How to Be Yourself in a World That's Different: An Asperger's Syndrome Study Guide for Adolescents [Paperback]

Yuko Yoshida (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2007

"How to Be Yourself in a World That's Different" is an accessible guide to Asperger's Syndrome (AS) written for young readers who have been diagnosed with AS and other autism spectrum conditions. The book features a clear explanation of the condition, including symptoms that are common to people on the autism spectrum, such as a hypersensitivity to touch and difficulties with balance and coordination. The characteristics and symptoms of other syndromes that often coincide with AS are also discussed, for example AD/HD, learning disorders, and tics, as well as the temporary states of mental dysfunction that people with AS tend to be predisposed to, including depression, anxiety, obsessive and compulsive behaviors, and catatonia. This informative and encouraging text highlights the positive aspects of autism spectrum conditions, such as diligence, fairness, and a knack for unique ideas, but it also acknowledges the daily challenges faced by young people with AS and, crucially, offers strategies for dealing with these. Using case examples, Yoshida explores the difficulties of disclosing a diagnosis, takes readers through the stages of practicing key social skills, and offers advice on seeking support.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Yuko Yoshida M.D. is a child psychiatrist at the Yokohama Psycho-Developmental Clinic in Japan, which specializes in diagnosing and treating children with autism spectrum and other developmental disorders. She is also Managing Director of the Institute of PsychoEducation for Children. She has over 20 years' clinical experience and has taken training courses taught by Lorna Wing and Judith Gould, and she is one of only a handful of professionals in Japan certified to use the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO). She has previously authored Championing the individual: On raising children with Asperger's syndrome and high-functioning autism and co-translated into Japanese The Autistic Spectrum: A Guide for Parents & Professionals by Lorna Wing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (January 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843105047
• ISBN-13: 978-1843105046
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #995,637 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars How to Be Yourself in a World That's Different: An Asperger's Syndrome Study Guide for Adolescents, July 13, 2007

By 

Judith M. Wilks "kartal mom" (Homewood, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Be Yourself in a World That's Different: An Asperger's Syndrome Study Guide for Adolescents (Paperback)

I was actually quite disappointed in this book. I have really liked other books by this author in the past, but this one is more like an etiquette book than anything else, just a list of rules, and that is not what Asperger's kids need. Certainly there are some good points in the book, and Asperger's kids do need more reminders, but the presentation style is not especially effective. The idea of using cards perhaps has some merit, but on the whole I think the similar book by Dr. Jed Baker (The Picture Book of Social Stories, or something like that) does a better job of helping Asperger's kids make sense of social situations.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The books that change your life are not the ones that tell you how to live it., February 2, 2007

By 

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

This review is from: How to Be Yourself in a World That's Different: An Asperger's Syndrome Study Guide for Adolescents (Paperback)

If you are the sort of person who responds well to a rigourous, structured, self disciplined approach to things then you'll probably like this. Personally, I'm not that sort of person and I got tired just reading it.

The author says "THIS BOOK CAN HELP YOU CHANGE THE COURSE OF YOUR LIFE". What follows is a series of short tips and advice about everyday things and getting practice relating to others. It probably won't change your life.

It's a nice little book though with much that is positive and helpful to say and a very nice section on the science behind defining Aspergers which I found very interesting.