Most Helpful Customer Reviews
94 of 100 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
From a grateful patient, April 13, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Autism Aspergers: Solving the Relationship Puzzle--A New Developmental Program that Opens the Door to Lifelong Social and Emotional Growth (Paperback)
I have worked with Steve Gutstein for over 10 years now as a patient and sufferer of Asperger's Disorder, and I have never had as much hope for my own success and well-being as I have now, after reading this book. It's truly remarkable that someone who does not himself suffer from the disorder could have so much insight into the delicate intricacies of human social dances and the troubles that people like me have in deciphering and processing their nuances. If you do read this book (as you definetly should), you will come to know me as Roger, and you will read my confusing and troubling story of struggle, frustration, and success, as well as those of many other patients Steve has dedicated his time to. These stories are not just for psychologists and Asperger's sufferers. They are for anyone who needs a reminder about what makes social interaction so wonderful and why sometimes, the most simple forms of communication can lead to the most wonderful encounters. Along with the remarkable stories, of course, is the clinical side of Steve's work. Although I am not a psychologist, and do not have an extensive knowledge of the literature on autism and AS, I find the outline of Steve's methods for treatment logical, concise, easy to understand, and above all, correct. I only hope that in time, people take in Steve's message and work to seriously incorporate autism and AS sufferers into their lives by helping them find THEIR OWN path, not choosing one for them. This book will hopefully mark a crtical turning point in the history of the treatment of AS and autism, and I am honored to be a part of it.
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85 of 91 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
From a Mom - This Works!, March 25, 2002
This review is from: Autism Aspergers: Solving the Relationship Puzzle--A New Developmental Program that Opens the Door to Lifelong Social and Emotional Growth (Paperback)
I am mom to a quite adorable 4 year-old with Asperger/Autism/HFA....every year a different label..but by any other name, he's still as sweet. I wanted to pour out all the help I could give him. I devoured hosts of books on all the labels. Every book was an eye-opening, informative, helpful tool along our journey, but Dr. Gutsteins book was the journey itself! The journey my son must embark on to be a participant in the human relational experience and not just an observer. To loose himself in the shared giggles of a pal. To be stirred inside by a knowing smile or glance. To embrace the wonderment, spontaneity and magic of play. To see himself through the eyes of others. To walk in step with a friend. This is what my son was missing. It is elusive, hard to grasp or put into words. I knew my son needed something yet to be addressed by any of the books I had read or professionals I had consulted. It was as if Dr. Gutsteins book quenched an aching thirst. The book is a practical treatment approach called RDI. Do not be misled by the simplicity of the treatment methods. The "games" are simple, but powerful! Do not skim the book or skip through the chapters, read it, read it again. ...After reading the book, my son became a patient at the Connections Center. The RDI treatment has already unlocked a door to a lifetime of relational joy for my son. He has come so far in an amazingly short time. We will continue our journey and I hope many others will discover their journey as well.
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58 of 62 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
May I Have This Dance? (The Relationship Puzzle in Autism), March 29, 2001
This review is from: Autism Aspergers: Solving the Relationship Puzzle--A New Developmental Program that Opens the Door to Lifelong Social and Emotional Growth (Paperback)
Dr. Gutstein's book describes a six-phase intervention program for teaching people with Autism/Asperger Syndrome to desire, enjoy, and participate in meaningful relationships, which in turn will enhance their lives. His program is entitled Relational Development Intervention (RDI), and is a new approach for a social skills program. It is well known that early intervention is the key for proven effective results with children who have an Autistic disorder, and he advocates this strongly. The book is more than a theory, as Dr. Gutstein shares some of his actual patient examples as proof that the program can make a major change in our children's lives. He takes the theory out of the classroom and puts it into practice in the real world. His past experiences of being a medical school professor and his private practice experiences have been instrumental in the development of his program. He helps parents understand the social deficits in their children who have Autism, and provides a guideline for them to follow in describing his treatment plan. As a parent of a child who has Asperger Syndrome, I was encouraged to learn that some of my suspicions are founded in fact. I found myself nodding in concurrence as I read about how some of our children are motivated to relate to objects, while people are being their captive audiences; and was encouraged to learn how his program worked with developing Experience Sharing in our children. For me the book was like having a world atlas at my fingertips. I could easily see where we have been, and can get an overview of the terrain ahead. I know that working with our son will be a life long project, and finding a program that helps him have a more productive life later by teaching him relationship skills now is a gift that I can give him. Some day my child will dance. Right now I hear the orchestra tuning up for that dance; therefore, I will continue with the dance lessons for now to prepare him (and me) for that swan song event. This book is an added asset to a parent's resource collection of books on working with our Autistic family members.
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