The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

By:

Tony Attwood

Rating:

Personal Thoughts

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). Now including a new introduction explaining the impact of DSM-5 on the diagnosis and approach to AS, it brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through to adults.

Summary Notes

A lack of social understanding, limited ability to have a reciprocal conversation and an intense interest in a particular subject are the core features of this syndrome.
Asperger also observed and described conspicuous impairments in the communication and control of emotions, and a tendency to intellectualize feelings.
Asperger noted that they often needed more assistance with self-help and organizational skills from their mothers than one would expect. He described conspicuous clumsiness in terms of gait and coordination. He also noted that some children were extremely sensitive to particular sounds, aromas, textures and touch.
noticed that some of the parents, especially the fathers of such children, appeared to share some of the personality characteristics of their child. He wrote that the condition was probably due to genetic or neurological, rather than psychological or environmental, factors.
The child is also recognized as immature in the ability to manage emotions and to express empathy.
The teacher may also notice that the child becomes extremely anxious if routines are changed or he or she cannot solve a problem.
Conflict and confrontation with adults can be made worse by non-compliance, negativism, and a difficulty in perceiving the differences in social status or hierarchy, resulting in a failure to respect authority or maturity.
He or she will not accept a particular school rule if it appears to be illogical and will pursue a point or argument as a matter of principle.
Those children who tend to internalize thoughts and feelings may develop signs of self-blame and depression, or alternatively, use imagination and a fantasy life to create another world in which they are more successful.