Asperger Syndrome in Young Children: A Developmental Approach for Parents and Professionals [Paperback]

Laurie Leventhal-Belfer (Author), Cassandra Coe (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 26, 2004

This landmark book focuses on how AS presents in pre-school children. An essential guide for parents coming to terms with their child's AS diagnosis and for the professionals who work with this age group, it is unique in answering pressing questions specific to younger children. How can parents help their AS child to develop speech and language? What help is available at school and home? When, if at all, should a child be informed about AS? Including a useful summary of early childhood development stages, Leventhal-Belfer and Coe provide a diagnostic model based on assessment of the child in contrast to 'neurotypical' children, considering relationships at home, in school or in care. Their book shows how to develop tailored early intervention strategies and to assist parents, teachers and mental health professionals in making informed decisions to nurture the development of AS children.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Asperger's Syndrome in Young Children is easy to read, with lots of practical ideas and advice, presented in a sympathetic manner. It would be most useful for teachers or professionals who are new to the field or parents who believe their child may be on the Asperger's syndrome spectrum. It is a valuable source of information on strategies for helping young children with Asperger's syndrome to realise their full potential.'-Children Now --Children Now

About the Author

Laurie Leventhal-Belfer is the Founder and Director of Friends Connections, a therapeutic group program for young children with Asperger's Syndrome and their families. She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine. She lives with her husband, son, daughter and beagle.

Cassandra Coe is a clinical social worker. She has dedicated her career to addressing the mental health and developmental needs of young children and has been involved in teaching, mentoring and providing assessment and treatment services to a wide range of children and families. She lives in San Francisco with her husband and two young children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (January 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843107481
• ISBN-13: 978-1843107484
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #704,299 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An EXCELLENT and much-needed resource, April 15, 2004

By 

Linea S (Menlo Park, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Asperger Syndrome in Young Children: A Developmental Approach for Parents and Professionals (Paperback)

In the last five years I have read many books about Asperger's syndrome as the mental health field has learned more about it and as I try to help families understand the source of a young child's difficulty and determine the best course of treatment. This book is a gift to professionals and families alike. It is a comprehensive resource with information highlighted in summary boxes throughout the text. It explains normal development of 3 to 6-year-old children and the many ways Asperger's syndrome can present, offering descriptions of three children from evaluation through treatmnet. Helpful therapies are described in depth by experienced practitioners, including parent-child play therapy, pragmatic language therapy, occupational therapy for sensory and motor issues, and Leventhal-Belfer and Coe's own specialty combined social skills / parent support groups; alternative therapies are discussed as well. The chapter on working with schools in developing collaborative relationships to help a child is excellent. With all this, one of the things I especially liked about this book is its warm, engaging, respectful tone and its focus on the parents' emotional journey in coming to terms with Asperger's syndrome in their child.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, important book., August 1, 2005

By 

Nina Prudden (Croton, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Asperger Syndrome in Young Children: A Developmental Approach for Parents and Professionals (Paperback)

This is a very informative and indeed very important book. I say that both as a parent of a child struggling with the issues discussed in this book and as a Clinical Psychologist. The overall style of writing is neither pedantic nor dummy-downed, and the authors clearly have front-line experience. The authors review how Asperger's affects social development as well as the myriad issues surrounding school functioning. They clearly enumerate which professional services can be considered under which circumstances, both for the child and also for the parents and a variety of intervention strategies are reviewed. How to talk to and what to ask of teachers and other professionals is discussed using a helpful format. Most importantly, this book is clearly written by those with empathy for the child and the parents' journey. They adopt a non-"pathological" approach that is attuned to the child's perspective and strengths. I've read a lot on this subject -- it is my business -- and I found this book to be the best at explaining this complicated topic.
--Nina Prudden, Ph.D.