Understanding Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism (The Autism Spectrum Disorders Library, Volume 1) [Paperback]

Gary B. Mesibov (Author), Victoria Shea (Author), Lynn W. Adams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2001 | ISBN-10: 0306466279 | ISBN-13: 978-0306466274 | Edition: 1

This volume, the first in the series, explores the high-functioning group of people within the spectrum of autism disorders. It is the culmination of over a decade of clinical work and research, including the most current information available about this group. Written in a style that is accessible to both seasoned clinicians and concerned lay persons, this volume is a unique resource.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Dr. Mesibov and colleagues demystify in clear simple language the confusing diagnostic nomenclature applied to the disorders on the autistic spectrum... Strengths of the book are its evenhandedness in a field where opinionated views are often presented as dogma, and its resolutely practical approach, for instance, giving addresses, phone numbers, or websites in text where particular resources are cited... Above all I appreciate the authors' successful attempt at clarifying the major issues that befuddle both parents and professionals who deal with these children, adolescents, and adults." (Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology (March 2002) "The recognition that people with Asperger Syndrome differ from each other and have an individual profile of impairments and needs is a relatively recent one in professional circles. Less has been written about psychological assessment and much less has been written about intervention. This book's attention to both will be welcomed by parents and sufferers, as well as professionals." (Digby Tantam in Contemporary Psychology, 48:3 (2003)

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (August 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306466279
• ISBN-13: 978-0306466274
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,892,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excerpt of review from Contemporary Psychology, April 28, 2004

By 

"kluwermarketing" (Plymouth, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism (The Autism Spectrum Disorders Library, Volume 1) (Paperback)

"The recognition that people with Asperger Syndrome differ from each other and have an individual profile of impairments and needs is a relatively recent one in professional circles. Less has been written about psychological assessment and much less has been written about intervention. This book's attention to both will be welcomed by parents and sufferers, as well as professionals."

Digby Tantam, Contemporary Psychology v.48 no. 3(2003)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Continues the debate about AS versus HFA, June 12, 2004

By 

John Harpur (Trim, Meath, IRELAND) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism (The Autism Spectrum Disorders Library, Volume 1) (Paperback)

This book does a good job of addressing the debate about whether Asperger syndrome is really an alternative label for High Functioning Autism or not. On my reading of the book, it favours the HFA angle which may run counter to European preferences. A good dealof information is provided an assessment options and thier implications. Interventions are reviewed quite briefly - understandable given the number involved.

In conclusion, it is fair to say that the book is aimed at professionals rather than parents. I found the writing style a bit too formal (as if the book as an extended journal paper) and that made the book lesss appealing to me. In terms of wide audience appeal, I would prefer the book on Asperger Syndrome by Christopher Gillberg.