Hitchhiking through Asperger Syndrome [Paperback]

Lise Pyles (Author), Tony Attwood (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2001

Written from a parent's perspective, this book gives a candid and thoughtful account of one family's trek through the world of Asperger Syndrome. The author makes it very clear that, while professional help can be necessary, parents are in the best position to make a difference in their children's lives and should be in control of, and involved in, their children's care and education. She offers practical and positive advice on topics including: diagnosis and self-diagnosis; dealing with your own reactions and those of others; type of school and homeschooling; medication; and dietary issues. Written in clear, straightforward language, the book does not promote any particular therapy or prescribe fixed solutions, but aims to help parents to ask good questions and come up with answers to suit their own circumstances and children. Full of humour and common sense, "Hitchhiking Through Asperger Syndrome" should make encouraging, inspiring and entertaining reading for all parents of children with Asperger Syndrome.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Pyles here relates her experience raising a son with Asperger Syndrome and her struggles to navigate "the system" in three different countries to get help for her son. Much of the author's journey occurred before Asperger Syndrome was an "official" diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Even now, few education and healthcare professionals have a clear understanding of this high-functioning form of autism. This is a been-there-done-that manual for parents helping their Asperger children when the system fails them. But because it focuses primarily on the author's son and what works for him, it may be too narrow for some readers. A broader range of parents' perspectives are presented in Patricia Romanowski Bashe and Barbara L. Kirby's The OASIS Guide to Asperger Syndrome (LJ 9/1/01). Growing awareness of the syndrome by the professional community has led to an increase in diagnoses, so librarians may be getting more requests for books on this subject. These two guides complement each other well, but libraries limited to purchasing one would be better off with The OASIS Guide. KellyJo Houtz Griffin, Eatonville, WA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Pyles, whose son has Asperger syndrome, offers an emotional and resourceful parent's perspective on this pervasive development disorder, which is similar to autism. At the time of her son's diagnosis, the name Asperger syndrome hadn't even been coined, and there were no Web sites and support groups. In addition, she coped with school and medical systems in three countries--the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Australia--giving her an international perspective on how the disorder is treated. Among the more prevalent symptoms are social awkwardness, poor communication skills, and a lack of imagination that may cause a child to interpret speech too literally. Through her family's experience with the syndrome, Pyles was able to piece together tactics, from homeschooling to changes in diet and nutrition, to help her son cope and develop a normal life. Pyles offers practical ideas on how to calm children and help them deal with academic and social demands. The book includes diagnostic criteria and a wide variety of helpful resources. An inspiring, resourceful look at a little-understood disorder. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 286 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley; 1 edition (November 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1853029378
• ISBN-13: 978-1853029370
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #231,751 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Genuine Warmth makes this book an Easy to Read Gem, July 28, 2002

By 

Allison Brenneise (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hitchhiking through Asperger Syndrome (Paperback)

I really enjoyed reading this book. I have read many books on autism and asperger syndrome in my "career" as a parent of two children with both diagnoses. I found that this book was especially warm, and easy to read, with a lot of practical knowledge from someone who has walked in my shoes!

I really appreciated the authors writing style, it was really inviting, taking me through the family's experience, without it being clinical at all. Lise made one statement that has resinated with me to this day and while I am not looking directly at the book to quote it exactly, it was about how at some point your child is going to need something and you are going to be completely on your own and for whatever moment, however long, you alone will be the one who has to provide it. This book is an excellent resource in how to meet some of those needs when you are alone and have to provide and need an idea. Lise has done an excellent job of providing many ideas in multiple subject areas throughout her book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I think it is an excellent find for both readers of people newly diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and people who have "been around" for a while too.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LOVED reading the true story of ASPERGERS, November 29, 2001

By 

Nancy Mandell (Plano, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hitchhiking through Asperger Syndrome (Paperback)

I have "known" Lise Pyles for four years from an email
group of AS parents and folks on the autism spectrum.

Her insights and knowledge of her son has always been
on target for me. I look forward to every post she writes the
email group. As I know, I will gleam some new insight. She
adds humor and a depth of understanding AS in her stories living with a child on the spectrum.

Her son John, now 17 is a remarkable example of how
far a person with AS can go in life with proper supports
and parents that educate themselves and guide their child
with understanding and acceptance.

I only pray my son becomes as self reliant as John is.

Lise is up to date in her thoughts on ASD(autism spectrum disorders) Her information on diets, homeschooling, resources
are well researched and thought out.

Her experience is global. Their family has lived in the UK,
Australia and the US.

This book is more than just one moms experience, it is EVERY MOMS
of an AS child's guidance in "HOW TO deal with AS in the ev ery
day life of our precious children.

If I could meet anybody in the world, from my list
of over 1,000 parents to pick their brains on parenting an AS
child, it would be LISE PYLES......

Her book is a success story and John you are TRULY blessed .

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend this book!, November 14, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Hitchhiking through Asperger Syndrome (Paperback)

This is one of the best books I have ever read on Asperger's Syndrome. It explores virtually every variable related to the syndrome in a warm and human way and the result is a masterpiece of information and support.

I am so happy this book is available. I'll have to get another one soon, as the one I now have is getting too worn-out from all the highlighting and page turning it's received.

Lee- mom to an AS daughter.