Abstract

Growing up with Asperger Syndrome (AS) can throw up all sorts of challenges, but never fear, The Brain Guru, The Sensory Detective and The Social Scientist are here to help!

These likeable characters guide children with AS through some of the trickiest, stickiest conundrums known to humankind: from anxiety and negative thinking, to sensory overload, emotions, friendship and trust and social situations. By working through the activities and using the cut-out-and-keep tools with a parent, carer or teacher, children with AS will learn how to build upon their strengths and develop techniques for coping with areas of difficulty - as well as how to handle setbacks and celebrate successes along the way! The important topic of staying safe in the digital world is also covered, providing children with the knowledge and know-how they need to use the internet, social networking and text messaging safely.

Original and highly interactive, with attractive colour illustrations throughout, this is an essential toolkit for every family with a child with AS.

This is a FABULOUS book and I urge all parents of children under 12 to add it to their library. It also suitable for use in schools and could be used for groups of AS children and neuro-typicals.
asteens
In an introduction to parents, this book explains the AS Active Approach, "A collection of ideas and principles: Working together as a team, Building on success, Having fun together, and Refresh and Renewal". The emphasis is on the positive approach - not to shout or get angry, but to stress the good things the child is accomplishing... The language of the book, while very clear, s sophisticated, and some interpretation may be needed. As the book is designed to be used with a parent or carer, this should not be a problem. The layout is amusing and well defined and makes the book enjoyable to use.
Healthy Books
There is a clear focus on positive behaviour and building on success rather that a list of dos and don'ts The book is aimed at and talks directly to the children themselves as opposed to a help book for parents or carers, which is very refreshing to see... I would highly recommend this book for children, parents and school nurses.
British Journal of School Nursing

Francis Musgrave is the founder and trustee of AS Active, a non-profit community project set up and run by and for families of children with Asperger Syndrome (AS). AS Active aims to provide children with AS with a network of peers to play, learn and connect with, and to provide their parents or carers with some valuable time to themselves. The activities in this toolkit were developed at AS Active, with the input of clinical professionals. Francis lives in Worcestershire, UK.

For more information about AS Active, please visit www.asactive.org.