A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome [Paperback]

Genevieve Edmonds (Author), E. Veronica Bliss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2007

A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome presents an empowering, practical approach to helping people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) to succeed at college, at work, at home and in life.
The authors highlight how treating AS as a 'problem' is unproductive, and advocate a solution focused approach which recognizes and uses the strengths of people with AS to foster mutual respect and understanding.
Drawing on both their personal experience and knowledge of counseling, the authors use anecdotes and stories to show how people with AS cope in day-to-day situations. They also illustrate how effective communication and understanding of a person's needs and goals are key to improving daily life for people with AS. The final section of the book comprises practical worksheets and resources to help people with AS to recognize their achievements and work towards their goals.
This book will be of interest to people who are affected by AS, their families and the people who work with them.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

E. Veronica Bliss has over 20 years' experience working with individuals on the autistic spectrum, and has been working as a solution focused psychologist for the past six years.

Genevieve Edmonds has a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and has received training in solution-focused brief therapy, having received a variety of therapeutic input including solution focused approaches. She is currently providing talks, training and support in the field of autism throughout the UK, and completing academic study in autism and Asperger Syndrome.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub; 1 edition (October 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843105136
• ISBN-13: 978-1843105138
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,311,444 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good First Step, June 8, 2008

By 

Shadoxfire (Pacific Northwest USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome (Paperback)

I like "A Self-Determined Future" a lot better than some of the older books on the topic.

My daughter and I have both been diagnosed with AS, which I think is a personality type but which my wife thinks is a disorder. Since a happy wife = a happy home I have been plowing through the available literature on AS. I am pretty sure my daughter will be fine but my wife lacks my faith so I keep reading.

Apparently I have been finding ways to work around my "disorder" for 40 years. Unsurprisingly I have some strong opinions about AS. (No I am not Mr. Popular, but I get by in a job I can do alone, and I go shopping and do chores early Thursday mornings while everyone else is at work.)

A gross oversimplification of the Bliss/Edmonds method is to find what is working for the patient and to encourage him or her to do it more, in the hopes that what works will compensate for what doesn't work. ("Building on Strengths")

In my opinion this is a good first step but eventually it will become a crutch. If you don't become more flexible, if you don't develop a wider variety of skills, you will barely get by and you will not thrive.

At some point you will have to learn consciously how to do stuff that other people are "hard wired" to do. ("Turn a Weakness into a Strength") Apparently you and I are missing some "social instinct". (Like a computer missing a sound card.) It's not fair, but we have to put work into doing what comes naturally for others.

The GOOD news is that if you are willing to make this effort, all indications are you have a VERY good chance of become a leader in whatever field you choose. AS may be a blessing in disguise.

Don't give up!