Autism - Asperger's and Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond [Paperback]

Jerry Newport (Author), Mary Newport (Author), Teresa Bolick (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2002

Many people on the spectrum never get "the talk" from their parents, and suffer from "information deficit." This book goes a long way toward filling in the gaps in their knowledge. It takes a candid look at aspects of sex and relationships as they apply to people on the autism spectrum:

• building self-confidence
• dating
• personal grooming
• cleanliness
• explicit advice on how to initiate sex with a partner

 

Also covered:

• avoiding pregnancy and STDs
• dealing with rejection
• how to build a loving relationship that includes sexual intimacy

 

This is an "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know" kind of book!

 

 

Helpful chapters include:

• Surviving the First Wave of Sexual Interest
• What Should Parents Say and When Should They Say It?
• The Best Way to Date Someone is to Be Yourself
• Male & Female Advantages and Challenges in the Sexual Arena
• Sensory Issues in Sex!
• When Desire Leads to a Bad Relationship
• What Do Men Really Want?
• What Do Women Really Want?
• Birth Control, Disease Prevention and Personal Responsibility
• Rape, Molestation, and Abuse

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I will have my daughter with Asperger’s read this immediately, particularly the chapter on abuse. She NEEDS this information.”
Marianna Bond, Autism Chapter Leader

 

“I’m giving this to my 22-year-old son, and requiring my husband to read the chapter ‘What Do Women Want?’”
Parent
 

“I think this book will be terrific for all of us with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome!”
Lindsi Cavender, college student with Asperger’s Syndrome

 

About the Author

Jerry Newport was diagnosed with Asperger’s when he was 47 years old. Now a popular international speaker, he is one of the foremost advocates on adult issues that impact people with autism / Asperger’s Syndrome. Jerry’s fascinating, touching, and often humorous perspective on living on the spectrum makes his books and presentations intriguing and informative. His story was even featured on 60 Minutes. Jerry has a BA in Mathematics from the University of Michigan, and was a financial assistant for the UCLA Department of Medicine. He has been active in the Autism Society of America and is responsible for starting and running Adult Group United and Autistic (AGUA), a support group for adults diagnosed with autism / Asperger’s / PDD.

Mary Newport feels both challenged and blessed by Asperger’s Syndrome. Her enthusiasm for life and head-on approach to challenges have enabled her to achieve success as an actress, composer, concert piano technician, gemologist, cosmetologist, and writer. Jerry and Mary live in Flagstaff, Arizona, and they hope their book will enrich your life, or the life of someone you love.

Product Details

• Paperback: 205 pages
• Publisher: Future Horizons (July 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885477880
• ISBN-13: 978-1885477880
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #201,431 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bold and sensitive, October 20, 2002

By 

Teresa Bolick (Westford, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Autism - Asperger's and Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond (Paperback)

Jerry and Mary do a great job of tackling topics that many of us duck. I truly appreciate their emphasis upon the relationship as the cornerstone of intimacy and sexuality. They also provide practical advice about the sensory, hygiene, and "impression management" challenges that face many adolescents and adults with autism and Asperger Syndrome. Frankly, much of this is advice for anyone getting ready to face the world of dating and relationships!

As a parent and psychologist, I also appreciate the editor's notes that caution parents about the candor of the book and give permission to copy sections for their younger adolescent sons and daughters. It reminds us that even open-minded discussion must be done with sensitivity and responsibility.

Good job, Jerry and Mary!

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Telling it like it is, August 2, 2002

By 

Stephen M. Shore "Tumbalaika" (Newton, MA United States, Author of Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Autism - Asperger's and Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond (Paperback)

Going where few have dared to go, Jerry and Mary Newport, have provided a clear road map for dealing with sensitive issues surrounding sexuality for both our peers on the autism spectrum as well as the rest of the autism spectrum community. Straight and to the point there is much for everyone to learn from this work. Thank you and well done!

16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An important start to a much needed topic of discusion, August 5, 2006

By 

Robin Orlowski "political activist" (United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Autism - Asperger's and Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond (Paperback)

I appreciate the frankness which the author has decided to 'out' himself as a person with autism. This book tackles many areas which are still considered taboo for people with disabilities to know about.

Society still has hang ups thinking of people with disabilities as autonomous sexual beings. It wants to instead pretend that we are dependent children-vegetables. Even some so-called radical friends have become shocked to learn that people with disabilities participate in and enjoy sex.

Addressing people with disabilities as the primary audience will effectively help to shatter these stereotypes--although the title is also a good read for our families and friends.

However, as a heterosexual ally, I also must concur that he needed to include information on GLBT people--and avoid stereotypes. Because all people with disabilities are also outsiders to the status quo, such a limited and unfortunately one-dimensional view of sexuality is especially shocking and inappropriate.

It's great he acknowledges people with disabilities as being sexual beings, but then he seems to contradict himself by not giving adequate information when he had set out to write a book which was theoretically supposed to provide just that. Hopefully this issue will be resolved in future editions.