Customer Reviews

Starting Points: The Basics of Understanding and Supporting Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome

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I am a mother to a six year old boy just diagnosed with Very mild aspergers syndrome in December 2007.This book was recommended to me by autismnotes.com forums. What the doctor didn't explain to me this book did. And it was explained in very easy terms to understand I found myself exclaiming "so that's why he does that!" over and over again, it's wonderful. If you are an educator or have a child with this disorder and have questions this book will help you find answers.

In keeping with the tradition of all books written by Dr. Myles or Jill Hudson, Starting Points is brilliant, easily understandable and absolutely practical. Asperger Syndrome is a complex multi-faceted disorder and it is difficult to grasp "What exactly IS it?" Or, as the title implies, "Where do I start?" Starting Points is exactly that: you can pick it up without even basic knowledge of AS and come away with a pretty firm grasp on the basics after reading this short book. Even if you have an advanced understanding of AS you will find much to love in this book because it boils it all down, again point by point so that you can be reminded, "Yes, THIS is Asperger Syndrome." (Which, by the way, as I now recall, is a title of another of Dr. Myles' books.) This book would be a wonderful gift for extended family who do not understand what all the hub bub is about and why your child behaves as he does, or the teacher who is nervously anticipating your child in his class (accompanied by Simple Strategies...again, YET ANOTHER, of Dr. Myles' books...yes, she is both a brilliant...and shockingly prolific writer). It would be a compassionate gift to give to a parent of a child newly diagnosed if they are, for example, too overwhelmed to delve into a longer book on AS (such as my own ;-) Better yet, read it yourself first! In any case, it is wonderfully written and I highly recommend it.

Other useful titles from Dr. Brenda Smith Myles
Simple Strategies That Work! Helpful Hints for All Educators of Students With Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and Related Disabilities

The Comprehensive Autism Planning System [CAPS] for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome, Autism, and Related Disabilities

Other wonderful books by Jill Hudson
Out and About: Preparing Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders to Participate in Their Communities
Prescription for Success: Supporting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Medical Environment


Kristi Sakai, parent of 3 children with AS and author of:

Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family