Asperger Syndrome Recommended Reading and Viewing

Be Different: Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian with Practical Advise for Aspergians, Misfits, Families and Teachers
by John Elder Robison

Using stories from his own life, both humorous and poignant, John Robison provides us with a rare glimpse into the Aspergian mind. With a great deal of self-reflection and insight, he explains his own behaviors and his reasons for adapting those he felt were obstacles to being accepted. His message, however, is not to change whom you are in order to be like others. Instead, he advises those with Asperger's and others who think differently to embrace their differences and the unique gifts that they bring. By focusing on ability and not disability, and using one's strengths to help compensate for weaknesses, individuals who previously found themselves struggling in the world of nypicals (Robison's word for neurotypicals) can find success and happiness. Be Different reminds us that difference does not have to be synonymous with disability.

Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's
by John Elder Robison

"If one looked at only Robison's impish sense of humor... or his success as a classic-car restorer, it might be impossible to believe he has... Asperger's syndrome. Clues abound, however, in his account of a youth encompassing serious inability to make and keep friends; early genius at pyrotechnics, electronics, and math; and pet names such as Poodle for his dog and Snort and Varmint for his baby brother. Much later, he calls his wife Unit Two. It is easy to recognize these telltale traits today, but Robison went undiagnosed until he was 40. In the 1960s, he was variously labeled lazy, weird, and, worse, sociopathic... Robison's memoir is must reading..." --Booklist

Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and Social-Communications Problems
by Jed E. Baker, Ph.D.

A social skills curriculum that really works! This long-awaited, much anticipated "how-to" manual is based on Dr. Baker's enormously successful social skills training groups. The book covers everything from assessment and strategies for social skills training, to generalization of those skills, to behavior management, to the often-overlooked importance of promoting peer acceptance through sensitivity training.

The core of this book, however, is the inclusion of individual skill lessons and activities (seventy in all-that address practically every social situation you can possibly think of. This book is a MUST-READ and should be part of every parent and professional's AS resource library.

Also available from Autism Aspergers Publishing Company.

A Parent's Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
by Sally Ozonoff, Ph.D., et als.

Ami Klin, Ph.D. writes, "The most comprehensive and practical resource available... Will empower any parent to become an effective and savvy advocate..."

Asperger Syndrome And Your Child: A Parent's Guide
by Michael D. Powers, Psy.D

This outstanding resource is a treasure-trove of sensitively written information that all parents and advocates of children with Asperger Syndrome should read. Chapters cover getting and coping with the diagnosis, how it feels to have AS, the effect on the family, school and community, adolescence and adulthood. There is a helpful Q&A section along with a Resource section at the end of the book. A must have book in parents' and professional's libraries.

The Asperger Parent: How To Raise A Child With Asperger Syndrome And Maintain Your Sense of Humor
by Jeffrey Cohen, foreword by Lori Shery

This "take-along support group" contains lots of practical suggestions while reminding us to do the one thing many of us have forgotten how to do - laugh.

Also available from Autism Aspergers Publishing Company.

Asperger's: What Does It Mean To Me?
by Catherine Faherty

A wonderful workbook explaining self awareness and life lessons to the child or youth with AS/HFA. Highly recommended.

Coping With Asperger Syndrome
by Maxine Rosaler

Eight easy-to-read chapters presenting the most salient aspects of Asperger Syndrome - diagnosis, important features, and possible treatments. Readers will understand the many challenges faced by individuals with AS and their parents who must play many different roles on behalf of their children, including the role of advocate. Sidebars present character sketches of people with AS and tips on how to help children with the condition.

Recommended for those ages 13 through adulthood.

Power Cards: Using Special Interests To Motivate Children And Youth With Asperger Syndrome And Autism
by Elisa Gagnon

This step-by-step book shows parents and educators how to help change an unwanted or inappropriate behavior by using the special interest of the child. Wonderful resource to use with younger children (up to age 11).

May also be ordered through AAPC

Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
by Jerry Newport; Future Horizons.

An encouraging, educational, and often humorous guide for teens and adults living with Asperger's Syndrome or high-functioning autism. Jerry, a man with autism, gives advice on dating, money, traveling independently and more! This clever book will help others live fuller, more independent lives.

From Emotions To Advocacy: The Special Education Survival Guide
by Pete and Pam Wright

Includes comprehensive index, appendices, bibliography. Special education services are intensive and expensive. Resources are limited. If you have a child with special needs, you may wind up battling the school district for the services your child needs. To prevail, you need information, skills, and tools.

Also available from www.wrightslaw.com.

Autism, Advocates, and Law Enforcement Professionals Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders
by Dennis Debbaudt

Individuals with developmental disorders are seven times more likely than other people to come into contact with police and their responses to encounters with the law may not always be socially appropriate. How can the needs and responses of people with autism spectrum disorders be reconciled with the duties of the police to serve and protect the community?

In this book, private investigator and autism advocate Dennis Debbaudt provides essential information for both groups. He explains how typical manifestations of autism spectrum disorders, such as running away, unsteadiness, impulsive behavior or failure to respond, may be misunderstood by law enforcement professionals, with serious consequences. For individuals with ASDs, he offers advice on how to behave in encounters with police and other law enforcement professionals. Aimed at raising awareness and facilitating communication between people with autism and law enforcement professionals, this much-needed book will be a valuable resource for both communities.

