Bringing together international academics and professionals who are actively researching and working in the field, this pioneering scholarly volume covers the issues faced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) in mid and later life.Including a range of personal, academic and clinical perspectives, the book considers historical and contemporary perspectives on autism, including diagnosis, developmental outcomes and life course issues. Attention is given to medical, care ...

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A “deeply felt and often darkly funny” (People) memoir about growing up feeling different—and finally being diagnosed with autism at 40“Lean, powerful in its descriptive accuracy, and engaging in its understated humor . . . Emotionally gripping.”—Chicago TribuneEver since he was young, John Robison longed to connect with other people, but by the time he was a teenager, his odd habits—an...

Coming Out Asperger explores the complexity of diagnosis for Asperger Syndrome, the drawbacks and benefits of disclosing a diagnosis of a 'hidden disability,' and how this impinges on self-esteem. The contributors include some of the best-known and most exciting writers in the field of Asperger Syndrome (AS) today, and include individuals on the autism spectrum, parents and professionals. The broad range of the chapters, which draw on anecdotal, professional and research-based evidence, ma...

Increasing numbers of adults are realising that they have been living with an undiagnosed developmental condition, yet most information and support focuses on children. This leaves many adults confused and in the dark.The Adolescent and Adult Neuro-Diversity Handbook is a handy first-reference point guide to the full range of developmental conditions as they affect adolescents and adults. Each chapter focuses on a different condition, describing its history, causes and characterist...

Getting to Grips with Asperger Syndrome is a practical, problem-solving guide for those caring for or supporting an adult with Asperger Syndrome (AS). It will help them understand the condition and the difficulties it may cause, so that they can offer support in the most beneficial way.The book explains what AS is and why certain behaviours frequently occur: such as anxiety, fear of change and unusual sensitivities. Once behaviours and reactions are understood, many of the apparent...

College life is particularly stressful for students with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and the resources that colleges provide for such students are often inadequate. This much needed guide provides information to help these students prepare successfully for the rites and rituals of studying, interact with staff and fellow students, cope with expectations and pressures, and understand their academic and domestic responsibilities. How will I cope with the workload? What do I do if I feel ill? How ...

Elizabeth Barnes argues compellingly that disability is primarily a social phenomenon--a way of being a minority, a way of facing social oppression, but not a way of being inherently or intrinsically worse off. This is how disability is understood in the Disability Rights and Disability Pride movements; but there is a massive disconnect with the way disability is typically viewed within analytic philosophy. The idea that disability is not inherently bad or sub-optimal is one that many phil...

This insider account provides much-needed information about a subject of increasing interest: people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) working in management positions. Johnson draws on his personal experiences to explain how elements such as the working environment, managing staff, group dynamics and office politics can have a profound influence on work performance. He provides useful examples and guidance on adapting to the workplace and coping with the pressures and demands of professional rol...

Young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often feel uncomfortable and anxious in social situations, but socializing with classmates and colleagues can be made easier - and more enjoyable - with Guiding Toward Growth group sessions.John Merges' simple yet effective program for teaching social enjoyment skills is based on the concept that there are ten hurdles that make it challenging for people with ASD to enjoy social interaction. This book guides the reader through planni...

People with Asperger Syndrome have many characteristics that are frequently seen in a negative light. Brenda Boyd shows that for every characteristic of AS that can be looked at negatively, there are several positive aspects that can be drawn on and developed. Discussing AS in general terms, she talks through the reasons why people with AS approach life in the way they do, and what an enormous contribution they make to the world. She then explores different characteristics of AS; while she...

The story of Narcissus, who falls in love with his own image in a spring, has fascinated writers and thinkers ever since Ovid first gave poetical form to the myth in his Metamorphoses. This study systematically investigates the elaborations of the theme at the turn of the century around 1900. It argues that a sense of crisis in the modern foundation of selfhood explains the heightened interest in Narcissus during this period.The book investigates three different aspects of...

Disabling Barriers analyzes issues relating to disability at different moments in Canadian and American history. In this volume, legal scholars, historians, and disability-rights activists demonstrate that disabled people can change their social status by transforming the political and legal discourse surrounding disablement.Employing tools from the fields of law and history, this original contribution explores how disabled people have been portrayed and treated in a varie...