Abstract

325 astute and practical ideas, insights, tips and strategies address the complex issues parents face during this crucial period of transition for their child with Asperger Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder). The practical, bite-size suggestions focus on the vital importance of developing and nurturing an open and healthy relationship with your son or daughter. The easy-to-navigate format will suit busy parents wanting to locate advice to suit their particular needs. All the suggestions are designed to foster understanding and acceptance between family members and help the AS young person with common problem areas such as social vulnerability and peer relationships, self-esteem, anxiety and coping with change.

This will be an invaluable companion for parents, carers and family members of an adolescent or young adult with AS.

Brenda Boyd brings her common sense, positive self to her latest book which treads sensitively but fearlessly through the challenging years of "commando parenting" a young person with autism. As a result, she has created a toolkit bursting with practiced templates, insightful connections and practical hooks on which to shape a deeper understanding and appreciation of the need to be "a student of him and you".

Appreciating the need for a "Social Curriculum" and that "problem" behaviour can be a coping mechanism, and life coaching can be a lifeline, bring the challenges into a sharper more comprehensible focus.

While this book is written ostensibly for parents, the underlying message is about shared experience, self respect and mutual benefit which transforms the ordinary into extraordinary and opens this book up directly to people with Asperger syndome. This book is not about "him and me" - it is about "US" and the audience is universal.

Dr Arlene Cassidy, CEO, AutismNI: Northern Ireland's Autism Charity
I am thrilled to see a book written for parents of teenagers and young adults who have Asperger syndrome (AS) that is crafted around a theme of optimism. In her book, Brenda Boyd presents practical plans and realistic tips that underscore AS does not delineate a person as unable or ridiculously difficult to raise. Boyd's simple, albeit deep and rich message is this: when parents construct and institute appropriate supports, empathy and understanding to their maturing child with AS, their child will in turn learn how to find and collect the keys that open a happy life filled with all sorts of goodness.
Liane Holliday Willey, EdD author of Safety Skills for Women with Asperger Syndrome and Pretending to be Normal
Overall, this is a good handy book to have on your shelf. It's like having a parent who's been through the thing you have been through, and has come out the other side, in your home, ready to give advice on any question you can think of. A very useful resource for those whose AS young people are heading towards or going through adolescence.
www.alexlowey.co.uk
Brenda Boyd is the author of Parenting a Child with Asperger Syndrome, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. She holds a degree in law from Queens University, Belfast, and has previously worked as a solicitor with her own law practice. Her son Kenneth Hall is the author of Asperger Syndrome the Universe and Everything also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Following Kenneth's diagnosis at the age of nine, Brenda became increasingly involved with local autism charities. She has worked for the National Autistic Society and qualified as a Life Coach specialising in Asperger Syndrome. Today she works with her husband, singer songwriter Bap Kennedy. She has recorded an album of her own original songs and plays bass guitar in Bap's band. Brenda and Bap are co-patrons of Autism NI. Her website can be viewed at www.brendaboydkennedy.com.
Author Brenda Boyd offers no fewer than 325 practical ideas, insights, tips and strategies to address the often-complex issues parents face during the crucial period of transition for a child with Asperger's.
Autism eye
Provides a fine survey packed with insights for parents of teens and young adults who have Asperger Syndrome, and packs in over three hundred strategies for handling common parenting issues... Parents will find this a "must", packed with ideas and tested solutions.
Midwest Book Reivew
A masterful insight into parenting young people with Asperger syndrome. Full of down-to-earth and up-to-date practical advice. This book is an invaluable tool for parents as their children approach adulthood.
Julie Connell, Educational Psychologist