Reviewed Titles
Ashley, Susan, PhD - The Asperger’s Answer Book: The Top 300 Questions Parents Ask
Attwood, Tony - Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals
Freihow, Halfdan W. (Translated by Robert Ferguson) - Dear Gabriel: Letter to an Autistic Son
Haddon, Mark - The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-time
Hoopman, Kathy - Blue Bottle Mystery: An Asperger Adventure
Isaacson, Rupert - The Horse Boy: a Father’s Quest to Heal His Son
Jackson, Luke - Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome- A User Guide to Adolescence
Marohn, Stephanie - The Natural Medicine Guide to Autism
Newport, Jerry and Mary with Johnny Dodd
Palmer, Michael - The Second Opinion
Powell, Jillian - Thomas Has Autism (Like Me, Like You Series)
Robison, John Elder - Look Me In The Eye: My Life With Asperger’s
Roe, Diana - Autism Spectrum Disorder and Young Children
Tammet, Daniel - Born On A Blue Day: A Memoir of Asperger’s and an Extraordinary Mind
Walker Sperry, Virginia - Fragile Success: Ten Autistic Children, Childhood to Adulthood 2nd Edition
Welton, Jude - Can I Tell You About Asperger’s Syndrome?
Winbanks, Dianne - Wings To Fly
AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
The Asperger’s Answer Book: The Top 300 Questions Parents Ask |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2007 |
PUBLISHER |
Sourcebooks Inc; Naperville Illinois |
REVIEW DATE |
Oct 2008 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose (Senior Autism Consultant, TAT) |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| The text is divided into chapters as follows: ABC of Asperger’s, Getting Your Child Evaluated, Coexisting Disorders, Social Skills, Thinking Patterns, Emotional Intelligence, Special Interests/routines/play, Language/motor/sensory, School, Behaviour, Self-esteem, Growing Up. There are also appendices with resources such as lists and charts. The whole book is organized into a question-and-answer format, with a list of the questions at the start of each chapter, which allows you to use it as a reference guide as well as a cover-to-cover read. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| There were positive and negative aspects to this book. I personally found some of the Americanisms annoying (for example, it is called Asperger’s Disorder or AD all the way through) and this particularly effects the relevance of the chapter about schools, as much of the information does not apply to us. The other issue I found difficult when reading this book were some overly negative interpretations of Asperger’s- for example, “Not only do his peers not like him, his teachers, older schoolmates, and adults also do not find him pleasurable to be around” (pp76). On the positive side, the initial description of Asperger’s was more comprehensive and useful than some other sources. The book also included some great, practical tips such as using movies to teach social skills (for example many family comedies point out social faux pas), and the behaviour and language sections gave a good introduction to these areas, and explained some of the jargon used by professionals. |
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| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Parents (and also teachers may gain some benefit) | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals |
PUBLICATION DATE |
1998 |
PUBLISHER |
Jessica Kingsley; London |
REVIEW DATE |
Nov 2008 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose (Senior Autism Consultant, TAT) |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| There are 8 chapters in this text, on the following subjects: Diagnosis, Social Behaviour, Language, Interests and Routine, Motor Clumsiness, Cognition, Sensory Sensitivity, and Frequently Asked Questions. There are also appendices including resource lists, examples of visuals, and diagnostic criteria. Within each chapter, the deficit is broken down into subtopics, and there is a combination of descriptive information and practical strategies for each. As evident from the title, the whole book is focussed on Asperger’s, and though much of the material would be relevant to any high-functioning child on the spectrum, it would not be appropriate for middle-to-low functioning individuals. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| This is my Autism Bible. So many years after first reading it, I still refer to it when posed difficult problems or when preparing to give a new lecture topic. It is an enjoyable read, as the tone is often humorous, extremely insightful, and usually positive about the difficulties faced by those with ASD. Tony Attwood manages to tread the very fine line between adapting the environment and trying to change the person with ASD with realism and empathy. He gives enough detail about the difficulties to be useful for autism novices, and enough practical strategies to support experienced parents and practitioners. This is a book you should buy, so that you can both read it cover-to-cover, and then dip into it whenever you get stuck with an Asperger’s issue. It is also worth looking at his other materials for your specific needs and situation. | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Parents and Professionals! | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Dear Gabriel: Letter to an Autistic Son |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2008 |
PUBLISHER |
Allen and Unwin |
REVIEW DATE |
