Product Description

Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder, usually with life-long consequences for social interaction and behaviour. The disorder is neurodevelopmental and symptoms appear in the preschool years. Individuals affected are often misunderstood and sometimes misdiagnosed when they apply for help. A Guide to Asperger Syndrome is an accessible handbook for all those touched by Asperger syndrome, one of the most common variants of disorders in the so-called autism spectrum. In it, Christopher Gillberg, a world-renowned authority in the field, gives an in-depth account of symptoms, diagnosis, prevalence, background factors, prognosis and intervention. The book is intended for a wide readership, including those affected, their families, and clinicians working with children, adolescents and adults with Asperger syndrome.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #308029 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 188 pages

Review
'In this short and beautifully produced book one of the doyens in the field addresses everyone concerned with this condition.' Journal of Child Psychology 'This book provides an easily readable and updated guide to those afflicted with Asperger syndrome as well as the professionals in the field.' Shiraz Butt, Rush-Presbyterian, St. Luke's Medical Center '... a valuable resource book to read and have on our shelves ...' Social Work Now 'The book is factual, accurate, succinct though detailed, and notable for its clarity. It is to be recommended as an invaluable introduction to the field.' European Child & Adolscent Psychiatry 'The book is broad in its scope.' Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 'Overall, this book is informative and very easy to read.' Behaviour Change 'I highly recommend this book for its comprehensive coverage of important issues in AS coupled with an easy-to-read style of writing that will make it accessible to a broad readership, including individuals and parents who are seeking a more evidence-based detailed account of the disorder ...' Journal of Psychosomatic Research

Review
‘In this short and beautifully produced book one of the doyens in the field addresses everyone concerned with this condition.’ Journal of Child Psychology

‘This book provides an easily readable and updated guide to those afflicted with Asperger syndrome as well as the professionals in the field.’ Shiraz Butt, Rush-Presbyterian, St. Luke’s Medical Center

‘… a valuable resource book to read and have on our shelves …’ Social Work Now

‘The book is factual, accurate, succinct though detailed, and notable for its clarity. It is to be recommended as an invaluable introduction to the field.’ European Child & Adolscent Psychiatry

‘The book is broad in its scope.’ Journal of Intellectual Disability Research

’Overall, this book is informative and very easy to read.’ Behaviour Change

'I highly recommend this book for its comprehensive coverage of important issues in AS coupled with an easy-to-read style of writing that will make it accessible to a broad readership, including individuals and parents who are seeking a more evidence-based detailed account of the disorder …' Journal of Psychosomatic Research

Customer Reviews

A good book but unevenly pitched
Reading the book reminded me of Johnson's infamous quipe that the state of learning in Scotland was a bit like bread in a siege town. Everyone got a bit but not enough to make a meal. Not withstanding Prof. Gillberg's many contributions to child psychiatry and Asperger diagnosis, the pace and content of the book shifts between verging on the unnecessarily technical in places and not technical enough in others. Overall it never finds the the right delivery pace.

From my reading, other books by Val Cumine and Tony Attwood are better assembled for a general reader. The last chapter on Wittgenstein for instance rehashes the 'was he wasn't he an Asperger' argument, and one wonders whether a general lay person would really care? Aren't philosophers stereotyped as odd and other wordly anyway? Gillbergs' review of the competing theories of autism (inter alia Asperger Syndrome) is too brief and potted irrespective of the learning of the reader. Given the author's own studies in diagnostic criteria quite a bit of the guide is devoted to the diagnosis and 'handling' of the condition. There is a very through chapter of childhood symptoms, followed by chapters dealing with likely long term outcomes. Perhaps the most interesting and 'new' angle is given by the chapter on the psychiatric and social consequences of AS. Chapter 13 presents a table listing appropriate compensational strategies that should be encourged and taught to AS individuals.

Overall it is a good book and doubtless parents and professionals will buy it anyway. But if you have a tight budget perhaps look at Val Cumine first of all.