The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome

Maxine Aston, author. National Autistic Society, publisher

A The book has been published by The National Autistic Society in London and the Autism Asperger publishing company in the United States. Web address is www.asperger.net.

Maxine now has her own web site which is www.maxineaston.co.uk

 

The Other half of Asperger Syndrome Foreword - by Tony Attwood
We tend to have an image of adults with Asperger's Syndrome as solitary and eccentric characters, who actively avoid having an intimate relationship or desperately seek a partner but with no success. This can be a description of some individuals with Asperger's Syndrome but there are others who have a partner and successful career whilst camouflaging their disorder. from their colleagues and friends. However, their partner and family can become aware of their profile of abilities, which is consistent with a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. This book is the seminal guide to living in an intimate relationship with a partner with Asperger's Syndrome.

As a clinician I see many children with Asperger's Syndrome and I have noticed that once parents becomes knowledgeable regarding the characteristic profile of adults with Asperger's Syndrome, they scan themselves and their partner and respective families for signs of the condition. In approximately half of the families I see, there is the recognition of a close adult relative to the child having a similar profile of abilities. When I subsequently see such individuals for a diagnostic assessment, one of the important discussion points is their relationship knowledge and abilities with regard to their partner.

Maxine Aston has explored the relationships of adults with Asperger's Syndrome as part of her academic research, as a qualified couples counsellor specialising in such relationships and from her own personal relationship experience. She knows what she is writing about. She uses quotations and real examples to illustrate her points and has a compassionate understanding of both perspectives. Her insight is extraordinary and her positive attitude and strategies for successful relationships make this an essential guide for couples and counsellors.

The partners of adults with Asperger's Syndrome are remarkable people; they are my heroes. This book is also a tribute to their personal qualities. At last they should have the recognition they deserve and access to resources to encourage mutual understanding.