The Partner's Guide to Asperger Syndrome

by Moreno, Susan; Wheeler, Marci; Parkinson, Kealah; Attwood, Tony, Ph.D.

• ISBN13: 9781849058780
• ISBN10: 1849058784
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-11-15
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub

Summary

Adults with Asperger Syndrome (AS) often have difficulties acquiring relationship skills due to the defining characteristics of the syndrome, experiences with peers during childhood and adolescence, and the expectations of their partners. However, an increasing number do go on to achieve happy and successful long-term relationships with non-spectrum (NS) partners. This supportive book will give NS partners a better understanding of NS/AS relationships, and of what other NS partners have found to be helpful in terms of better understanding themselves and their partners, and enriching their relationships. Drawing on their experience of being in long-term relationships with AS partners, and interviews with over 100 others in the same situation, the authors explore the key differences which may impact upon AS/NS relationships, such as communication, social skills, and sensory issues, and offer tried-and-tested advice on how to surmount difficulties and make things work.

Author Biography

Susan Moreno is the founder and president of MAAP Services, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides information and advice to parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals about all aspects of autism spectrum disorders. She is the editor of The MAAP, a newsletter for families of individuals with high functioning autism. Marci Wheeler is a social work specialist who has worked at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community since 1983. She has also worked as staff advisor for the Students on the Spectrum (S.O.S.) Club at Indiana University. Kealah Parkinson is a professional communications coach and public speaker who, along with motivating business and sales people, specializes in fostering communication skills in clients with developmental disorders.

Table of Contents

Foreword: Relationship Problems of Adults with Asperger Syndrome	p. 7
Acknowledgments	p. 22
Preface	p. 23
Introduction	p. 25
Internal Issues for Non-Spectrum Partners	p. 29
Communication Differences	p. 46
Social Skills Differences	p. 70
Sensory Processing Differences	p. 101
Executive Function Skills and Challenges	p. 114
Coping with Stress	p. 128
Parenting	p. 143
ASD and Illegal Behaviors	p. 159
Positive ASD Qualities vs. Negative Experiences	p. 167
Successful Partnerships	p. 186
Meeting the Needs of the NS Partner	p. 197
Final Thoughts	p. 206
Ten Considerations for Non-Spectrum Partners	p. 208
Advice from NS Spouses for Family and Friends	p. 212
Couples Profiles	p. 217
Useful Resources	p. 239
Bibliography	p. 246
Subject Index	p. 249
Author Index	p. 254
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