Abstract

Open, honest and upbeat, this book gives personal insight into both the ups and downs of an Asperger relationship. Seeking to challenge the bad press that people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) get as partners, Sarah and Keith tell their story of how they are making it work - and also how they got it wrong - with disarming frankness and humour.

When Sarah and Keith met in 2003 neither knew much about Asperger Syndrome. Sarah thought Keith was `weird' and couldn't work out why; and Keith thought Sarah was obsessed with diagnosing him with something-or-other. Difficulties ensued that brought the relationship to an end. Slowly, however, they each built up their knowledge of AS and in the meantime developed a mutual understanding, mutual acceptance and a desire to be together again.

This personal account is supplemented with professional knowledge and anecdotes gained from Sarah's work with adults with AS - a career which started as a result of her experiences with Keith. She swears that she didn't take her work home with her! It is inspiring reading for couples in Asperger relationships as well as for counselling professionals.

Sarah Hendrickx works as a freelance trainer and consultant in autistic spectrum conditions through her own consultancy, Hendrickx Associates. She provides professional training, Expert Witness and employment consultancy to organisations and coaching to individuals, families and couples. She is the author of several books on Asperger syndrome published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers as well as the co-author of Asperger Syndrome – A Love Story written with her partner Keith, who has been diagnosed with AS.
Anyone whose partner has AS will find it extremely valuable as a source of ideas and information to build a relationship based on their partner's strenghts rather than on social expectations of how relationships should be.
Clinical Psychology Forum -
`Asperger Syndrome - A Love Story is one of those lovely treats, a book one should read for work and personal development but can't put down. I quickly became absorbed by the story of Keith who has Asperger's Syndrome and Sarah who does not. The book is beautifully collaborative as it alternates from paragraphs written on a topic by Sarah from her perspective and Keith from his. This approach works well combined with the authors' warmth and honesty…Sarah and Keith have done more than achieve a relationship and challenge stereotypes. They have also made a really positive contribution to the resources on Asperger's by identifying the things that helped them. Their story is one that will inspire, give hope and a sense of solidarity to those with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, their partners and those supporting them. It might also come in quite handy for some non-Asperger relationships who struggle to see the point of view of the opposite gender.'
Journal of Family Therapy
`A personal insight into a relationship where one partner has AS, but this was only slowly discovered and understood.'
CAS (Current Awareness Service)
Asperger Syndrome: A Love Story was written to provide both insight into the thinking of each partner in an unconventional relationship, and constructive strategies to lead to a more satisfying relationship for both parties...The reader very quickly appreciates the difficulties faced by Sarah and Keith and their biography of their relationship is engaging, informative and encouraging.
From the Foreword by Tony Attwood, author of The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome and Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
`I have worked with couples where one is affected by Asperger syndrome for over ten years; reading this book was like being an observer of a world I am very familiar with. Any woman who has loved a man with Asperger syndrome will relate to this book and find her own experiences totally validated. This book offers hope and encouragement to both partners in an Asperger relationship; it is realistic, unbiased and heart-warming. I recommend this book to all who wish to develop an understanding of the effect that both having and living with Asperger syndrome can have upon a relationship.'
Maxine Aston, author of Aspergers in Love and The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome