Puberty is a time of huge change in the physical body, in emotional experience and in social relationships. Having an understanding of these developments and learning how to deal with them is essential, and for people with Asperger's syndrome it can be a challenge to get to grips with the social and emotional aspects of puberty, sex and relationships. This book is ideal for those who need clear, detailed explanations and direct answers to the many questions raised by puberty and sexual maturity. Sarah Attwood describes developments in both the male and female body, and explains how to maintain hygiene and personal care, and to promote general good health. She examines emotional changes, including moods and sexual feelings, and provides comprehensive information on sex, sexual health and reproduction. She looks at the nature of friendship, how it changes from childhood to adulthood and its importance as a basis for sexual encounter. She also offers coping strategies for different social experiences, from bullying to dating, and includes essential tips on the politics of mature behaviour, such as knowing the difference between public and personal topics of conversation.

A comprehensive resource for students on the autism spectrum preparing for life after high school, best-selling author/counselor Dr. Jed Baker offers "life skills training" on subjects such as non-verbal cues, body language, dealing with anger, frustration and anxiety, as well as building and maintaining friendships, roommates, and intimate relationships. He focuses on conversational and employment skills, ways to balance work/school with family demands, and problematic areas such as finances, emergencies and transportation matters. The assessment tools he provides for parents and the analysis of the laws that provide accommodations to adults with disabilities are critical for success in life after high school.

Surprisingly little has been written about the daunting challenges that Asperger syndrome presents for adolescents and adults. Barnhill's work helps fill this void. Her sensitive and graphic description of the personal experiences of her family in dealing with the issues of Asperger syndrome makes this a captivating book. Barnhill, who holds a doctorate in autism spectrum disorders blends science and first person experience making this an important book for both professionals and parents.

Ten-to-eighteen year olds face many challenges, and adolescents with AS can have special difficulty navigating through the changes they encounter when they reach middle school. Friends, crushes, schoolwork-the day-to-day lives of teens present complicated issues. Child psychologist and AS specialist Teresa Bolick has solutions for overcoming the obstacles kids with AS face. Packed with practical advice and full of inspiring stories, Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence will be your guidebook as you help a teen with AS down the path toward happiness and success. You'll learn effective techniques for raising a self-sufficient, self-confident teen, and will find inspiration in the dozens of success stories Dr. Bolick shares.

Ann Boushéy's teenage son Jon was diagnosed with high-functioning autism in kindergarten. Having mastered the day-to-day challenges that parenting a young child with autism or Asperger's Syndrome pose, Talking Teenagers considers questions surrounding parenting across the spectrum during the teenage years. Written out of her own experience, this inspirational book provides the information that will encourage other parents with teens on the autism spectrum. Covering everyday topics, from what to take on vacation and dealing with anger, to sex education and planning for the parents' own demise, Ann ends each chapter with thoughtful vignettes: "Chicken Nuggets for the Soul". After reading this book, parents will come away with a sense of empowerment and feeling that they are not alone, while professionals will gain a valuable and compassionate insight into the world of parenting a teenager on the autism spectrum.

This guide for professionals working with students with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs) in further education meets the increasing demand for information and support on this subject. Christine Breakey provides useful guidelines and practical advice on teaching young adults successfully and confidently, emphasising the development of resources and practical skills for use specifically in FE colleges. The author covers all the key areas and offers strategies and solutions for communicating effectively, helping students to manage transition, and understanding and minimising the causes of ASC behaviours as well as teaching social skills and ASC self-awareness. The Autism Spectrum and Further Education will be a vital resource for professionals in FE institutions who have to meet the needs of young adults with ASCs.

Kari Dunn Buron has done it again. Building on her popular 5-Point Scale, A 5 Is Against the Law! takes a narrower look at challenging behavior with a particular focus on behaviors that can spell trouble for adolescents and young adults who have difficulty understanding and maintaining social boundaries. Using a direct and simple style with lots of examples and hands-on activities, A 5 Is Against the Law! speaks directly to adolescents and young adults. The notion behind the 5-point scale is to take an idea or behavior and break it into five parts to make it easier to understand the different degrees of behavior and, eventually, the consequences of one's behavior. A section is also devoted to anxiety and how to cope with this emotion before it begins to escalate, often leading to impulsive and unacceptable behavior. Throughout the book, the reader is encouraged to think about and create his own behavior and anxiety scale that applies to his particular emotions and situations.

