Abstract

If you want a child with Asperger’s syndrome to comply with a social or family rule, it is very important to explain the logical reason to comply. Laurie’s book provides the logic for compliance that will be invaluable for parents and teachers. I know this book will become regular bed time reading and be used many times at home and at school.'
- Professor Tony Attwood

'Dr. Laurie clearly understands how children with limited flexibility and difficulty coping think and respond. She has used her clinical experience to teach us how to help these children succeed. Dr. Laurie has provided a format, similar to Social Stories (TM), for reducing stress in daily life and for minimizing conflict stemming from unwritten or everyday rules. While there is no one solution for every child, the stories can be easily adapted for each child. She encourages children to be participants in determining solutions to their problems by providing simple, not simplistic, methods that work.'
-Teri Wiss, M.A., O.T.R./L., Director of Development is CHILD'S PLAY!

Why do I have to go to school before the show that I am watching is over? Why do I have to wear shoes and a jacket when I go outside? Rules like these can be really frustrating - but they don't have to be!

Why do I have to? looks at a set of everyday situations that provide challenges for children at home, with their friends, and at school. Laurie Leventhal-Belfer empathizes with children's wish to do things their way, explains clearly why their way does not work, and provides a list of practical suggestions for how to cope with these challenges and avoid feelings of frustration. This is the ideal book for children who have difficulty coping with the expectations of daily living, as well as for their parents and the professionals who work with them.

Laurie Leventhal Belfer is a practicing clinical psychologist. She is the founder and director of The Friends Program, a therapeutic group program for young children with Asperger's Disorder and their families. She is also a member of the Adjunct Clinical Faculty in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Division of Child Psychiatry, Stanford University. She co-authored 'Asperger's Syndrome in Young Children, A Developmental Guide for Parents and Professionals', also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Luisa Montaini-Klovdahl is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice who is privileged to work with children and their families. She has worked with Laurie in The Friends Program for nearly a decade.
As a SENCO I would recommend this book to staff in schools supporting pupils within the autistic spectrum and/or with ADHD. Finally, this book would also be a useful read for children, young people and their families.
NASEN
This book looks at everyday situations that can cause conflict for children with Asperger's syndrome at home, at school and with their friends. A useful tool to give parents and carers the confidence to tackle behaviours that are regular triggers for conflict.
Naplic