The Asperger Love Guide; A Practical Guide for Adults with Asperger's Syndrome to Seeking, Establishing and Maintaining Successful Relationships

by Genevieve Edmonds

• ISBN13: 9781412923248
• ISBN10: 1412923247
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-12-15
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd

Summary

'This is the first book I've read in a long time that, once started, I couldn't put down until it was finished. It is an exceptionally good read. The 77 pages are written succinctly with no waffle - just straight to the point.I will definitely buy a copy of this book for the whole family to use! I will use it to guide Joe (my 17 year old Asperger son) when he's ready for it. It's not a book he would read himself; in fact I read the section "the merits of single life" out loud to him a bit like a bed time story' - Action for ASD'There is a great need for more awareness of Asperger syndrome and how it affects personal relationships. The National Autistic Society find this a helpful guide' - Cathy Mercer, NAS'This book sets out some helpful facts about relationships in a neat, simple form' - Asperger UnitedMaterial based on the experiences of the people on the Autistic Spectrum is usually written by neurotypical writers. Here, Genevieve and Dean, both adults with Asperger's Syndrome, share their advice and tips for romantic success.The chapters cover:o building self-esteem;o the best places to meet potential partners;o dating;o maintaining relationships.Both authors work with the Asperger community, either providing support or training, so their insight is based upon other people's experiences as well as their own. This is shown in a number of case studies that support the elements described in each chapter. They write in a clear, accessible and non-patronizing way which will suit their audience.This will prove to be an invaluable book to those with Asperger's or those that support Asperger people.Dean Worton is a 31 year-old high functioning individual with a very positive expression of Asperger Syndrome. He runs a successful UK-based website for adults with Asperger Syndrome and hosts real-life meet-ups around the UK for its members. His key interest is in encouraging adults with AS to live positively and successfully with the gifts that Asperger Syndrome provides. He also works in adminstration and resides in North-West England.Genevieve Edmonds is a 23 year old with 'residual' Asperger Syndrome, which she views as a significant gift. She works as an associate of the Missing Link Support Service in Lancashire supporting those 'disabled by society' including individuals with ASD. She speaks and writes frequently in the field of Autism, along with giving training, workshops and soon counselling. She aims to empower those with ASD, carers and professionals in the understanding of Asperger Syndrome as a difference rather than an impairment. She lives and works in a solution-focused way and is based in North-West England

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. ix
Introduction	p. 1
The merits of the single life	p. 2
Terminology used in this guide	p. 2
Asperger's Syndrome and Relationships: The Reality	p. 3
The science bit	p. 4
The way of the world	p. 5
Perceived problems	p. 6
The reality of Asperger's syndrome and relationships	p. 7
Autism and emotion	p. 8
Aspie-Aspie relationships	p. 21
You	p. 23
Acceptance of your AS and the reality of having AS	p. 24
Get to know yourself	p. 24
Self-esteem	p. 25
Positive thinking	p. 27
Change and improvement	p. 28
Individuality: being yourself	p. 28
Take responsibility	p. 29
Interests	p. 30
Emotional baggage	p. 31
Appearance	p. 31
Looking and behaving desperately	p. 33
Seeking and Finding Someone	p. 35
Disclosing Asperger's syndrome	p. 36
Choosing someone	p. 36
Friendship and relationships	p. 37
Approaching someone	p. 38
Where to meet someone	p. 39
Dating	p. 43
The first date	p. 44
Conversation on the date	p. 45
Flirting	p. 46
Safety	p. 47
The second date	p. 48
The third date onwards	p. 48
Making it official	p. 48
General dating etiquette	p. 49
Sex	p. 50
Maintaining	p. 53
Having fun together	p. 54
Caring about someone	p. 54
Change	p. 55
Quality time	p. 56
Romance and affection	p. 56
Intimacy and touch	p. 57
Disagreements	p. 57
Communication	p. 58
Partnership	p. 59
Love	p. 60
The Long-term	p. 63
Are we going the same way?	p. 64
Co-habiting	p. 65
Marriage	p. 65
Case-studies	p. 67
Case-study 1	p. 68
Case-study 2	p. 72
Useful Contacts	p. 77
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