Ask Me About Asperger Syndrome
by Michael Thompson Productions

Introduction to AS for elementary/early middle school teachers.

May also be ordered through AAPC

The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children
by Ross W. Greene

This book provides an explanation for explosive behavior and describes an approach aimed at decreasing such behaviors and increasing flexibility, frustration tolerance and self-regulation.

May also be ordered through AAPC

Asperger Syndrome In The Family: Redefining Normal
by Liane Holliday Willey

Excellent book which examines, with wisdom, honesty and humor, the implications living with AS has for the family.

Asperger Syndrome And Adolescence: Practical Solutions For School Success
by Brenda Smith Myles and Diane Adreon

Excellent overview of the many challenges those with AS face as they enter their teens. Offers an array of practical, proven interventions to help address these challenges.

Beyond The Wall: Personal Experiences With Autism And Asperger Syndrome
by Stephen Shore

This honest, courageous book, written by a person with high-functioning autism / Asperger Syndrome tells the story of his life, including his parents' frustrations with the educational and medical communities, his adolescence and now adult married life. The book offers insights for parents and professionals as well as individuals who have Asperger Syndrome.

Social Skills Training For Children With Asperger Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, And Related Social-Communication Disorders: A Manual For Practitioners
by Jed Baker, Ph.D.

Excellent manual containing strategies and handouts to teach social skills.

To order, call 973-313-1803

Inside Out: What Makes A Person With Social Cognitive Deficits Tick?
by Michelle Garcia Winner

Spiral bound, 201 pages (April 2000)

This book provides the framework for understanding social cognitive deficits. Included are worksheets to be used in both the classroom and small group settings.

To order, you may also call 408-557-8595.

How To Be A Para Pro: A Comprehensive Training Manual For Paraprofessionals
by Diane Twachtman-Cullen

User-friendly training manual divided into two parts--Part One is a "short-course" on autism spectrum disorders (ASD-for people "in the trenches" and Part Two takes a "cookbook style" look at the art and science of paraprofessional support for students with ASD and those with other cognitive impairments.

Asperger Syndrome: A Guide For Educators And Parents
by Brenda Smith-Myles and Richard L. Simpson

Published by and available through PRO-ED, Inc.

This easy-to-read book overviews the characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome and provides information on academic, social, and behavior supports that can help children and youth with this exceptionality enhance their success in school and home settings. The final chapter in this book is authored by several parents of children with Asperger Syndrome.

Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide For Parents/Professionals
by Tony Attwood, Forward by Lorna Wing

Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide for Teachers
by Val Cumine, Julia Leach, and Gill Stevenson

Excellent resource for teachers in an easy-to-read format.

Autism and Asperger Syndrome
by Uta Frith

The World Of The Autistic Child
by Bryna Siegel

A Practical Guide To Effective Programming For The Autistic Impaired
by Bryant Domina

Joey and Sam
by Illana Katz

The Award Winning sibling storybook which helps children to understand similarities and differences between children who are unimpaired and those who have autism. It's available through Real Life Storybooks, publishers of storybooks and social stories focusing on real-life disabilities, diseases and problems from a child's perspective, paving the way for greater understanding.

Skillstreaming The Elementary School Child
by Ellen McGinnis & Arnold Goldstein

Skillstreaming The Adolescent
by Arnold P. Goldstein

Without Reason
by Charles Hart

May also be ordered through Future Horizons

Negotiating The Special Education Maze
by Anderson, Chitwood, and Hayden

Teaching Children with Autism: Strategies to Enhance Communication and Socialization
by Kathleen Ann Quill

Teach Me Language
by Sabrina Freeman, Ph.D. and Lorelei Dake, B.A.

A language manual foir children with autism, Asperger syndrome and related developmental disorders.

May also be ordered through Future Horizons

The Paraprofessional's Guide To The Inclusive Classroom: Working as a Team
by Mary Beth Doyle

Understanding Brothers and Sisters with Asperger Syndrome
DVD

This DVD contains four programs; three for siblings of different ages and developmental levels, and one for their parents. These programs show siblings that other kids are facing the same challenges they face, and explore a range of ways the kids interviewed have learned to get along with and enjoy their brothers and sisters. The video also can help parents understand the special needs of their neurotypical children.

The sibling programs are for children ages 4 - 7, ages 7 - 12, and ages 12 - adult.

109 minutes (total of four programs)

$39.99

Available at: Coulter Video or call 336-608-4224

INTRICATE MINDS I: Understanding Classmates With Asperger Syndrome
VHS or DVD

Candid interviews with teenagers designed to promote positive interactions between classmates and reduce isolation, harassment and bullying. Using the challenges and strengths of students with Asperger Syndrome as examples, this video stresses the benefits of getting to know classmates who appear to be 'different' on the surface.

