Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure And Self-confidence [Paperback]

Dinah Murray (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 15, 2005 | ISBN-10: 1843102404 | ISBN-13: 978-1843102403

"Coming Out Asperger" explores the complexity of diagnosis for Asperger Syndrome, the drawbacks and benefits of disclosing a diagnosis of a "hidden disability," and how this impinges on self-esteem. The contributors include some of the best-known and most exciting writers in the field of Asperger Syndrome (AS) today, and include individuals on the autism spectrum, parents and professionals. The broad range of the chapters, which draw on anecdotal, professional and research-based evidence, make this book a comprehensive and highly original consideration of the implications of an AS diagnosis.The ever-difficult question of who to tell and when once a diagnosis has been confirmed is discussed in great depth. Liane Holliday Willey and Stephen Shore examine the dynamics of disclosure, its risks and the possible effect on self-confidence. Jacqui Jackson looks at how a diagnosis impacts upon family life. Tony Attwood provides a clinician's view of diagnosing adults, and Lynne Moxon, Wendy Lawson, Dora Georgiou and Jane Meyerding discuss adult issues surrounding disclosure, including how to deal with relationships and sexuality, and disclosure in the workplace, as well as social and disability issues.A unique and fascinating insight into the important issue of diagnosis disclosure, this book is an essential guide for people with AS, parents, teachers, professionals and all those who have ever felt confused about revealing a personal issue.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dinah Murray has a PhD in linguistics, which has led to her keen interest in autism for over a decade. She is currently a tutor for Birmingham University's distance learning course in autism, has published widely about autism both in Britain and abroad.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub (November 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843102404
• ISBN-13: 978-1843102403
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #922,324 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Thorough Exploration of the Issues, January 27, 2006

By 

Suz "treadingwater" (Freeland, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure And Self-confidence (Paperback)

This is a long overdue look at the impact of AS diagnosis and it quite comprehensively covers the issues involved with diagnosis and disclosure in a variety of situations such as family, work, school, relationships etc. As a person long since diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome who has sometimes disclosed and sometimes not, with varying amounts of success, reading this book was a bit like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. I think the people most likely to benefit from reading this book are professionals working with people during and after diagnosis who can impart it's wisdom to those who need it when they actually need it. A variety of well known and respected writers in the field of autism and Asperger syndrome have contributed to this guide and it is well written, but overall I found it a bit dry. It is informative, interesting and very relevant, but I don't think it offers much in the way of comfort or answers if that is what you are looking for... but then that would be a lot to expect.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Many perspectives and helpful considerations, July 13, 2006

By 

J. Wilson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure And Self-confidence (Paperback)

As an adult with Asperger Syndrome (I identify as an Aspie) and as a clinical social worker, I found this book to be engaging and helpful.
I appreciated the variety of perspectives and experiences, the quality of the writing, the level of detail, and the relevance of the chapters.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I Want to Tell You, January 29, 2007

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure And Self-confidence (Paperback)

This book makes me think of the 1966 George Harrison classic, "I Want to Tell You."

For many people, adults in particular who have Asperger's Syndrome, which is the spectrum partner to autism, this book is very useful in determining when, where and how to disclose having this sensori-neurobiological condition.

I like the inclusion of many voices, especially those of people on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) continuum. This is a book parents, educators and other professionals as well as people on the a/A continuum will treasure and find very useful.