Customer Reviews

Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest: Achieving Supported Independence

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As a psychologist with a strong background in neuropsychology, I am delighted at the unique contribution this book makes to my field. There are many books that address the needs of children with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), but none that guide parents to help their children live independently once they reach adulthood. I have a special interest in ASD because of my 25-year-old nephew whose hydrocephalus has left him with many executive function deficits that have significantly affected his ability to live independently, keep a job, and function socially. His deficits are so subtle that they are often misunderstood by the people who know and care about him. I have already ordered copies of this book for them.

This highly accessible book springs from Dr. Perry's personal experience growing up with two sisters with disabilities as well as her extensive clinical experience working with adults with ASD. It meets parents where they live, addressing their hopes and fears as well as offering practical advice for dealing with the everyday challenges unique to this population--challenges like managing money, lying, making friends, being sexually active, honoring commitments. It addresses parental guilt and acceptance with the compassion and insight. Dr. Perry gives down-to-earth explanations of complex constructs, like initiation, self-monitoring, impulsivity, empathy, and emotion and attention regulation. And a bonus: She describes these and other executive functions with such clarity that after reading this book you will find greater insight into not only your child's behavior, but also into the workings of your own brain. The tone is positive and supportive without shying away from the very real difficulties that ASD presents.

This book as an essential resource for therapists, employers, parents, concerned family members, and anyone else who cares about and works with adults with an ASD. The many case examples capture the essence and uniqueness of adults with this complex condition. She offers a good balance of first person reports, case examples, clinical information, and practical suggestions. It is both informative and a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it.

I have been a child advocate for over forty years since my youngest child had unidentified issues that kept her from conformity. As this author points out, in the l960's ADHD was just beginning to be recognized. Her youngest son has lived with me for over six years and was finally labeled
Aspergers.

How I wish this book had been available to help our family over those many decades. The author knows the subject. How rare that is in the world of syndroms and disability! By reading and rereading this book I know this month that my ADHD girl probably is/was on the autism spectrum.
What a shock that I hadn't figured that out before.

There is a potential plan is this book for leading your child to become an independent adult. It may be too late for us to pull it off since we are in our 70's but I strongly recommend this book. It brings understanding and, most importantly, it brings hope. A must read!

I am the father of a preteen son with an autistic spectrum disorder. My wife and I have struggled with many questions addressed in this excellent book. We know we should be giving our son a consistent message, but often find that we disagree on the best approach to take with him for problems like temper tantrums, lying, refusing to bathe, his bluntness/apparent rudeness with other people. And we're never quite sure how much of his misbehavior is willful and how much of it is due to his disability. So we are often feel frustrated (that he doesn't seem to learn from the consequences we give him), exhausted (sometimes we just don't have the energy to be consistent with him), and guilty (that we are not doing enough).

Dr. Perry has tackled all our questions one at a time, in a compelling and practical manner. My wife and I read this book together and have been able to implement many of her suggestions. One of the best things we got from this book is that we now agree on our approach! We are really trying to pick up on her objectivity so that we can be less reactive and feel less guilty. We think she sets the right tone--positive and supportive, but firm and consistent. Already we have seen fewer tantrums in our son.

As we were reading the book, we felt we were being guided by a kind, wise, nonjudgmental friend who wants the best for us as well as our child. It is truly a godsend for parents like us. We can now see our way through to our son's adulthood and how we can best prepare him to live apart from us. I can't tell you what a relief this is!

This book has a place of high honor in our household and deserves to be in every home with a child on the autistic spectrum. Thank you, Dr. Perry!

This very accessible and enjoyable book is designed for parents and care providers of adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Although there has been much focus on children with autism, this book couldn't be more timely. These kids are growing up and, as the author points out, many parents will want to come up with alternatives to keeping them at home for the health and well being of everyone involved. This book offers concrete suggestions and solutions. Recommended reading for anyone involved in the welfare and education of adults with autism.

As my son with Asperger's reached adulthood I sensed that he would have a difficult time living independently, but I couldn't define the ways in which he would need help. He is so bright that I am constantly amazed at the difficulty he has with "simple things", like following a recipe. I needed a roadmap to follow as I guide him toward independence. I was also looking for guidelines for a relative who may act as guardian when I am gone. This book spells out the ways in which poor executive function challenges people with autism, making it difficult for them to set goals, live purposefully, handle finances, maintain employment and carry out the chores of everyday living. Having read this book I now realize why total independence is not a realistic goal for my son, but that with proper support he can make a satisfying life for himself. The message is sobering, but not depressing. The author has good academic credentials, but her wisdom comes from years of helping autistic individuals live their day-to-day lives. The book is very readable, clear and easy to assimilate.

The author is very knowledgable about autism and executive functioning, and about the issues parents confront in life planning for their autistic children. I just wish there were more programs like the one she describes and has been involved in! Her book is a positive voice in planning the transition to adulthood. It is a wonderful resource for parents. The subject is one not often addressed in autism circles. I recommend it highly.

For adults on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) spectrum, their families, educators and medical professionals, make this book your best friend. Dr. Perry can rightfully take a place among other esteemed experts on a/A, such as Dr. Travis Thompson, Dr. Tony Attwood and Mr. Nick Durbin, author and person with Asperger's Syndrome (AS).

This truly outstanding book takes on relevant questions about behavioral issues for people on the a/A spectrum. Behaviors ranging from highly problematic such as meltdowns to the more moderate to mild issues of uttering non sequiturs and not reading others well are brilliantly addressed in this book.


Dr. Perry writes in a straight forward and nonjudmental way. Her eagle eyed perceptiveness and sensitivity to families as well as people on the spectrum themselves shine like a beacon throughout the book. Compassion underscores the suggestions and strategies outlined in this book. It is ideal for families with adult and young adult members who are on the a/A spectrum.

This book does indeed deserve a place of high honor among the pantheon of experts on the subject. I think we ought to raise our glasses and toast Dr. Perry for this invaluable work.

Thank you, Dr. Perry!

This book truly helps understand the deficit in the executive functions of those with developmental disorders on the autism spectrum. Moreover, it gives a picture of what the longer term prospects are for those affected and how to improve their world. I am a father of two, and this is precisely what I needed to know.

The author is very disrepectful. The author needs to LEARN and use "people first" lanaguage and say "People with Asperger Syndrome" or "Kids with an Autism Spectrum Disorders". Instead the author chooses to be VERY disrespectful and say "Asperger Kids". How low can you go? The author must think that people with Asperger Syndrome ARE NOT Asperger Syndrome. I am NOT my diagnosis. I am a PERSON WITH Asperger Syndrome. My name is Sandra, not Asperger Syndrome. I am a PERSON.

This is the same for anyone with anything. You can use people first lanaguage with Diabeties, Aids, Cancer. How would the author like if he picked up a book about cancer and he read "Cancer people". No. That's mean. It is "People WITH cancer" not "cancer people". Why is it that people with mental health issues don't get the same respect as other poeple with a regular medical diagnosis? What's the issue? STOP THE STIGMA!!! (I understand that Autism is NOT a mental health issues, it is a neurological brain difference).

I also believe that Asperger Syndrome IS the SAME THING as High Functioning Autism. I agree with Tony Attwood. The only difference is the spelling. This is the only bad thing that I see in this book and I just started to read it. If I find something else in it and if it worth sharing, I will.