`Chris Mitchell was 20 when he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Both his academic success and the horrendous bullying he suffered highlight the mixed blessings of mainstream education for a child with Asperger syndrome. While his eventual success is heartwarming, from today's understanding of Asperger, the ignorance and hostility Mitchell faced throughout his early life are shocking' - TES Extra for Special Needs 'This autobiographical account of a young man's discovery that Asperger's syndrome could explain his early problems and provide light at the end of the tunnel, is both insightful and inspiring. Parents of children with Asperger's syndrome and also older "aspies" will profit from Chris's hard won experience' - Dyslexia Contact '[This] is a straightforward read, full of concrete examples of how Asperger's syndrome affects the individual but at the same time acknowledging that every individual is different. Having experienced first-hand the vulnerability of the adolescent with Asperger's syndrome, desperate to make connections with those around him but constantly being knocked back, I was delighted to read about the friendships [Chris Mitchell] eventually establishes when he takes the brave decision to make contacts through the web and sets out on his travels. I would particularly recommend this book to those with little knowledge of Asperger's syndrome, especially for anyone involved in helping those with a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome through further education' - British Journal of Special Education `This book is a 'must-read' for any parents of children with Aspergers syndrome and also older aspies themselves. They will be able to relate to the slightly quirky writing style and profit from Chris's hard won experience. These children are so individualistic and often isolated from like minds, so the book will provide some solace that there are other people like them' - Judith Stansfield, Chair North Richmondshire Community Partnership SEN ICT Consultant NASEN ICT Group BDACC Reviews and Literature Editor `This book shows how one individual with very severe handicaps due to Asperger's Syndrome won through in the end and achieved despite such a poor beginning. This is a book which should be read by anyone who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome or feels he or she might have this condition' - Dr L F Lowenstein, National Association Gifted Children Newsletter 'This is an unusual book in that it is written by a man where most autobiographical books about autism are written by women. It is both very readable and well-written, with a detached an honest account of his childhood, family life and life prior to diagnosis. He gets on well with his family, and they are happy that he has written this book, and happy with the book, despite some implied criticism of how they brought him up. Indeed, it comes across as less aggressive than some accounts, so it is particularly insightful for parents and other empathotypicals who might find more black-and-white descriptions of their mistakes hurtful. As with every book written by someone on the spectrum that I have seen, it is a short book, giving a snapshot of his difficulties and joys before and also after his diagnosis, giving highlights of specific problems and pleasures. Overall I think it would be a good book for someone who recognises himself in the author, or as a starting point for deepening your understanding of your brother, son or friend, or, if you are already interested in this condition, to broaden your understanding of the ways that it present itself' - Asperger United '[A]n especially uplifting read for a young person or adult newly diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrom. It also would help those unfamiliar with Asperger's Syndrome to understand the condition much better' - REACH This gripping and at times astonishing story will be inspirational to all adults either facing Asperger's Syndrome personally or interacting with someone who has been diagnosed. In his own imitable style, Chris Mitchell describes his life before and after diagnosis with Asperger's Syndrome. We follow Chris through primary and secondary school, where his lack of social interaction and anger continually land him in trouble, and where he is bullied for being different. Only his excellent memory and specialist interests enable him to continue, and pass his GCSEs and a GNVQ in Media Studies. At university he is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. Suddenly his life makes more sense, and his self-awareness means his self-confidence returns, resulting in world travel, a Masters qualification in Information and Library Management and finally, acceptance. Chris Mitchell is a Records Assistant at Durham County Record Office, and also does public speaking on the subject of Asperger's Syndrome.
Individuals with autism and their caregivers face unique challenges in later childhood and adolescence. This volume translates research on the needs of this population into practical recommendations for clinicians and educators. The book features vivid case examples and an in-depth, reproducible assessment form. Accessible guidance and hands-on ......
Young people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) often feel uncomfortable and anxious in social situations, but socializing with classmates and colleagues can be made easier and enjoyable with Guiding Toward Growth group sessions.John Merges' simple yet effective program for teaching social enjoyment skills is based on the concept that there ......
''Your child has autism'' - four small words with the power to leave parents feeling helpless, overwhelmed and confused. This concise, no-nonsense book will enable parents to regain control of the situation and take the first practical steps towards a calm and happy life with their newly-diagnosed child.Dr. Larson Kidd's approach draws from the ......
Over 80 genetic conditions have now been reported in people who have also been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A number of these have specific implications for management and intervention, which if not identified, can result in a sub-optimal level of care, complications or even permanent damage. Kenneth J. Aitken shows that the ......
Leaving home and moving to college or university can be a daunting experience. In this easy-to-use book, Rosemary Martin provides guidance and invaluable advice for students on the autism spectrum as they plan for and settle into college life.Packed with straightforward methods for coping and succeeding away from home, this book focuses on the ......
Allison Hope-West is Head of Education at the Sheiling School, Ringwood, and a distance learning tutor on the M(ed) Autism course at the University of Birmingham. She was previously Director of Special Educational Needs Placements for the Cambian Group, which provides specialist residential education and care for young people with autistic ......
Prosopagnosia Management Strategies for Parents and Professionals
Can you imagine not being able to recognize the faces of your closest friends and family if they changed their hairstyle, wore glasses, or perhaps put on a hat?Prosopagnosia is a severe face recognition deficit which is thought to impact two percent of the population. It can be found among children on the autism spectrum as well as others, and yet ......
The Definitive Guide to Using Alternative-Augmentative Communication, Visual Strategies, and Learning Supports at Home and School
Carol L. Spears and Vicki L. Turner are both experienced Speech and Language Pathologists with particular expertise in alternative/augmentative communication (AAC) services and visual strategies for clients with autism and pervasive developmental disorders. Both live in Ohio.
