Our Journey Through High Functioning Autism & Asperger Syndrome: A Roadmap

Linda Andron, editor. Jessica Kingsley Publishers - www.jkp.com

I have written the Foreword to this book.

In the first chapter, Jeanette Darlington writes about her sons Glen and Evan and that “Sometimes I think I’ve learned more from them than they have from me. Whatever the truth of that, it’s been an interesting and educational journey.” The authors of this book have chosen an appropriate title. When you start reading, you embark on a journey of discovery. Jeanette’s chapter explores areas of autism and Asperger’s Syndrome that are unknown territory. The research literature makes little reference to imagination, humour and empathy yet parents and experienced clinicians know that individuals with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder can develop an idiosyncratic imagination, a remarkable sense of humour and acquire empathy for others. The developmental perspective and personal comments of her sons are remarkably illuminating.

We are only just beginning to learn how to help other children understand the perspective and abilities of the child with Asperger’s Syndrome and the chapter by Max Lisser and Jennifer Westbay entitled “Making Friends with Aliens” provides a resource in the form of a booklet that will become a template for both parents and teachers. The material is an adaptation of the seminal work in this area by Carol Gray and also enables the child to identify and have recognised its own qualities.

There can be a two-way breakdown in understanding and communication between us and the person with Asperger’s Syndrome. One way of improving communication is to learn “How to Speak Asperger’s” and Fran Goldfarb’s chapter could be considered as a foreign language guide for the journey. The advice and translations are essential reading for parents and professionals.

We now recognise that when a child is diagnosed as having Asperger’s Syndrome, there is the distinct possibility that a close relative may have the same pattern of abilities and a similar developmental history. Learning that his son had the diagnosis led Jim Devine to realise that he shares some of the characteristics of his son. His chapter provides the perspective of a father and examines the thoughts and perceptions of adults.

Calvin’s development is described by his father, Jim Nye with Calvin’s own comments on situations and the understanding of his father. The chapter ends with: “Calvin still accuses me of making him not autistic, especially when he is frustrated with being normal. He has his own second smile and has thanked me for helping him become who he is today. The fight was worth it.”

Linda Andron is a clinical social worker and specialises in this area and her chapter incorporates the academic and theoretical perspectives with those of parents and individuals with High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. She describes some of her programs for children and families and her insight and strategies will be particularly valuable for social workers and therapists.

Our Journey Through High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome: A Roadmap, is an excellent travellers’ guide because it is written by people who have been there. The stories are enthralling and the authors experiences enable us understand the culture and perspective of people with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This book is recommended for anyone who has embarked on a journey to explore a part of our world that we have only recently discovered.