducts workshops nationally on issues of importance to the autistic community; consults with families, couples, and adults on the spectrum to find ways to meet challenges based on autistic strengths; and serves on the Advisory Board of GRASP, the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership. She is married to her partner Gena. They live just outside New York City with their fifteen-month-old twin daughters, Ruby and Eislyn, and their cat, Zero.