A Guide to Asperger Syndrome

by Christopher Gillberg

• ISBN13: 9780521001830
• ISBN10: 0521001838
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-08-26
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Asperger syndrome is an autism spectrum disorder, usually with life-long consequences for social interaction and behaviour. The disorder is neurodevelopmental and symptoms appear in the preschool years. Individuals affected are often misunderstood and sometimes misdiagnosed when they apply for help. A Guide to Asperger Syndrome is an accessible handbook for all those touched by Asperger syndrome, one of the most common variants of disorders in the so-called autism spectrum. In it, Christopher Gillberg, a world-renowned authority in the field, gives an in-depth account of symptoms, diagnosis, prevalence, background factors, prognosis and intervention. The book is intended for a wide readership, including those affected, their families, and clinicians working with children, adolescents and adults with Asperger syndrome.

Author Biography

Christopher Gillberg is Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Goteborg in Sweden, and St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, UK.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Introduction	1	(4)
Definitions	5	(15)
Prevalence	20	(3)
Symptoms in childhood	23	(20)
Symptoms in adolescence	43	(5)
Associated psychiatric and social problems	48	(11)
Other problems	59	(5)
Strengths	64	(5)
Background factors	69	(10)
Cognitive neuropsychology	79	(10)
Diagnosis and work-up	89	(6)
Outcome in the longer term: adults with Asperger syndrome	95	(5)
Attitudes, interventions and treatment	100	(23)
Who can help?	123	(5)
What about all those famous geniuses?	128	(7)
Case vignettes	135	(19)
Appendices	154	(7)
Further reading	161	(8)
Index	169