Product Description

Inspired by the often uncomfortable interplay between autistic individuals, parents and professionals in understanding autistic spectrum conditions, Olga Bogdashina uses the concept of Theory of Mind (TOM) to consider these groups' different (and often conflicting) perspectives. TOM is the ability to imagine and make judgements about what others feel and think; its absence in autistic individuals is called 'mindblindness'. This book addresses the 'mindblindness' of people united in their interest in autism but divided by their different angles and perspectives. Divided into four parts, the book first defines autism, then the views of the three main groups working with it - autistic individuals, parents and professionals - under the headings of classifications, diagnosis, causes, development, theories and treatment. By comparing and reconciling the different perspectives in this way, the book helps each group to understand and predict each other's responses and behaviours. This enlightening and innovative book offers a unique way of 'stepping in each other's shoes' and is a valuable resource for all people living or working with autism.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #71026 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 334 pages

About the Author
Olga Bogdashina, MA Education (Autism), PhD (Linguistics) has worked extensively in the field of autism as teacher, lecturer and researcher, with a particular interest in sensory-perceptual and communication problems in autism. Since 1994, she has been the director of the first Day Centre for autistic children in Ukraine and the President of the Autism Society, Ukraine. Olga teaches and lectures around the world. She is currently a Visiting Lecturer at Birmingham University and Consultant Psychologist for Services for Adults with Autism, Doncaster, UK. She has a teenage autistic son.

Customer Reviews

Highly Recommended
Another fantastic book by Olga Bogdashina. She is far and away my favourite professional author on this subject… always so open minded, interesting, and thorough. The title of this book simply doesn’t do it justice. If I could name one book that answers, as fully as presently can be, the question ‘What is Autism / Asperger Syndrome?’ this one would be it.

It is divided in to four sections – Autism as it is Officially Defined, Autism from the Inside, Parents, and Professionals. Each of these sections explores Definitions, Diagnosis, Causes, Development, and Treatments from that particular perspective, and in her usual comprehensive fashion, at the end of each section, the author mops up any angles not yet covered under the heading Miscellany: Thoughts to Share.

As always this book is so comprehensive and detailed that it could put you off. Lighter and shorter reads are available. To anyone who wants to really get a thorough understanding though I cannot recommend this book enough. The authors writing has quality and clarity and she handles the subject matter sensitively and thoughtfully. Top marks as usual.