The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome. Advice, Support, Insights, and Inspiration

Patricia Romanowski Bashe, Barbara L. Kirby, authors. For more information: www.aspergersyndrome.org/oasis_guide

The Oasis Guide Foreword by (written by Tony Attwood).

If you have a child with Asperger’s Syndrome, this is the book for you. Patty Romanowski and Barb Kirby know the issues faced by parents and using an analysis of hundreds of thousands of Internet messages and discussions on the OASIS web site, have written the OASIS guide. Why have there been so many messages? Although Asperger’s Syndrome was originally considered to be a rare developmental disorder, recent studies have established that it is much more common than was first thought. It is now recognised that in a town of 10,000 people, there will be around 30 whose pattern of abilities are consistent with a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. However, less than half of these unusual individuals will have received a formal diagnosis.

Part one of the book explains our current knowledge of the nature of Asperger’s Syndrome from the perspective of clinicians and families. The key characteristics are explained using practical language rather than scientific terminology. Where there is limited academic knowledge, the authors have constructed questionnaires for parents. They have collated invaluable information from hundreds of respondents to provide greater understanding in areas such as special interests and sensitivity to certain sensory experiences. The section on the impact of the diagnosis on parents is particularly valuable to clinicians. Parents and professionals will both benefit from the information on dual diagnosis, especially the characteristics associated with Attention Deficit Disorder. While the diagnosis may end a parent’s nomadic wandering for an explanation and provide relief that the cause is not due to faulty parenting, the next issue is what do we do now to help my son or daughter?

Part two, Taking Control, explains how parents can gain access to information, support and treatment for their child. This section is almost a parents’ encyclopaedia. The authors know the questions raised by parents and families and provide answers that are informed, objective and reasonable. They review the current range of interventions and therapies, and parents and teachers will be especially interested in the strategies to improve social understanding. Parents have many questions about the value of medication and the authors have provided a guide to the relevant issues and benefits. As the book is written by two parents and to be read by parents, the text includes information on the role of a parent within the multidisciplinary team, recognising that they are experts on their child. There is also information on the responsibilities of various government agencies and relevant legislation. This section is basically a guide to the system and how to survive and thrive.

Part three considers aspects of the whole child , their social and emotional world, life at school and growing up. If parents feel confused, anxious and alone, this book will provide clear explanations, reassurance and a sense of fellowship. I recommend that this book is read by parents immediately after the diagnosis and consulted before subsequent meetings with professionals. It was written by two experts on Asperger’s Syndrome for prospective experts, parents.