People Skills for Young Adults is a complete course in social skills training for students in their teens, and is particularly appropriate for those with mild learning difficulties. The book is practical in emphasis, and comprises a series of lessons accompanied by teacher sheets. Examples of scenarios are given, and students are encouraged to act them out and discuss the issues raised in them. There are also role-plays and student help sheets, which develop the areas covered in the lessons. The areas include friends and relationships, personal development, self-confidence and shyness, assertiveness, counseling and listening skills.

A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome presents an empowering, practical approach to helping people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) to succeed at college, at work, at home and in life. The authors highlight how treating AS as a 'problem' is unproductive, and advocate a solution focused approach which recognizes and uses the strengths of people with AS to foster mutual respect and understanding. Drawing on both their personal experience and knowledge of counseling, the authors use anecdotes and stories to show how people with AS cope in day-to-day situations. They also illustrate how effective communication and understanding of a person's needs and goals are key to improving daily life for people with AS. The final section of the book comprises practical worksheets and resources to help people with AS to recognize their achievements and work towards their goals. This book will be of interest to people who are affected by AS, their families and the people who work with them.

Men with Asperger's Syndrome, young and old, experience difficulty with social interaction, which can be a stumbling block when it comes to getting a girlfriend. Here is a book that demystifies the enigma of 'relationships' by explaining everything in Asperger-friendly terms (some of them mathematical, naturally). Asperger Meets Girl provides hope for all hopeless wooers by offering a choice of three interrelated abstract models for understanding boy-girl relationships. And, to make life easier, these models are presented in graph form where possible. The book also gives valuable practical tips for maximising one's chances of successfully developing a relationship, such as how to start a conversation without scaring the other person off, avoiding the inclination to stare and understanding the concept of 'personal space'. Serious, and seriously funny, this book will help bring happy endings to Asperger boys and make them laugh in the process.

When you don't feel comfortable in your own skin, life can seem strange and foreign-you try to fit in, but with every new day comes a new challenge. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, author Erica Hammerschmidt can relate. Born on the Wrong Planet is the story of her childhood and young adulthood coping with the challenges of Asperger Syndrome. The book started as a collection of stories, poems, and essays that Erika penned during high school. After high school as she studied abroad in Germany, Erika compiled them and created the first version of Born on the Wrong Planet. In the current revised and expanded edition of Born on the Wrong Planet, Erika takes us into the confusing and often tumultuous years of dating, and finally marriage to John, a young man who is also on the spectrum whom she met in college. Throughout, Erika's unique language skills and her fresh perspective on the world combine into a both delightful and enlightening read. In Erika's own words she shares that, even if you feel like an alien, that doesn't negate your potential as a successful human being or your ability to realize your potential.

In this practical, effective resource, the authors share tried and tested techniques for creating and using a personal planner to help individuals on the autism spectrum to develop independence. Planning to Learn is split into three parts. The first part guides adults in helping young people to make sense of the world and to develop and practise coping strategies for any given situation. The authors also explain how simple visual and verbal cues can help people to cope successfully in stressful situations. The second part provides worksheets for the young person to complete to learn how to use plans in different situations, for example staying calm when waiting for a doctor, or coping with a change in the school timetable. Each individual makes a unique planner with procedures to refer to, such as responding to pressure, calming down, being organised, and being around people. The third part includes useful cards, schedules and plans for photocopying and including in the planner. This illustrated photocopiable workbook is packed with guidance, support and helpful notes for those new to, or experienced in, working with children and young people with ASD. It can be used within educational and community settings or at home.

What are the motivations and desires behind relationship choices and sexual behaviour? Are they very different for those with Asperger Syndrome (AS) than for anyone else? Does having extreme sensitivity to physical touch or an above average need for solitude change one's expectation of relationships or sexual experience? Many people on the autism spectrum have limited knowledge of how to establish or conduct sexual relationships: drawing on extensive research with people on the autism spectrum, the book openly explores such questions. For the first time people with AS discuss their desires, needs and preferences in their own words. AS attitudes to issues such as gender, sexual identity and infidelity are included, as well as positive advice for developing relationships and exploring options and choices for sexual pleasure. This accessible book is an invaluable source of information and support for those with Asperger Syndrome and couples in which one or both partners has Asperger Syndrome, as well as counsellors and health and social care professionals.