Feb 2010 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| Gabriel is approximately 8 or 10 years old, and lives in Scandinavia, with his father, mother and sister. The family appear to lead an ordinary existence, but this memoir, written by Gabriel’s father, scratches way below that surface to reveal the depths of emotion inspired by life with his autistic son. The book comprises letters from father to son detailing Gabriel’s challenges and achievements, both the main events and minutiae of his life to date. But they also chronicle the father’s journey, in particular his despair, his grief, and his abiding love for his child. The story examines how everyday situations become major occasions, and how the flaws in communication between parent and child affect them both. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| This is a story of depth and intimacy, and it is written in a beautifully poetic style. It is an honest expression of a man’s experience with his autistic son, and I am sure it would resonate with many parents. However, the overwhelming impression I had at the end of the book was one of grief, which is both confronting and depressing to some extent. The story contained very little insight into Gabriel’s world or experiences, and seemed to miss the sense of celebration of his successes (that would have provided some emotional balance), instead dwelling on the sadness and loss felt by his father. In addition, it contained very little in the way of strategies or positive information regarding autism. Although in many ways an accomplished piece of literature, and certainly an evocative study in parental love, this book would be emotionally challenging for many, especially parents of children with ASD. | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Parents of children with ASD | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-time |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2003 |
PUBLISHER |
David Fickling Books; Oxford |
REVIEW DATE |
Nov 2008 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose (Senior Autism Consultant, TAT) |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| This is a purely fictional novel, and the narrator/central character is a fifteen-year-old boy with ASD. However, the author has captured the thought processes and behaviours of a person with ASD so beautifully, it could almost be read as a factual text. The plot follows Christopher’s discovery of a dead dog, and his quest to solve the mystery of who has murdered it. However, the novel also explores his relationships with his parents and others, and his growing independence and self-awareness. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| This book is absolutely fantastic. It can be read purely as a novel, and those I have spoken to who have read it without any real interest in autism have found it entertaining and absorbing. For those with any awareness or curiosity about ASD at all, it is a must-read. The tone is light, and the structure is undemanding, which make it a surprisingly quick read. Great for taking on holiday, or for professionals who feel that they should be reading something educational but can’t face it! I have no idea how the author gained the insight that he has into the mind of an ASD child, but the style and content are amazingly accurate and the effect is an astonishing sense of the ASD perspective. | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Anyone at all. | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Blue Bottle Mystery: An Asperger Adventure |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2001 |
PUBLISHER |
Jessica Kingsley; London |
REVIEW DATE |
Nov 2008 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| This short novel is one in a series of “Asperger Adventures” by the author. The format is a short chapter book, aimed at children with Asperger’s aged approximately 9-12 yrs (depending on their reading ability). The story has an intriguing plot and would be perfectly appealing to any child, but the inclusion of a child with Asperger’s as the central character makes for a unique reading experience. In this particular book, two boys find a bottle in the school yard, make 3 wishes, and are astounded as they realise their wishes are coming true! Though the storyline is quite simple, it is nonetheless mysterious and engaging. For those with a lower reading age, this book would be great as a bedtime story for the whole family, read one chapter at a time. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| I really enjoyed this book, and feel that the idea is extremely clever. It would work on many levels- it explains Asperger’s to a child with ASD (perfect for just before or after a child is told of their diagnosis), but also explains social situations within the text so would be a great social skills teaching tool. It would also be extremely beneficial for siblings of those with ASD, as it explains the perspective of the person with ASD whilst also empathizing with their friends and family. It is even of use to parents and teachers, as it gives examples of how to teach social skills and understand and accommodate our ASD friends. A remarkable concept, thoughtfully and skilfully executed. (Be aware that Asperger’s is specifically named and discussed, so it would not be appropriate if you or your child are not comfortable with this.) | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Primarily for children with ASD, their siblings and friends | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
The Horse Boy: a Father’s Quest to Heal His Son |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2009 |
PUBLISHER |
Text Publishing; Melbourne, Vic |
REVIEW DATE |
August 2009 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
