Abstract

A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome presents an empowering, practical approach to helping people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) to succeed at college, at work, at home and in life.

The authors highlight how treating AS as a `problem' is unproductive, and advocate a solution focused approach which recognizes and uses the strengths of people with AS to foster mutual respect and understanding.

Drawing on both their personal experience and knowledge of counselling, the authors use anecdotes and stories to show how people with AS cope in day-to-day situations. They also illustrate how effective communication and understanding of a person's needs and goals are key to improving daily life for people with AS. The final section of the book comprises practical worksheets and resources to help people with AS to recognize their achievements and work towards their goals.

This book will be of interest to people who are affected by AS, their families, and the people who work with them.

I found the book extremely interesting. By learning to adapt solution focused techniques, I can better serve my AS client. But then again that's what therapy should be - meeting the needs of our clients, rather than our client's fitting into our therapy model.
Therapy Today
The emphasis on solutions rather than problems and noticing positive outcomes for individuals who access our services.
The Journal of Occupational Psychology, Employment and Disability
It is wonderful to realise that these people working with autism who have this very useful and effective mindset in how to help us. A very useful book.
Asperger United
Written with a light touch and plenty of humour, the authors use anecdotes and stories to show how people with AS cope in everyday situations and how effective understanding of a person's needs and goals is key to improving daily life for people with AS.
Human Givens
A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome presents an empowering, practical approach to helping people with Asperger Syndrome (AS) to succeed at college, at work, at home and in life. The authors highlight how treating AS as a 'problem' is unproductive, and advocate a solution focuses approach which recognizes and uses the trengths of people with AS to foster mutual repect and understanding. Drawing on both their personal experience and knowledge of counselling, the authors use anecdotes and stories to show how people with AS cope in day-to-day situations.
Handicaps Info
the authors emphasize strengths, not weaknesses. Slim, readable, amusing.
Library Journal
The book benefits from being co-written by someone with a diagnosis of AS and a psychologist. Their combined experiences and expertise have allowed them to write a very insightful account of how people with AS manage in their day-to-day life in a neurotypical... the style in which the book is written makes it accessible to professionals and lay people alike. It should provide an interesting read for all those who have contact with people with AS whether in a personal or professional capacity and give excellent insight into the world as viewed by those with AS.
The British Journal of Developmental Disabilities
A book which seeks to avoid treating AS as a problem, and aims to support people with the condition in succeeding in private life, education and employment.
BILD Newsletter
At a managageable price, it should find its way onto the bookshelf of every provider of mental health services and education to people with AS. It will also be helpful to people with AS and their families. Hopefully it will help set standards of respect and communication within services that have frontline contact with those with an AS diagnosis.
Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal
E. Veronica Bliss has over 20 years' experience working with individuals on the autistic spectrum, and has been working as a solution focused psychologist for the past six years. Genevieve Edmonds has a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and has received training in solution-focused brief therapy, having received a variety of therapeutic input including solution focused approaches. She is currently providing talks, training and support in the field of autism throughout the UK, and completing academic study in autism and Asperger Syndrome.

This book brings the daily living to the front and center of attention of the discussion.

The authors of the book were able to fantastically focus on individual solutions that fit a particular person rather than present information that focuses on the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or the symptoms associated with that diagnosis... The book is easy to read, funny... this book is a must for every therapist currently working with individuals on the spectrum or one who have desire to do so... The firsthand experience of the authors is entrancing as well as provides certain level of credibility for me that cannot be accomplished by reading the traditional evidence based practice literature.

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders