Aspergers in Love: Couple Relationships and Family Affairs [Paperback]

Maxine C. Aston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2003

Asperger Syndrome (AS) has often been considered to be incompatible with love and relationships, but as the number of diagnoses increases, it is becoming apparent that people with AS can and do have full and intimate relationships. Maxine Aston frankly examines the fundamental aspects of relationships that are often complicated by the disorder. Illustrated with real-life examples, the book tackles issues such as attraction, trust, communication, intimacy and parenting and includes a section on frequently asked questions, making it a must for all those with AS and their partners, as well as for friends, family and counselors.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This challenging and fascinating reader dispels myths and assumptions about the ability of people with Asperger to form and maintain loving relationships...Numerous relationship issues examined by Aston and those who were interviewed, including the many difficulties which both partners may face. At the same time there is a wealth of practical information about how couples can address and overcome problems. As there is an increasing number of people with Asperger, and as more and more reach adulthood and seek relationships and have children, this is becoming an important topic.' -Care & Health Magazine 'Maxine Aston is the only professional currently working as counsellor and researcher in the field of relationships in which one partner has Asperger syndrome, and so she is uniquely placed to write this book...not only does she make clear the difficulties that both partners in such a relationship experience, she also suggests strategies for dealing with them...read this book and breathe a sigh of relief that there really is someone who does understand the impact of Asperger syndrome on both partners in a "mixed marriage". - from the Foreword by Gisela and Chris Slater-Walker --from the Foreword by Gisela and Chris Slater-Walker

About the Author

Maxine Aston is a Relate trainer and couple counselor specializing in relationships affected by AS. She has a degree in psychology, is the author of The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome (NAS) and is a frequent speaker at ASD conferences.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (April 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843101157
• ISBN-13: 978-1843101154
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #555,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is long over due..., May 27, 2003

By 

Karen E. Rodman (Centerville, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aspergers in Love: Couple Relationships and Family Affairs (Paperback)

Maxine Aston's account of the difficulties/differences experienced in loving relationships with Asperger Syndrome in a partner, is long over due. The medical communities in the USA did not recognized this disorder in children until 1994...and since this is usually an inherited disorder, generations upon generations of families have been forced to handle the issues of AS behaviors alone, without support or assistance from professionals. Maxine Aston's books are assisting families gain information about this newly recognized disorder. What she is bringing to the public's awareness is that many of the previously unanswerable questions families had regarding certain behaviors, are manifestations and improper coping abilities of the neurological/biological/medical disorder, Asperger's Syndrome. Person's with this disorder think differently...they observe the world differently...and yet they can be intelligent and multi-talented. People with Asperger's Syndrome can be difficult to live with, especially if they have not been diagnosed, or diagnosed in late adulthood. Maxine explains this aspect of AS extremely well. FAAAS Inc. (Families of Adults Afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome) ... has been waiting a very long time for someone to write about AS adult behaviors, and how these behaviors may affect others around them, and how the person with AS perceives and reacts to other people's behaviors. We are looking forward with anticipation to Maxine's next book!

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is long overdue. Thought provoking and insightful, May 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Aspergers in Love: Couple Relationships and Family Affairs (Paperback)

I feel like I have learnt so much more about my partner from this book. It has answered so many questions for me. Like Maxine' s first book The other half it is straightforward, easy to read and understand which is quite a relief from some of the literature written about Asperger syndrome.

The more I read the book, the more things clicked into place and I feel I have learnt so much. She explains how the AS mind works and I realise how many times I just have not understood what my partner was really thinking or trying to tell me. Now I understand what was really going on behind his silence I can cope better. I feel I have more energy and tolerance to deal with the many misunderstandings that occur between us.

I can also see how many times he has tried to show me he loves me....I just haven't recognised what he was trying to convey.

I would recommend this book to anyone in a NT/AS relationship; I wish it had been written years ago...it would have saved so much heartache.

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched, helpful & informative book, May 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Aspergers in Love: Couple Relationships and Family Affairs (Paperback)

I have read this book with avid interest after reading Maxine Aston's first work. As the NT partner of an Asperger relationship, I can equate on a personal level with the writers findings and examples and find it a relief to realise that I am not going mad and am not alone. There are books available that tell the story from an Asperger point of view but not many that incorporate the NT perspective and are based on research. A brilliant piece of work. I can HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who is in a NT/AS relationship as being a light in the darkness.