Abstract

Tony Attwood's guide will assist parents and professionals with the identification, treatment and care of both children and adults with Asperger's Syndrome. The book provides a description and analysis of the unusual characteristics of the syndrome and practical strategies to reduce those that are most conspicuous or debilitating. Beginning with a chapter on diagnosis, including an assessment test, the book covers all aspects of the syndrome from language to social behaviour and motor clumsiness, concluding with a chapter based on the questions most frequently asked by those who come into contact with individuals with this syndrome.

Covering the available literature in full, this guide brings together the most relevant and useful information on Asperger's Syndrome, incorporating case studies from the author's own practical experience as a Clinical Psychologist, with examples of, and numerous quotations from people with Asperger's Syndrome.

Attwood injects a positive note about people with this puzzling syndrome and I found his depth of knowledge and practical experience of people with Asperger's Syndrome, as a parent, a very positive outlook…The section on Frequently asked Questions was better than having a private consultation with a specialist and gave one the sensation of being part of a well informed support group.
Journal of Learning Disabilities for Nursing, Health and Social Care
Tony Attwood is a practising clinical psychologist who specialises in the field of Asperger's Syndrome. For the last twenty-five years he has met and worked with several hundred individuals with this syndrome, ranging widely in age, ability and background.
When my daughter Stephanie was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, I felt I was starting at square one. My daughter had also been diagnosed with a kidney disease at birth but we got the diagnosis when she was 7, and I felt like I had a new child. One name kept coming up during the initial stages of my research: Tony Attwood. His book, Asperger's Syndrome - A Guide for Parents and Professionals was the first I read and though I have read many more since, I can say his is the best one. My daughter's school district was as unfamiliar as I was with Asperger's at first, so, along with other resources, I loaned them the book. The school psychologist said it really helped him to understand and plan a behaviour modification plan for Stephanie.
Exceptional Parent Magazine
Tony Attwood is not only an inspiring presenter; he is also an inspiring writer. Tony you have done it again! You have produced another bestseller on Asperger's syndrome. Tony's new book, The Complete Guide to Asperger, is indeed a book for anyone who has an interest or passion in understanding how individuals with Asperger's Syndrome view the neurotypical world. Tony integrates research and practice, highlighting key issues with an abundance of insightful contributions from people with Asperger's Syndrome. His eloquent style of writing is both informative and entertaining.
Professor Verity Bottroff, School of Medicine, Flinders University, Adelaide, S.A
Tony Attwood's empathy, knowledge and common-sense approach to describing individuals with Asperger's syndrome, highlighting the problems that they and their families, teachers and carers often face, and outlining the practical and achievable strategies for intervention and education is spot-on. Attwood has achieved the rare feat of describing the current state of scientific knowledge in accessible and understandable language. The book is thus a rich source of information…I'm almost embarrassed to find myself writing such an overwhelmingly positive review, but this book was a delight to read from start to finish. Everyone who works in the field, every parent, and I suspect many individuals with Asperger's syndrome will want to read this book.
Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry
Asperger's Syndrome provides much helpful information about the characteristics of this disorder and strategies for learning skills acquired so easily by others, but with much difficulty by the person with AS. It is an excellent guide that does not rely on scientific terminology for explanations. Chapters on social behaviour, language, interests, routines, physical clumsiness, cognition and sensory sensitivity are written in a very basic language, yet they are quite detailed and informative. Each chapter includes a brief and handy summary of strategies both parents and teachers will find helpful when dealing with children with this disorder.
NAMI Advocate
One of the leading figures on the lecture circuit, Attwood has written extensively on Asperger's Syndrome and HFA. Despite age, this book still offers tremendous insight into the identification and treatment of children on the higher functioning end of ASD…essential for libraries.
Library Journal
… it describes the syndrome and its practical implications better than any other I have seen. I can only quote Lorna Wing's praise for Tony Attwood's "leap into the minds of people with Asperger's syndrome" in the introduction…this is the book for giving to parents and professionals in the field for understanding the syndrome and its implications. In my practice, I place considerable emphasis on helping parents and professionals to understand Asperger's syndrome and by using this understanding to work with affected individuals. I strongly recommend this book as an adjunct to diagnostic explanations and discussions of the syndrome's implications. For the practising clinician working with individuals with Asperger's syndrome this book is a must.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry