Autism And Asperger Syndrome In Adults – Review

OVERCOMING COMMON PROBLEM SERIES:

by Dr Luke Beardon
Published by Sheldon Press

As stated on the front cover this is clearly a very up to date overview of Autism and Asperger Syndrome. Although the title at the beginning says ‘in adults’, this book is pertinent to children, teenagers and their families.

Real life situations are used throughout the book, with respect obviously to confidentiality. The chapters cover the following:

• An introduction.
• The second chapter explodes many of the myths of Autism
• Social relationships and Echopraxic behaviour (copying others) Masking and being a good actor are the next two chapters.
• The anxiety that people on the Spectrum often experience or are “made” to experience is Chapter 5.
• The importance of consideration of sensory issues is covered by Chapter 6, Sensory Profile
• Chapter 7 looks at diagnosis, or as the term Luke prefers, “identification”, bringing a greater understanding of self
• Chapters 8 and 9 look at academic studying and employment
• Relationships and parenthood are covered in Chapter 10
• How people with Autism may come in contact with the criminal justice system is in Chapter 11 and people may be aware that his Phd was in this area
• The final Chapter is a celebration of Autism

Luke has decades of experience in the field in a number of settings, including working directly with individuals and in an academic setting.

The back cover describes the book as both sensitive and insightful and that the book tackles myths and stereotypes about Autism, clearly explaining its implication in adulthood and I totally concur with this and this will be a book that we recommend to everyone we diagnose at Axia.