Asperger's Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope [Paperback]

Matthew Tinsley (Author), Sarah Hendrickx (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1843106094 | ISBN-13: 978-1843106098 | Publication Date: June 15, 2008 | Edition: 1

Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol exposes the unexplored problem of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with everyday life. Alcohol can relieve the anxiety of social situations and make those with ASDs feel as though they can fit in. Ultimately, however, reliance on alcohol can lead the user down a path of self-destruction and exacerbate existing problems.

Utilizing their professional and personal experience, the authors provide an overview of ASDs and of alcohol abuse, and explore current knowledge about where the two overlap. Tinsley explores his own personal history as someone with an ASD who has experienced and beaten alcohol addiction. He discusses how the impact of his diagnosis and his understanding of the condition played a huge part in his recovery, and how by viewing his life through the prism of autism, his confusion has been replaced by a greater understanding of himself and the world around him.

This inspiring book on an under-researched area will be of interest to professionals working with people with ASDs, as well as individuals with ASDs who may be dealing with alcohol or substance misuse, and their families.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Matthew Tinsley has a degree in Modern Languages and spent his entire professional life working in the sphere of specialist bookshops. After many years struggling with alcoholism and two failed marriages, he overcame his addiction. Matthew believes this is largely due to his self-awareness of his autistic condition, together with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He is currently living in Brighton, where he aims to help spread awareness of the problems faced by those with Asperger's Syndrome. Sarah Hendrickx is Training Manager of an adult AS support project and a freelance consultant in AS in the UK. She is author of Love, Sex and Long-Term Relationships and together, she and her partner Keith, who is self-diagnosed with AS, are authors of Asperger Syndrome - A Love Story. Both books are published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (June 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843106094
• ISBN-13: 978-1843106098
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #621,190 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening account of Asperger Syndrome and alcohol abuse, September 16, 2008

By 

Jason Bowles (Greensboro, NC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Asperger's Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope (Paperback)

As someone with a Autism Spectrum Disorder who has suffered from alcohol abuse in the past I can identify with Matthew Tinsley's struggle with alcohol. He and Sarah Hendrixx have done a great job pointing out that many people with some form of autism may lean on alcohol to help them cope with life. With support from family and staff at the office I work at (my employer specializes in diagnosing and helping people with ASDs) I've been able to overcome my urges to drink since 2007. For me attending a weekly support group meeting of recovering alcoholics is beneficial too. I hope more research is done into the very possible link between Asperger Syndrome and alcohol abuse.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding why "Aspies" drink, February 10, 2010

By 

L. Lux - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Asperger's Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope (Paperback)

I haven't completed this book, yet. It can be a little difficult to understand in some places, but so far, it has really helped me to understand why my "Aspie" adult child drinks so heavily. I have also been able to help him control his drinking, just by understanding the cause! I would definitely recommend this book to people who have loved ones on the PDD spectrum, or are on the spectrum themselves, in order to understand, cope, and help with out of control drinking! My heart goes out to each and every person with the diagnosis, or who have loved ones who have the diagnosis!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Parents - Read This Book, December 31, 2010

By 

G. Nall (Austin TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Asperger's Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope (Paperback)

It's the only book I've found that covers the social connection between AS and Alcohol. I could have written this. I never "fit in", anywhere. At age 14, I started drinking to "fit in". I had found the cure. I drank as much and as often as I could for the next 14 years. It took another five years to figure out how to stop. And another 20 years to learn how to live a happy productive life. If this book had been around in 1970, much suffering could have been avoided. I ask Parents to read this, if not for your kids, some one you know has this problem. As a Mother or Dad, buy this book and pass it around. I lived 50 years undiagnosed. Good Luck.