Navigating the Social World: A Curriculum for Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and Related Disorders

Jeanette McAfee (2002) . Published by Future Horizons Inc. ISBN: 1-885477-82-1

It was while presenting a workshop in California that I met Jeanette, a paediatrician. Her determination to learn more about AS, HFA, and treatment interventions included moving the whole family to Australia for three months to participate in the programs I was developing in Brisbane. While in Australia, Jeanette observed my clinical work at my clinic in Brisbane, and spent some time with two autism advisory teachers in the Brisbane region. In addition, we spent many hours assessing her daughter’s unusual profile of abilities and designing and implementing programs for her. We generated many new ideas that combined our respective experience. Jeanette subsequently incorporated many of these strategies into Navigating the Social World.

This “how to” book is written for both the novice and experienced professional and will be of enormous value to parents, teachers and therapists. Jeanette has undertaken considerable work in designing handouts, worksheets and tracking forms that provide a structured, logical and progressive approach. There are clear explanations of the relevant issues for each goal and the activities are consistent with the theoretical models of autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. After reading this book you can immediately start a program at home or school.

There is a special focus on recognising and coping with emotions, communication, social understanding, and abstract thinking with practical examples and quotations from individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism. Jeanette adopts a common sense approach and I strongly recommend this book for parents, teachers and other professionals.