Abstract

For most people, family life means both love and compromise. Within families where one or more members have Asperger Syndrome (AS), this compromise becomes yet more crucial to mutual happiness. In this book, the McCabe family discuss how Patrick's AS affects each relationship. Estelle, Patrick's wife, talks about how she has adjusted her speech and social life in order to live peacefully with her husband. In turn, Patrick discusses how he has learnt to accommodate Estelle's needs and his teenage son's growing independence to his desire for strict routine and clear communication. Jared explains how his father's AS has affected growing up and describes ways in which issues can be resolved without either losing face with his peers or upsetting his parents. Focusing positively on the relationships that are both the most important and the most difficult to maintain, this book is invaluable for anyone closely involved with AS.
Patrick McCabe has lived with AS for 44 years. He currently works as the Operations and Facilities Manager for a rescue mission. Estelle McCabe is the PASS Coordinator in the local Junior High School, working with at risk students. Jared McCabe is 17 years old and in his second year of college. They live in Wellington, Colorado.