Working towards greater access and inclusion in education and employment for young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) continues to be a challenge with varying degrees of success. Matthew Hesmondhalgh outlines the inherent problems with improving services for people on the autism spectrum, from specialised schooling to supported living schemes and examines the social issues and attitudes that people with ASDs confront in so many aspects of life. The author draws on his own experience of working at The Integrated Resource, which offers educational opportunities for secondary school aged pupils with ASDs and provides a charity funded supported employment programme for young adults with ASDs. He includes a host of case examples of young people and their parents who have fought battles for inclusion, explaining the obstacles they faced, their failures and their inspiring successes. Autism, Access and Inclusion on the Front Line is a frank and honest appraisal of service provision for young people with ASDs that will both inform and encourage parents and professionals.

In a world of superficial values, peer pressure, and out-of-control consumerism, the world needs more GEEKs: Genuine, Enthusiastic, Empowered Kids. Today's 'culture of cool' has changed the way kids grow up. Rather than enjoying innocent childhoods while developing strong, authentic characters, today's kids can become cynical -- even jaded -- as they absorb the dangerous messages and harmful influences of a dominant popular culture that encourages materialism, high-risk behaviors, and a state of pseudo-adulthood. Author and mother of four Marybeth Hicks suggests an alternative: bringing up geeks. In this groundbreaking book, she shows parents how they can help their children gain the enthusiasm to pursue their passions, not just the latest fashions; the confidence to resist peer pressure and destructive behaviors; the love of learning that helps them excel at school and in life; and the maturity to value family as well as friends, as well as make good moral decisions. With a foundation like that, kids will grow up to be the coolest adults.

Autism and related disorders affect almost every area of an individual's functioning. Yet little has been written on the outcome of autism in adult life, particularly for adults who are of high ability but who continue to be handicapped by their social, communication and behavioral difficulties. Autism and Asperger Syndrome reviews what is known about adults with autism in terms of their social functioning and educational and occupational status. Focusing on the problems experienced by people with autism and ways of overcoming them this new edition has been completely updated to take account of the latest research in the field and includes an additional chapter on the differentiation between autism and Asperger Syndrome. It will be widely welcomed by professionals and those caring for people with autism.

Have you ever been called a freak or a geek? Have you ever felt like one? Luke Jackson is 13 years old and has Asperger Syndrome. Over the years Luke has learned to laugh at such names but there are other aspects of life which are more difficult. Adolescence and the teenage years are a minefield of emotions, transitions and decisions and when a child has Asperger Syndrome, the result is often explosive. Luke has three sisters and one brother in various stages of their adolescent and teenage years but he is acutely aware of just how different he is and how little information is available for adolescents like himself. Drawing from his own experiences and gaining information from his teenage brother and sisters, he wrote this enlightening, honest and witty book in an attempt to address difficult topics such as bullying, friendships, when and how to tell others about AS, school problems, dating and relationships, and morality.

Adolescence is a fraught time for any child. But what if your child is among the more than half million currently estimated to fall on the autistic spectrum? The toddlers diagnosed during the first wave of this epidemic are growing up, and there is alarmingly little information available on how to guide them to independent and successful adulthood. At the renowned Koegel Autism Research Center in Santa Barbara, Lynn Koegel regularly helps parents tackle these issues every day. Like the acclaimed Overcoming Autism, Growing Up on the Spectrum integrates Koegel's strategies and interventions with the questions and concerns of Claire LaZebnik, a writer and the parent of a teenager with autism. Additional pieces by LaZebnik's sixteen-year-old son Andrew offer a unique first-person perspective. Addressing universal parental concerns, from first crushes, a changing body, and the challenges of being socially appropriate to how to succeed at college and beyond, this inspiring volume is the beacon of hope and wisdom that parents, therapists, and educators have been waiting for.

Asperger Syndrome: An Owner s Manual 2 for Older Adolescents and Adults is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Asperger Syndrome--An Owner s Manual, primarily written for middle school-age children. Using the same easy-to-follow format, this interactive workbook deals with issues that older adolescents and adults face such as relationships, marriage, independent living, employment, self-care, etc. The author uses the nonagram, a nine-pointed star symbolizing achievement and completeness to visually guide readers through each major section of the book This much-needed resource is designed to inform and support individuals with AS as they come to grips with their strengths and challenges and plan for a successful adulthood within the neurotypical world.

