Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome [Paperback]

Jed Baker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2006

Typically, ASD high school graduates are unprepared for the transition to independence. Early, ongoing training in the social skills crucial to establishing successful adult relationships—in college, vocational school, residential living, or on the job—can help. He also guides readers through the legal, financial, educational, vocational, and community resources available after graduation. The essence of the book lies in the 73 “Skill Lessons” targeting:

• nonverbal communication
• empathy
• anger/anxiety management
• conversational skills
• employment-related skills

—which can be taught by parents, teachers, or professionals. This easy-to-follow resource offers a complete toolbox of social skills and the means to attain them.

Helpful chapters include:

• Asperger’s Syndrome, autism disorders, and the need for life skills training
• The transition process and the law
• College, Career and Residential Options Beyond High School: What parents can do to prepare their son or daughter (by Rick Blumberg,
• Ph.D.)
• Assessment of social skill needs
• Skill instruction strategies: Individual, small group, self-instruction
• Training peers to be more accepting of students on the spectrum
• Skill Lessons
   

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

"It is my philosophy that the skills in this book and others do not represent a model of social correctness. They are, however, ideas of how to behave that may help students reach their own goals. . . . The message is, don’t alter the uniqueness that makes you special in so many great ways—just add to what you can do." — Dr. Jed Baker

About the Author

Having earned his MA and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Albany, Dr. Jed Baker is a behavioral consultant for several New Jersey school districts where, nearly two decades ago, he organized a group to help children with social communication problems. That group expanded and ultimately became the Social Skills Training Project under Dr. Baker’s directorship. Dr. Baker also presents lectures all over the world on social skills training, and is on the board of directors of the Asperger’s Syndrome Education Network, Inc. (ASPEN). His work has been featured on ABC News and Nightline.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 16 and up
  
• Paperback: 357 pages
• Publisher: Future Horizons; 1 edition (January 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932565337
• ISBN-13: 978-1932565331
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,506 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > Parenting & Relationships > Family Relationships > Parent & Adult Child
  • #51 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Personal Health > Children's Health > Autism & Asperger's Syndrome

More About the Author

Dr. Jed Baker earned his MA and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Albany, the State University of New York. Dr. Baker is the Director of the Social Skills Training Project, a family therapy and consultative services practice for families of students with social-communication difficulties, and serves as Director of Social Skills Training for the Millburn School District in New Jersey. He is a professional advisory board member for the AspergerÂ’s Syndrome Education Network, Inc. (ASPEN), the educational network for parents of children with AspergerÂ’s Syndrome. Originally from New York City, Dr. Baker lives with his wife, Beth, and children, Jake and Lindsay, in New Jersey.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Life Skills Training, July 10, 2006

By 

Stephen S (Ga.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome (Paperback)

This is a great motivational book for someone on the verge of entering into adulthood. Dr. Baker pinpoints specific skills needed for a variety of "life situations" by catagorizing them and dealing with them individually. It starts out with mapping out assets and challenges. There are activity pages to use when anger is an issue and suggestions on calming ones self. The book includes a 16 page section on dating. It offers great advice for job seekers, from writing resumes to handling rejection. These are only a few of the sections found in this book. It truly is indispensable for anyone with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome. I definitely recommend this one.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Navigator, December 11, 2006

By 

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

This review is from: Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome (Paperback)

This book is truly a Godsend. It is ideal for people on the autism/Asperger's spectrum who are approaching adulthood. Dr. Baker is plainly a gifted man and this book is proof positive of his logical vision. He is also a brilliant navigator who leads expeditions for people on the a/A spectrum into understanding the neurotypical world and issues in it.

I like the way he organizes assets and challenges by putting them into categories, e.g. work, social, etc. Dr. Baker includes some good practical techniques for handling difficult emotions. His advice on dating and employment issues is something no adult on the spectrum should go without reading. If you are an adult on the spectrum, please make this book your best friend.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on social skills, July 6, 2006

By 

Judy Ashley (U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome (Paperback)

"Preparing for Life" was a terrific book. If someone you know has Autism/Asperger's and is getting ready for any major transitions in life, this book is highly recommended. It comes with worksheets and very helpful activities to help one reach their goals and be more confident with who they are. It is a highly motivational book in that it helps an individual not to be afraid to try new things and gives much needed assistance in dealing with real-life circumstances that might be challenging.