For grades 7 through 12

12 minutes

$30.00

Available at: Coulter Video or call 336-608-4224

INTRICATE MINDS II: Understanding Elementary School Classmates With Asperger Syndrome
VHS or DVD

This video features interviews with elementary school students who have Asperger Syndrome explaining how it affects them - and describing their challenges and strengths. The program also includes demonstrations that help viewers understand what it's like to have AS. Designed to promote positive interactions between classmates, INTRICATE MINDS II can help classmates accept kids who have trouble fitting in.

For grades 3 through 6

16 minutes

$30.00

Available at: Coulter Video or call 336-608-4224

INTRICATE MINDS III: Understanding Elementary School Classmates Who Think Differently
VHS or DVD

This video features interviews with elementary school students who describe what it's like to have conditions that make them act differently from their peers. These interviews, along with demonstrations, promote positive interactions between classmates. The program concentrates on behaviors classmates might see that could be associated with conditions such as Asperger Syndrome, Higher Functioning Autism, Pervasive Developmental Delay, Semantic-Pragmatic Disorder and others. Kids who understand the reasons for "different" students' actions are much more likely to accept them socially and include them in activities.

For grades 3 through 6

17 minutes

$30.00

Available at: Coulter Video or call 336-608-4224

Asperger's Syndrome: Crossing The Bridge
by Michael Thompson Productions

Dr. Tony Attwood interviews AS adult Liane Holliday-Willey.

27:50 min.

May also be ordered through AAPC

Asperger Syndrome Dad: Becoming An Even Better Father To Your Child With AS

This program covers ten secrets dads can use to help a child with AS reach his full potential and have fun along the way. The program features Drew Coulter, a young man with AS now in college, and his dad, Dan. Through interviews, videos and photos, the program uses Drew's experiences from early childhood through the present to offer practical advice on being the dad your son or daughter with AS wants and needs.

Available at: Coulter Video or call 336-608-4224

Manners For The Real World: Basic Social Skills

This video features clear descriptions and demonstrations that help people with Asperger Syndrome master appropriate social skills for some of the most common interactions between people. Produced by Dan and Julie Coulter, parents of a son with AS.

Available at: Coulter Video or call 336-608-4224

Asperger Syndrome: Transition To Work

Practical techniques to help students (or anyone with AS)get a job in the real world. It includes advice from a psychology professor with experience helping people with AS find jobs - and from the director of a successful special needs career development program. Produced by Dan and Julie Coulter, parents of a son with AS.

Please note that the information in this video is also contained The ASPEN video "Asperger Syndrome: Transition to College and Work," so if you own that video, you won't need this one.

Available at: Coulter Video or call 336-608-4224

Asperger Syndrome: Transition From High School To College And Work

This video features practical advice for people with Asperger Syndrome preparing to begin work and or attend college. It's narrated by a high school senior with AS who is preparing to attend college.

Available at: Coulter Video or call 336-608-4224

Asperger Syndrome: Success In The Mainstream Classroom

An excellent video providing proven tips and techniques to help make mainstreaming a child with Asperger Syndrome a positive learning experience for him or her - and for teachers and classmates.

Available at: Coulter Video or call 336-608-4224

Time for School

Time for School is an excellent DVD and photo CD-Rom teaching set designed to teach social skills through peer modeling.

This video teaches social skills to children with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, PDD-NOS and Nonverbal Learning Disorders in the context of school. It features elementary school-aged children demonstrating appropriate social skills in the classroom, library, on the playground, and in the hallway. Topics include: Say Hello, Listen to the Teacher, Share, Take Turns, Keep My Hands to Myself, Say Sorry, Sit Quietly, Raise My Hand, Library Behavior, Show Interest in Others, Self-Calming Techniques, Playground Behavior.

Visit Model Me Kids to see a video sample and to view other Model Me Kids videos including "Time for a Playdate."

61 minutes

Last One Picked... First One Picked On: Learning Disabilities And Social Skills
by Richard Lavoie

Excellent presentation

Approximately $50.00

Order through PBS 1-800-344-3337

Social Stories And Comic-Strip Conversations: Unique Methods To Improve Social Understanding
by Carol Gray

May be ordered through Future Horizons.

60 Minutes

A television interview with Jerry and Mary Newport, a married couple with Asperger Syndrome.

To order, please call 1-800-542-5621

Autism & Law Enforcement Roll Call Briefing Video
by Dennis Debbaudt

This video features fifteen children and adults at various points on the autism spectrum, an actor who has autism, actual 911 calls, and reflects American diversity. It has the look and feel of a TV news documentary, uses real life events to punctuate these issues, and on-the-job officers to deliver the message.

With guidance from professional law enforcement and first response advisors, this video offers tips and options for communications and responses designed to successfully resolve a call involving a person with autism. The advisors felt the officer needed a briefing about what to do in the field when they hear the words autism or Asperger syndrome. Anyone viewing the video will come away with a good, practical understanding of what autism is.

This video is intended for use at police and first response roll call briefing sessions and as a discussion tool for law enforcement training sessions.

Length is approximately 20 minutes with a pause at the Responding To The Call segment and can be viewed as two ten minute segments. The first ten minutes briefs on autism issues of safety and risk; the second ten minutes is devoted to law enforcement response, tips, techniques and options.

For details and questions call 772-398-9756