The Horse Boy is the true story of Rowan, an autistic child growing up in America, from his birth to approximately 6 years of age. The account is written by his father Rupert. There are three distinct strands to this story, which is essentially a narrative involving an autistic child rather than a story about autism itself. The first element is a travel diary about an amazing trip to Mongolia, the second a description of the shamans that live there, and the third is an explanation of the treatment of the shamans on the autistic child. Rupert and his wife take Rowan to Mongolia to meet (and hopefully be cured) by the shamans as a result of Rupert’s professional work with shamans from a range of cultures. Their choice of Mongolia as the ideal destination is also influenced by the strong ties in that country to horses, after Rowan bonds with a local horse and appears to make progress with language and connectedness when he is riding. |
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| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
The first impression I had of this book was that it was extremely well-written and engaging compared to others in this genre, which is largely due to the fact that the author is also a professional journalist. The story of the family’s journey to Mongolia is also interesting and unusual, and the concept of the healing powers of the shamans was certainly intriguing enough to keep me glued to the pages until the end of the story. |
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| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Parents or professionals seeking a ‘lighter’ text rather than practical strategies. | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome- A User Guide to Adolescence |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2002 |
PUBLISHER |
London; Jessica Kingsley Publ. |
REVIEW DATE |
Feb 2009 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
This book is divided into Asperger-related topics specifically relevant to teenagers, for example: sleep, diet, sensory, language, school, bullying, dating and friendships (and my personal favourites, “Taekwondo” and “To Tell Or Not To Tell”). There is also a reference section at the back, including a very useful guide to idioms, with an Asperger-friendly explanation of each one. Each chapter includes tales and explanations of the difficulties he or others have had in the area, with practical and sincere advice about managing the issues. The author is a 13-year-old boy with Asperger’s, making this a very unique and accessible book for adolescents. Luke Jackson has 6 siblings, including one with more severe autism and one with ADHD. He has also written a guide for gluten and casein-free diets for people with ASD. |
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| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| I found this book uniquely refreshing in a field of literature that can be very heavy-going at times. Luke manages to find a tone that is confident and humble, positive and realistic, frank and honest (without being obvious or banal). He is funny and extremely insightful, and celebrates the differences of those with ASD whilst dealing with the problems of living in the neurotypical world. I enjoyed this book myself, but was more excited about the teenagers and others I could recommend it to. It would be a great introduction for teenagers recently diagnosed (or recently told) about their ASD, but also a good book to dip into when specific troubles or questions arise. | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Parents, professionals, friends and siblings of teenagers with ASD, but most importantly, teenagers with ASD themselves!! | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
The Natural Medicine Guide to Autism |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2002 |
PUBLISHER |
Hampton Roads Publishing Co., Inc; Charlottesville VA. |
REVIEW DATE |
Apr 2006 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
This book has been designed in two distinct parts- the first is an introduction to autism, and the second is a guide to a range of natural therapies used in the treatment of autism.
Nutritional supplements and chelation are used to treat digestive problems (including enzyme deficiencies, candida overgrowth and restoration of gut lining), heavy metal toxins and nutritional deficiencies.
This technique has been developed specifically for the treatment of allergy-related autism, according to its supporters. Allergies are detected using the Muscle Response Test, which is a technique also used in kinesiology. Allergies are then treated using chiropractic and acupuncture techniques.
This treatment is based on the theory that deficiency or malfunction in the protein ‘metallothionein’ is central in autism. Nutritional supplements can be provided to promote the production of metallothionein in the body.
Homeopathy is based of the Law of Similars, i.e. “Let likes be cured with likes”, using diluted plant substances to restore balance. Isopathy uses nosodes (dilutions of pathogens e.g. measles virus) as an alternative to traditional vaccines, and to treat the adverse effects of vaccines that have already been given.
In this method cranial (skull) compression or distortion is thought to be the basis for autistic symptoms, and is treated using massage and manipulation.
Soma Therapies include a combination of the following: craniosacral therapy (gentle manipulation to restore craniosacral system), visceral manipulation (massage to restore body rhythms and improve organ function) and soma-emotional release (hand-on treatment to release emotional blocks). These combined therapies are used to treat the effects of birth trauma including cranial distortions.