This training program for teachers and carers assesses ASD students' strengths and abilities, fears and challenges and helps them acquire the skills necessary for a smooth transition from school to employment. The authors give guidance on developing life skills for employability and independent living, for example, hygiene, time and money management, communication skills, decision-making and setting and achieving realistic goals. They also clearly define the role of parents, job coaches and employers and stress that students are empowered by appropriate support from collaborative, informed teams. The career program enables students to find out about and explore career options, know how and where to search for a job and how to understand job advertisements. The sections on career preparation include strategies for writing resumes, filling in application forms, compiling career portfolios and conduct at interviews. The authors also cover topics such as punctuality and appropriate behavior in the workplace itself. This practical teaching resource is packed with lesson plans, implementation procedures, interactive activities and photocopiable worksheets, and the course can be taught over one year or three years.

Preparing youth with autism spectrum and related disorders ages 12 and older for life after high school requires new thinking and new actions from everyone so that options for our youth lead to continued personal growth and increased quality of life. Becoming Remarkably Able is a system of ongoing assessments with action steps. The model is designed for family members and professionals to guide an individual through an exploration process to identify strengths and gifts that supports emotional needs and promotes growth. The activities are based upon real-life experiences from the author s research, to include her son Trent, who has autism. Because every one has strengths, this resource is helpful for individuals who are high functioning as well as for those who have more significant disabilities. With a focus on increased capability or independence, Becoming Remarkably Able helps establish goals and pursue paths for students during transition in the quest for a true quality of life.

On February 15, 2006, the Greece Athena Trojans high school basketball team took the court for the final game of the regular season. With four minutes and nineteen seconds left on the clock, and the Trojans nursing a comfortable lead, the coach sent Jason McElwain-an autistic student and the team manager-to the scorer's table. He scored twenty points, including a school record six three- pointers. J-Mac, as McElwain became known, was carried off the court on his teammates' shoulders, and a videotape of the game quickly found its way onto national television, making J-Mac a household name. An inspiration to people everywhere, Jason McElwain's amazing accomplishment was broadcast on CN, ESPN, and local newscasts across the country, moving President Bush to tears with his courage and determination. The Game of My Life is one of the few books written by an autistic author-a riveting chronicle of how J-Mac overcame a lifetime of adversity.

How do teenagers with Asperger Syndrome view themselves and their own lives? This book is based on extensive interviews with adolescents diagnosed with AS. It includes six life stories, as distinct from clinical case studies, written in collaboration with the teenagers themselves. These present an authentic and fascinating look at the lives of the teenagers and how AS has shaped their growing identities. The stories provide the basis for a discussion of common themes and issues facing teenagers with AS. Asperger Syndrome, Adolescence and Identity also questions the medicalized deficit approach to Asperger Syndrome and discusses the social repercussions of labelling teenagers as having AS.

In this comprehensive book, the authors start with an overview of those characteristics of Asperger Syndrome that make adolescence particularly challenging and difficult. The centerpiece of the book is a detailed discussion of strategies and supports necessary to ensure a sucessful school experience for students with Asperger Syndrome at the middle and secondary levels.

A husband and wife with Asperger's Syndrome give invaluable advice to and for teens and adults going through this difficult period. Anyone who has read Jerry Newport's first book, 'Your Life is Not a Label', knows that he has a knack for bringing understanding, warmth, and humor to any subject. Here, in this invaluable book, he and his wife, Mary, bring those same abilities to explaining the world of sexuality to people with autism and Asperger's Syndrome.

This resource provides practical strategies for helping teenagers and adults with Asperger Syndrome to navigate social skills, friendships and relationships at home and in the community. The author offers advice and useful strategies for tackling day-to-day problems such as visits to the dentist or the doctor, searching for a job, sorting out personal finances, going on vacation, and dealing with public transport, as well as more intimate topics such as dating and acquiring and maintaining friendships. The chapters are structured around real-life scenarios and the challenges they present, followed by step-by-step solutions and suggestions. A final section provides a set of practical self-help tools, which encourage the reader to note down answers to the questions posed and record personal reflections. This accessible guide will be essential reading for teenagers and adults with Asperger Syndrome and their families, teachers, therapists, counsellors, carers, social and health work professionals.

