Customer Reviews

Life and Love: Positive Strategies for Autistic Adults

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Zosia Zaks, who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 31, presents a "peer-to-peer" guide for fellow adults with Asperger's and high-functioning autism drawn from the creative strategies she has devised to cope since her childhood, in Life and Love: Positive Strategies for Autistic Adults. Chapters discuss practical means for handling sensory issues including strategies for navigation, how to facilitate maintaining a clean and orderly home, how to shop for necessities without becoming distracted or vulnerable to impulse purchases, health care and vocational challenges, issues to keep in mind when dating from health and safety concerns to inappropriate versus appropriate behavior, things to keep in mind when trying to make autism spectrum/non-spectrum relationships work, advice for when and how to disclose one's autism spectrum diagnosis, and much more. An utterly invaluable guide for autism-spectrum adults to dealing with the large and small trials of ordinary life one day at a time.

I agree with the other reviewers that this is an excellent book that should be read by everyone on the autism spectrum.

The only drawback is that she writes from the viewpoint of her own particular disabilities. Several times she suggested getting help from others, which was useless for me since approaching others is my biggest problem. She also spent a greater part of the book going on about sensory issues - some autists have few sensory problems until they are already stressed from other issues.

The most helpful part of the book for me was the sections on dealing with "Executive functioning" issues - bathing, doing dishes, cleaning house - regularly. I had made significant improvement on some areas before reading it, but it helped me to see why I had so much trouble, and to extend my improvement to other areas.

This book is well written and a wonderful tool for older teens on up to adults (on the autism spectrum) to help navigate the world. Many topics covered include: grocery shopping, renting an apartment, traveling, interviewing for a job, housekeeping, family relationships, dating relationships, friends etc. Ms. Zaks breaks down each area into bite sized pieces to help her audience deal with social and sensory issues. She has wonderful down to earth advice like keeping a sensory emergency pack on hand and being prepared for social interactions before they happen. Reading this as a "neuro-typical," I found this to be a terrific resource to help those on the spectrum become more independent by addressing their challenges directly. It's a wonderful book full of easy to follow tools and suggestions. I think every teen with Aspergers graduating high school (and those already out of high school) should obtain this book!! GREAT INSIGHT. Joanna K-V, Author, A IS FOR AUTISM, F IS FOR FRIEND

If you are an adult on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) spectrum, be sure to make this book one of your best friends. Zaks, herself an adult with Asperger's will act as your tour guide and take you on a Magical Mystery Tour of life with autism for adults.

Gifted and resourceful, she has outlined a list of action plans for staying socially savvy at parties; in romantic venues and on the job. Tips for maintaining a neat household and managing money are also included. Tips on how to decode neurotypical (NT) expressions are also included. Intersensory relationships (a/A and NT) are also explored along with developing strategies for appropriate/acceptable behavior.

One of the best parts is the advice she gives on when and how to let it be known one is on the a/A spectrum. This book makes me think of several Beatles' songs: 1) George Harrison's 1966 gem, "I Want to Tell You" in re disclosing placement on the spectrum; 2) 1967's "A Day in the Life" because NT readers will see what a day in the life of many on the spectrum can be like and 3) Paul McCartney's 1967 "Magical Mystery Tour" because with Zaks as your tour guide, you see autism demystified.

Ideal with Jerry Newport's book, Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome This is a must have for any adult on the spectrum or directly involved with others who are. This Godsend deserves a place of honor and is really for everybody!

This book is a must-have for adults with autism spectrum disorders and professionals who work with adolescents transitioning to adulthood. Zosia tells it like it is and provides every detail of the hidden curriculum that most people would not even consider teaching someone. Amidst all the how-to details of daily life, Zosia provides excellent examples of misunderstandings that may occur between neurotypical individuals and those on the autism spectrum. I expect to use this book frequently in my work with individuals with high functioning autism and Asperger's.

Thank you so much. The book I purchased from you arrived in a short amount of time and in perfect condition. You are wonderful seller to purchase books from!