This treatment is based on the view that autism is caused by the inability to listen. It is a sensory
Neural therapy uses the injection a small local anaesthetics into a range of body tissues, the restore normal nerve function. Chelation is used to treat metal toxicity, and can involve injections and oral medications. Family Systems Therapy is a shamanic-style healing practice, whereby the practitioner seeks to heal family trauma in previous generations that have caused the patient to inherit negative energy, which has caused autistic symptoms. |
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| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| Part 1 of this book would be a good introduction to the range of theories regarding the causes of autism for someone who did not have previous knowledge of autism, but did not provide any new information for those with a background in this field. Part 2 constituted the bulk of the book. The range of therapies that were explored provided a good balance, with each being explained to an appropriate level of detail for professionals and parents interested in autism. The case study format, while maintaining the reader’s interest, may have deflected a naive reader from the lack of sufficient empirical or quantitative data to support any of the therapies, which was a disappointing, but not unexpected, weakness in this text. When empirical data was supplied, it lacked any credibility due to obvious issues such as small sample size, and conflict of interest for the researchers. Overall, this book was a good introduction to the use of natural therapies in the treatment of autism, but would only recommended for those specifically interested in these kinds of treatments. |
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| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Recommended for parents interested in trying natural therapies with their child, or for natural therapists interested in learning about autism. | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Mozart and the Whale: An Asperger’s Love Story |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2007 |
PUBLISHER |
Touchstone |
REVIEW DATE |
Feb 2010 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| This is an autobiographical novel, co-written by both halves of an Asperger’s couple. The story begins with their first meeting, and follows the path of their courtship, marriage, fame, separation, and beyond. The focus is on Mary and Jerry’s very special relationship, with its challenges and rewards, and the reader is also given some insight into their backgrounds along the way. The story is told in stages, with each situation told by both Jerry and Mary. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| The trials and highlights of Jerry and Mary’s story are told with touching Aspi honesty and clarity, but the inclusion of a third (neurotypical) co-writer prevents the book from being overly egocentric or obsession-dominated. It is particularly interesting to read the authors’ very different interpretations of the same events and moments, which would enlighten anyone’s understanding of the difficulties often experienced in long-term relationships. The perceptive and emotional style of this book provides both genuine entertainment, and a fascinating and unique window into the inner lives of two Aspi adults. This book was overridingly uplifting and refreshingly optimistic about the possibilities for intimate, long-term relationships for people with Asperger’s. It was both humorous and poignant, and the narrative was engaging and somewhat suspenseful. The main characters were so likable and their journeys so intriguing that “Mozart and the Whale” was an immensely enjoyable read- professional reading that felt like a guilty pleasure. | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Teachers, parents and Aspi’s- but more for pleasure or general insight into ASD than for specific professional tips. | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
The Second Opinion |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2009 |
PUBLISHER |
St Martin’s Press |
REVIEW DATE |
Feb 2010 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
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| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Thomas Has Autism (Like Me, Like You Series) |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2006 |
PUBLISHER |
Evans Brothers Ltd (produced in conjunction with National Autistic Society, UK) |
REVIEW DATE |
Feb 2009 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| This is a picture book, presented with a short paragraph of text and a colour photo on each page. It gives a description of a specific child with ASD (and a mild intellectual disability), but also gives general information and tips. It shows some techniques, e.g. a compic schedule, sensory activities etc that are common to many children with ASD. It explains briefly the core deficits, in child-friendly language, for example “I get upset when I don’t know what will happen next, and I feel happier when I have a routine to follow”. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| This is one of the better picture books explaining moderate autism to others that I have come across. It was very appealingly presented, with bright clear photos and positive language. Although it didn’t deal with behaviour issues at all, it did begin to explain why some behaviours might occur, for example having difficulty with sensory and routine issues. It is a gentle, cheerful and non-confronting introduction to autism. | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Young siblings of people with ASD or others in their family. It could also be useful for adults in the family who may be resistant to accepting either the child or the diagnosis, e.g. grandparents. It would be a great book to have in the classroom for peers to read, and although the text is very simple, the content would be appropriate for readers up to the age of about 8. And finally, this book would be beneficial to children who know they have ASD or are about to be told, depending on their level of understanding and reading level, any age from 4-15 years old. | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Look Me In The Eye: My Life with Asperger’s |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2007 |
PUBLISHER |
Bantam |
REVIEW DATE |
