One of the increasing number of people diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in adulthood, New Zealand-born Jen Birch relates her story with humour and honesty, taking us through the years of frustration and confusion that led to her diagnosis in 1999. Now that she can put her life experiences into context, she candidly describes her continual search for 'normality', including her experiences at work, her difficulties with relationships, her time spent in a psychiatric hospital and her struggle for correct diagnosis in a country where the syndrome is relatively unknown. Talking positively about how her life has changed since the 'revelation', Jen aims to use this new-found knowledge to inform others about the syndrome and how, once its pros and cons are understood, life can be lived to the full.

A guide to Asperger's syndrome describes what it is and how it is diagnosed, along with information on such topics as bullying, emotions, language, movement, cognitive ability, and long-term relationships.

Provides advice for parents, educators, and children dealing with Asperger's syndrome, including diagnosis, school challenges, and the day-to-day issues at home.

Originally published: The gifts of Asperger's syndrome. Dillsburg, PA: Asperger's Syndrome Institute, 2005.

As awareness and understanding of Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder increases, more adults are identifying themselves as being on the spectrum and seeking formal diagnosis. This book discusses the process, the pros and cons, and the after-effects of receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood. Outlining the likely stages of the journey to diagnosis, this book looks at what the individual may go through as they become aware of their Asperger characteristics and as they seek pre-assessment and diagnosis, as well as common reactions upon receiving a diagnosis - from depression and anger to relief and self-acceptance. Combining practical guidance with advice from personal experience and interviews and correspondence with specialists in the field, the book discusses if and when to disclose to family, friends and employers, how to seek appropriate support services, and how to use the self-knowledge gained through diagnosis to live well in the future.

The author's first book, Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, was a shot heard throughout the worldwide autism community, branded by readers as "required reading for all social service workers, teachers and relatives of children with autism." Now, for the teacher in all of us comes this second work. The unique perspective of a child's voice is back to help us understand the thinking patterns that guide their actions, shape an environment conducive to their learning style, and communicate with them in meaningful ways. This book affirms that autism imposes no inherent upper limits on achievement, that both teacher and child "can do it." It is the game plan every educator, parent, or family member needs to make the most of every "teaching moment" in the life of these children we love. -- From publisher

Rudy Simone covers 22 common areas of confusion for someone dating a female with AS, including advice from her own experience and that of other couples. She talks with humour and honesty about the little things that might be different from a relationship with a neurotypical woman and discusses first dates, sex, and even having children.