Family Resources

Asperger Syndrome Education Network

Autism Spectrum Connection

Dr. Attwood is considered one of the world’s leading experts on Asperger Syndrome.
His website contains wide-ranging resources and is up to date with new research articles. www.tonyattwood.com.au

Books for Children and Teens

Asperger’s Huh?: A Child’s Perspective, by Rosina Schnurr. This book is geared towards children ages 6-12 and is written from the perspective of an 11 year old child. It is a 50 page book, so it is manageable for young children, but the information is valuable for all ages.

Cats Have Aspeger Syndrome, by Kathy Hoopmann. This picture book with captions is heartwarming, has a nice message, and is easy for young children to understand, but is not intended to be a technical guide to autism.

Asperger Syndrome: An Owner’s Manual – What You, Your Parents and Your Teachers Need to Know: An Interactive Guide and Workbook, by Ellen Korin. This interactive workbook provides opportunities for self reflection and insight into the ways that Asperger Syndrome may be affecting the child’s life in different ways.

Asperger’s…What Does It Mean To Me?: Structured Teaching Ideas for Home and School, by Catherine Faherty. This workbook has sections for children, parents, and teachers. The book will provide insight into your child’s mind, and make him/her more self-aware, learning what autism means in relation to crucial areas of his/her life: friendships, fears, abilities, and much more.

Freaks, Geeks, And Asperger Syndrome, by Luke Jackson. This consumer-oriented narrative is written by a 13-year-old-boy with Asperger Syndrome. Draws upon personal experiences and family members to inform the general public about living the adolescent years with this condition.

Different Like Me, by Jennifer Elder. Book about famous people with AS.

Be Different: Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian, by John Elder Robison. A very positive book by a man with Asperger Syndrome.

Books for Parents

A Guide to Asperger Syndrome, by Christopher Gillberg. This book provides an information full overview of autism. It is intended for a wide readership, including those affected, their families, and clinicians working with children, adolescents, and adults with Asperger Syndrome.

Asperger Syndrome, by Sarah Sparrow. This book covers the clinical and research aspects of Asperger Syndrome.

A Parent’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive, by Geraldine Dawson et. al. This book offers practicle problem solving ideas, real-life stories, and useful strategies to help children with AS interact more comfortably with siblings and peers and understand the rules of appropriate behavior. It also discusses crucial topics such as talking to teens about sexuality and dating, coping with the challenges of high school and college, and crafting a plan for a fulfilling career.

Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Helping Preteens & Teens Get Ready for the Real World, by Teresa Bolick. This book offers practical solutions for overcoming the obstacles 10-18 year old kids with AS face.

Asperger Syndrome and Your Child: A Parent’s guide, by Janet Poland. This book provides a detailed overview of Asperger Syndrome and guides parents through difficult questions like “Where should I take my child to get diagnosed? How do I tell family members and peers about the condition? What can I expect for my child’s future?”

Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success, by Jennifer Stella. This book addresses the middle school years, and particularly the transition to middle and high school. The centerpiece of the book is a detailed discussion of strategies and supports necessary to ensure a successful school experience for students with AS at the middle and secondary levels. What sets this book apart is the way it ties all the recommended strategies together in a real-life case study of Michael.

Asperger Syndrome and Your Child: A Parents Guide, by Michael D. Powers, Psy.D, 2002, Harper Collins. This resource provides information that all parents 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.

The Asperger Parent: How To Raise A Child With Asperger Syndrome And Maintain Your Sense of Humor, by Jeffrey Cohen. 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. Available from Autism Aspergers Publishing Company.

Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome, by Jerry Newport. An encouraging, educational, and often humorous guide for teens and adults living with Asperger 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. Order through Future Horizons, 800-489-0727.

Social Skills Training For Children With Aspergers, High Functioning Autism, and Related Social Communication Disoders: A Manual For Practioners, by Jed Baker, Ph.D. (2001). Manual containing strategies and handouts to teach social skills. To order, call (973) 313-1803.

Asperger Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, by Tony Attwood, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 800-821-8312.

The New Social Story Book, by Carol Gray (1994). Order through Future Horizons (800) 489-0727.

Skillstreaming the Elementary School Child, by Ellen McGinnis & Arnold Goldstein, and Skillstreaming The Adolescent, by Arnold P. Goldstein. Both books identify the social skills necessary for success at different age levels and breaks each down into discernable, explicit steps that can be taught, modeled, rehearsed and coached.

Teach Me Language, by Sabrina Freeman, Ph.D. and Lorelei Dake, B.A. A language manual for children with autism, Asperger syndrome and related developmental disorders. Order through Future Horizons (800) 489-0727.

The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome: Advice, Support and Inspiration, by Barbara Kirby. This book helps parents to understand and anticipate and handle the issues that present to children with Asperger Syndrome.

Intricate Minds: Understanding Classmates With Asperger Syndrome.

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. Available through Coulter Video, www.coultervideo.com.