Sept 2008 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose (Senior Autism Consultant, TAT) |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| This is an autobiographical account of John Elder Robison’s life with ASD. It begins with his earliest memories at 3 years old, and continues to the present, covering all the stages in between. The book could be seen as a companion to the autobiography written by his brother Augusten Burroughs, “Running With Scissors”. The story considers his relationships with his parents and brother, and others along the way. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| Despite approaching this book with enthusiasm, and persevering with determination, I was essentially not very impressed by it. There is some interest in the dysfunctionality of their family life in the earlier chapters, and, of course, in the unique Asperger’s perceptions and interpretations. In addition, my reading was most probably coloured by the many other books I have read in this genre, because it was not a stand-out, but may be interesting to those who have not read other similar books. However, my opinion is that it was not particularly insightful, that there was not enough dramatic material in his life for him to draw from, and ultimately his writing style was probably effected by his Asperger’s (it was repetitive and limited). | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Parents, or adults with ASD. | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Young Children |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2001 |
PUBLISHER |
Early Childhood Australia; Canberra |
REVIEW DATE |
Nov 2008 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| This is a brief, 18-page booklet divided into chapters, covering the following topics: definitions, assessment, communication, social skills, play, flexibility etc. Within the chapters that describe the deficits, there is a brief list of simple strategies. There is also a reasonably comprehensive resource list. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| Obviously this booklet is too brief to be a comprehensive guide to autism. However, it does have the benefit of having a pre-school focus, which is important, and due to its size and format it is a friendly and accessible starting point for pre-school staff or parents. It also great to see a locally written and published text in circulation, and this makes the resource list in particular highly relevant to Australian readers. | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Parents or teachers of young children who are considering an assessment for a child they think may have ASD. Also, additional assistants or other family members would find this useful once a diagnosis has been given. | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Born On A Blue Day: A Memoir of Asperger’s and an Extraordinary Mind |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2006 |
PUBLISHER |
Hodder and Stoughton; London |
REVIEW DATE |
Nov 2008 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose (Senior Autism Consultant, TAT) |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
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| This book is an autobiography, written in a very readable format and style. The content includes details of his life to this point (he is about 30), starting with recollections from his parents from his earliest days, and going through pre-school, primary and secondary school, and young adulthood. As well as describing his life events, relationships, and his responses to them, he also examines his own psychology and thought processes with remarkable insight. He is obviously an incredibly gifted man, not only in his strong areas (such as maths), but in his ability to analyse himself, and then present it in an entertaining and thoughtful way. Some highlights were his launch into adulthood when he moved out of home, his reflections on his growing fame as a savant, and his description of his relationship with his life partner. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| This was a truly excellent book. It was extremely engaging, funny, considered, intelligent and thoughtful. I thoroughly enjoyed every page (and my husband did also, even though he only has a passing interest in autism!). I found his descriptions of his own psychology, for instance his ability to visualise numbers, absolutely astounding. I learnt more about the autistic mind from this book than I have from any source in the few years. | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Everyone!! Especially parents, or for teachers or professionals with a special interest in autism. It would also be an inspirational read for high-functioning people with ASD, from age about 15 yrs onwards (could be older or younger, depending on their reading age). | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
| I wish we had more stars for this one!! |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Fragile Success: Ten Autistic Children, Childhood to Adulthood - 2nd Edition |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2001 (2nd Ed) |
PUBLISHER |
Paul H Brookes; Baltimore, Maryland |
REVIEW DATE |
Dec 2008 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| This book is a series of case studies, set in the context of a professional working at a special school, “Ives” in the USA. There is a short introduction to autism, and then an introduction to the school, its philosophy and methods. There are 10 further chapters, each focussing on a specific child, usually starting at around 5 years old when they entered the school, and following them through periodically into adulthood (up to the age of around 40 years). The focus of the case studies is on education, although some descriptions of family are provided, and standardized test scores are also included. The author has selected children with various presentations of ASD, from a range of backgrounds, and includes both boys and girls. The outcomes vary, though most are either still living at home or in sheltered accommodation. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| It was interesting to read a longitudinal study of people with autism, however, it would really only be useful from a clinical perspective. Although I found myself drawn into these children’s stories, there were several drawbacks to this text. The difficulties were mainly due to the era the 1st edition was written in- the focus then was on fairly low-functioning, classically autistic people, and this is reflected in the text with a very narrow sample type (for instance there are no Asperger’s children included). But probably my main issue with the book was that, as most of the children are lower functioning, and born in the 1960’s, the outcomes are not very inspiring. These days, teaching practices, theories and resources would enable the children to develop further, I can only hope. My conclusion is that the book gives a falsely negative view of long-term possibilities for the autistic population, which could be devastating for a parent in particular. | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Professionals, specifically in the field of autism. | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Can I Tell You About Asperger’s Syndrome? |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2004 |
