Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum [Paperback]

Ruth Elaine Joyner Hane (Author), Kassiane Sibley (Author), Stephen M. Shore (Author), Roger N. Meyer (Author), Phil Schwarz (Author), Liane Holliday Willey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2004 | ISBN-10: 1931282587 | ISBN-13: 978-1931282581 | Edition: illustrated edition

Edited by Stephen Shore, Ask and Tell aims to help people with autism effectively self-advocate in their pursuit of independent, productive, and fulfilling lives. Ask and Tell is unique by being the first book to speak to the twin issues of self-advocacy and disclosure for people with autism and by consisting exclusively including the cover art and the preface by Temple Grandin of contributions by those on the autism spectrum for persons on the spectrum.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I strongly recommend this book, as it will help those who have ASD to achieve their personal and employment goals. -- Tony Attwood, Ph.D.; practicing clinical psychologist; Author of Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Self-disclosure is inherently personal – and so is this book. -- Gerald S. Fain, Ph.D., Professor, School of Education, Boston University

This book gives a clear presentation of why people on the autistic spectrum need to become their own advocates. --John Ratey, M.D.

About the Author

Ruth Elaine Joyner Hane, lives with her husband, Jay, in Minneapolis. Their lives are enriched by four grown children, a daughter-in-law, son-in-law, two baby grandsons, three cats and many goldfish. Ruth Elaine is midwest director for the Autism Society of AmericaÂ’s board of directors and serves on various ASA committees. In addition to consulting with individuals who are challenged with issues of physical and emotional health and well-being, she leads Serenity Circles for developing emotional intelligence, presents workshops on Chi Energy, Avoiding Burnout in the Age of Anxiety, Finding Joy at the Holidays, and Energy Boundaries. Ruth Elaine coaches people within the spectrum of autism, teaching them what she has learned, and facilitates two social groups. She is a contributing author to Sharing Our Wisdom, a collection of public presentations.

Kassiane Alexandra Sibley is an independent young adult, tumbling coach, special education major, tutor to children on the autism spectrum, and co-teacher of a ballet class for autistic and Asperger children. She has spoken locally and nationally and has also published articles in several publications, and never misses a chance to spread public awareness. Like many Aspies her age, Kassiane was improperly diagnosed before discovering the autism spectrum at the age of 18. In addition to her autism activities, Kassiane competes in power tumbling, for which she recently won the Amanda Howe Sunshine Memorial Award for Sportsmanship.

Diagnosed with "atypical development with strong autistic tendencies," Stephen Shore was viewed as "too sick" to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until the age of 4, with much help from his parents, teachers, and others, Stephen is now completing his doctoral degree in special education at Boston University with a focus on helping people on the autism spectrum develop their capacities to the fullest extent possible. In addition to working with children and talking about life on the autism spectrum, Stephen presents and consults nationally and internationally on adult issues pertinent to advocacy and disclosure, education, relationships, and employment. He also serves on the board of the Autism Society of America, as board president of the AspergerÂ’s Association of New England, and is on the Board of Directors for Unlocking Autism, the Autism Services Association of Massachusetts, and MAAP services. Stephen is executive director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Consulting and adjunct faculty at Salem State College and Emerson College.

Roger Meyer lives in Gresham, Oregon, a Portland suburb. During his 26-year career as a union cabinetmaker, he volunteered evenings and weekends as a young-adult counselor, community organizer, apprentice instructor and community mediator. At the age of 56 he left cabinetmaking to work full time with people. Author of Asperger Syndrome Employment Workbook, he is owner of a comprehensive disability case management consulting and advocacy firm "... of a different mind." Roger facilitates the Portland Asperger Syndrome adult support group and co-facilitates the Portland AS Partners group. He meets monthly with clinicians from multiple disciplines to develop best practices in counseling children, adolescents and adults with AS. Roger is also involved in nondisability community politics. He is a member of the Multnomah County Community Housing and Development Commission and chair of the Rockwood Neighborhood Association.

Phil Schwarz is vice president of the Asperger's Association of New England (AANE), and has been a member of Autism Network International (ANI) since 1994. His chapter in this book is the outgrowth of workshops he has led on the role of allies in autism self-advocacy at Autreat 2003 (the annual conference/retreat of ANI), at the 2003 nat

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company; illustrated edition edition (July 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931282587
• ISBN-13: 978-1931282581
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #363,011 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Liane Holliday Willey is an author, avid horsewoman and owner of an equestrian show barn. She has her doctorate of education with a specialty in pschyolinguistics. She taught at the university level for over 15 years. Liane likes to share her experiences of living with Asperger's syndrome with audiences world wide, including in her presentations humor and positive insight along with the real and not so happy memories she has gathered in her almost 50 years. A good day for Liane includes time with her children, a ride on her horse, late hours with a good book and lots of TV. You can reach Liane at [e-mail] or [e-mail].

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Want to Tell You, December 30, 2004

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum (Paperback)

This book is the answer to every person on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) spectrum's prayer. People with Asperger's are empowered with knowledge of what this neurobiological condition entails and how to act as their own advocates. For people on the a/A spectrum, please make this book your best friend. It will certainly pave the way down the Long & Winding Road to social acceptance.

Tacit Social Codes & Rules are often ambiguous and confusing to those on the a/A spectrum. This book does an excellent job of demystifying those rules. Another road block people with Asperger's face is being misinterpreted -- what seems clear and direct and perfectly a propos to somebody on the spectrum sometimes comes over as a social faux pas. George Harrison explained this aspect very well in his 1966 classic, "I Want to Tell You," with the lyric "but if I seem to act unkind, it's only me, it's not my mind. That is confusing things."

One of the major challenges people with Asperger's contend with is determining whether or not to disclose this diagnosis and if so, to whom. This book helps clarify many of those questions and serves as a link to communicating with the neurotypical (NT) population.

I love this book!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HELPFUL and UNIQUE, September 8, 2004

By 

Paula Kluth (IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum (Paperback)

This is a one-of-a-kind resource that educators (and so many others) will find very helpful. The subject of disclosure (how, when, where, who) is not commonly covered in other texts on autism and disability-- even though it is so important. Educators and other support people will learn so much from the voices of these individuals on the spectrum. My favorite chapter is Stephen Shore's (author of Beyond the Wall) piece on how students with disabilities can participate in their own educational programs- it is such a practical AND a thoughtful chapter. Shore gives dozens of great examples of how even the youngest child can serve as an agent in his/her own life and education. Thumbs WAY up on this unique and helpful text!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical advice, October 20, 2009

By 

ArmadilloFan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum (Paperback)

There are so many places where one can go for advice on Asperger Syndrome etc. A host of them are not actually advice for the autistic himself, but are really meant for their parents, teachers, or psychologists. While those people need solid information, its a breath of fresh air to find a book written to the autistic community and by members of the autistic community. For instance, this book has the most succinct and nuanced discussion of the community advocacy issues that I've found. I'm very glad I purchased this book and am sure I will refer back to it from time to time through my life.