Prince-Hughes, an adjunct professor of anthropology and author of a book about gorillas, prefaces the essays in this collection with biographical information about each writer. Crediting the Internet with a rise of an 'autistic culture,' the editor goes on to differentiate between classic autism and Asperger's syndrome (AS), a condition with which she herself struggles. Each contributor tells his or her story, helping to illuminate problems with relationships, communication, obsessions, sensory channels, jobs, etc. Moreover, the special talents of these bright individuals and their coping mechanisms come to light. Here neurotypicals, autistics' label for 'normals,' can get hints about using counterquestions to promote better conversations, and those with AS can follow suggestions such as seeing a career counselor before choosing a college major. Sharing their trials and tribulations, these adults offer their communities a certain expertise, especially in libraries and universities, where people with such conditions are often successful. -- Booklist

Filled with strategies, and resources, this book uses the author's groundbreaking research about successful adults with learning disabilities, to promote self-advocacy. This work is brimming with useful and practical information. It is easily understood and embraced by students with learning disabilities, their parents, guidance counselors, and stakeholders in the fields of both higher education and special education.

qThe teenage years are simultaneously shared by teens and their parents. In Asperger Download: A Guide to Help Teenage Males with Asperger Syndrome Trouble-Shoot Life s Challenges, Damian Santomauro and his mother, Josie, share their dual experiences by defining major terms that teenage males encounter during their journey into manhood. Damian was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of five. Now he s in college and ready to share his experiences with teens who are experiencing what he lived through. Asperger Download is a helpful resource for adolescents and young adults that takes defining terms like acne and zits to the next level. First Damien defines the term in a voice that other AS teens can relate to. Then Josie describes the term or concept from a parent s point of view.

In her bestselling Raising a Thinking Child, Myrna B. Shure introduced her nationally acclaimed "I Can Problem Solve" program, which helps four to seven-year-olds develop essential skills to resolve daily conflicts and think for themselves. With Raising a Thinking Preteen, Shure has tailored this plan especially for eight-to twelve-year-olds as they approach the unique challenges of adolescence. The preteen years are often the last opportunity for parents to teach their children how to think for themselves. This book is the only source with a proven plan to help them do just that.

From the award-winning author of Autism Spectrum Disorders, comes Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum, a complete guide to the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical needs of preteens and teenagers with autistic disorders, ranging from the relatively mild Asperger's Syndrome to more severe ability impairment. Using clear examples, practical advice, and supportive insights, this book covers: - Health risks such as seizures and depression - Treatments, therapies, and teaching strategies - Teaching skills to cope with puberty, self-care, and social skills - Teenage emotions, sexuality, appropriate relationships, and dating - Middle school, high school, and developing an Individual Educational Program - Preparing for life after high school.

Using case studies and examples that show the reader how to put theory into practice in multi-disciplinary settings, Education and Care for Adolescents and Adults with Autism clearly explains how changes in policy and provision have affected how young people and adults with autism are cared for and educated. The author highlights current problematic outcomes from a multi-agency perspective and offers: * Up-to-date and accessible information on the nature and affects of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) * A detailed chronology of legislation across disciplines * Recommendations on family issues surrounding the care and education of those with ASD * Possible intervention programs * Appropriate strategies for use in care settings, education settings, and at home. Based on years of experience, this resource offers a range of strategies for all those working with or caring for adolescents and adults with ASD.

From one of the most well-known authors in the area of transition comes a book focused on youth with autism. Together with two community-based professionals, Paul Wehman discusses how considerations for transition are different for young adults with autism and presents proven strategies for successful planning.

Adolescence is a difficult time for any teenager, but when you have Asperger Syndrome (AS) this time of life becomes all the more challenging. Reflecting the views of parents, professionals and those with AS themselves, this book tackles issues that are pertinent to all teenagers, such as sexuality, depression and friendship, as well as discussing topics such as disclosure and therapeutic possibilities specific to those with AS, making this an essential survival guide to adolescence.

How to Be Yourself in a World That's Different is an accessible guide to Asperger's Syndrome (AS) written for young readers who have been diagnosed with AS and other autism spectrum conditions. The book features a clear explanation of the condition, including symptoms that are common to people on the autism spectrum, such as a hypersensitivity to touch and difficulties with balance and coordination. The characteristics and symptoms of other syndromes that often coincide with AS are also discussed, for example AD/HD, learning disorders, and tics, as well as the temporary states of mental dysfunction that people with AS tend to be predisposed to, including depression, anxiety, obsessive and compulsive behaviors, and catatonia. This informative and encouraging text highlights the positive aspects of autism spectrum conditions, such as diligence, fairness, and a knack for unique ideas, but it also acknowledges the daily challenges faced by young people with AS and, crucially, offers strategies for dealing with these. Using case examples, Yoshida explores the difficulties of disclosing a diagnosis, takes readers through the stages of practicing key social skills, and offers advice on seeking support.