PUBLISHER |
Jessica Kingsley |
REVIEW DATE |
March 2010 |
REVIEWER |
Kathryn Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
|---|---|
| The book is organised by topic, with a double page spread for each topic. One side of each double page contains an illustration and caption, and the other side has a brief description of the topic. Topics include “Reading Feelings”, “Tones of Voice”, “Playing with Others”, “Loud Noises”, “Special Interests” and others, covering all of the main characteristics of Asperger’s syndrome. The descriptions in each topic explain how people with Asperger’s think, and why they may exhibit certain behaviours (including strengths such as cognitive skills and focus on special interests). There are also sections at the back describing some simple strategies that can encourage positive interactions with people with Asperger’s syndrome, and where to get further information. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| This is a classic case of “Don’t judge a book by its cover”! I have to admit, I ordered this book from the library, and when it arrived I was disappointed by the slimness of the volume- it could quite easily be described as a booklet, in fact. However I was most pleasantly surprised by this little gem. The text is written in a direct, simple and friendly tone, and the illustrations are clear and informative. The topics are highly relevant and succinct, and there is a delicate balance between theory and practical strategies. I would envisage that this book would be perfect for middle years students, both those with Asperger’s and those that know them (many of the topics would also be helpful for neurotypical children in this age group who know someone with classic autism). It may also be a great introductory guide for adult family members or community members, who know someone with AS but are not prepared to read a denser text. This is a book I would consider buying, as a great resource in a range of situations. | |
| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Children aged 7-13 yrs, with or without AS, or as an introductory guide for adults. | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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AUTHOR |
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TITLE |
Wings To Fly - Lauren’s Creed |
PUBLICATION DATE |
2008 |
PUBLISHER |
To order please visit: http://4runnings.com or contact us at TAT. |
REVIEW DATE |
June 2009 |
REVIEWER |
K. Ambrose |
| SUMMARY OF TEXT | |
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| “Wings To Fly” is the journey of Lauren, from diagnosis to the present, told through the eyes of her mother Dianne. It explains the triumphs and failures, the various approaches and services they have tried over the years, and gives an account of how Lauren has achieved so much. The book necessarily describes the impact of autism not only on Lauren, but on her whole family- both the adjustments they have had to make, and the benefits of having Lauren in their lives. Lauren’s experiences as a pre-schooler, a disastrous attempt at mainstream schooling, a special school placement, and her successful re-introduction to the mainstream, are just some of the highs and lows of her story. Along the way Dianne also incorporates Lauren’s love of music, her sensory difficulties, the impact of social skills and friendships, and her relationship with her twin brother into this insightful text. | |
| CRITICAL APPRAISAL BY REVIEWER | |
| I should first acknowledge that I have had the pleasure of teaching Lauren, and am in fact mentioned in the book- which gives me a unique perspective as the reviewer! However, bias aside, I enjoyed this book very much. Dianne’s honesty in portraying a deeply personal account of life with Lauren is both poignant and vital in the field of autism, where parents can feel overburdened and unsupported. I feel that parents will find this text reassuring and inspiring. It will also be of relevance to professionals, who will benefit enormously from seeing how much happens ‘behind the scenes’ for children with autism, through the constant support and hard work of their families. Very refreshingly, this book is extremely local and current, which is helpful for people considering services. Dianne expands on some of her own successful strategies so that the reader can try them where appropriate, including “Lauren’s Creed”, a list of principles that have guided Dianne in her approach to Lauren. The photos included in the book are also a beautiful addition that helps the reader connect to Lauren in a special way. Most importantly, this is a book about hope. It tells of a young child given a bleak prognosis, who is now functioning in a mainstream environment with confidence and pride. At times the reader may feel overwhelmed by the amount of work that has been put in to achieve these results, but the critical point is that it is possible. Not all journeys will be the same, but a child’s potential cannot be foretold- it is always open to the interpretation of those around the child who can make a difference. If you are in this position, personally or professionally, with a child with any disability, it is worth reading “Wings To Fly”. |
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| RECOMMENDED FOR | |
| Parents and professionals. | |
| FINAL COMMENT | |
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Phone: (03) 8682 9184 and/or Email your enquiry to: autismteachers@gmail.com |