Recommended Reading on AS/Parenting

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I thought it would be good to consolidate reading recommendations into one thread. Basically, if people could post reading materials they have found helpful along with who the reading is recommended for, I think it would be helpful to future readers on this forum.

UPDATE:

It has been suggested that posters include information on the recommended target audience for the book and approximate suggested ages on reading for children.

Also, there have been some requests that the information be sorted. If anyone would like to take that on, it would be great. When a list is ready, I would recommend contacting an active moderator to finalize clean up and posting.

Last edited by DW_a_mom on 01 Jan 2011, 8:40 pm, edited 6 times in total.

My recommendation:

"Quirky Kids: Understanding and Helping Your Child Who Doesn't Fit In. When To Worry and When Not to Worry" by Dr. Perri Klass. She's a pediatrician. As you can tell from its title, it has a pro-neurodiversity slant with an emphasis on helping rather than curing.

Asperger's and Difficult Moments-not sure @ author(s)- about anticipating and deflecting meltdowns

novels from the perspective of someone autistic:

--The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Nighttime

--Marcelo In The Real World

The Explosive Child
by Ross W. Greene, Ph.D.

Understanding and Helping Easily Frustrated, "Chronically Inflexible" Children. Brilliant book. Practical, positive parenting methods.

For the Parent who has just found out - or who wants to tell a relative or friend.

All Cats have Asperger Syndrome
by Kathy Hoopmann
http://www.amazon.com/All-Cats-Have-Asperger-Syndrome/dp/1843104814
I can't think of any other book which covers the symptoms in such a neutral, relaxing and brief manner.

Thanks; keep the references coming!

-Tony Attwood's Complete Guide to Aspergers Syndrome

-anything and everything by Temple Grandin! Particularly
The Way I See It: A Personal Look At Autism And Aspergers

It's gender specific, but I have enjoyed

Asperger's and Girls

It's got several authors including most notably Tony Attwood and Temple Grandin. (Though, to be honest it's been the other authors I found most fascinating.)

I disagree with some of their assumptions, but they are taking things to the extreme cases. I understand the need to do that though from an informative stand point.

"Baby Talk" by Dr Sally Ward. This book describes a speech development programme that was designed to prevent speech delay. It covers the stages from birth to 4 years. I would recommend it to any new parents as well as to parents who have concerns about their child's speech.

"The unwritten rules of friendship: simple strategies to help your child make friends" by Natalie Madorsky Ellman and Eileen Kennedy-Moore. This book is aimed at parents of elementary -school-age children and parents with younger children, teens and adults with Aspergers might also find it useful. It doesn't mention autism or Aspergers anywhere but the chapters cover broad personality types. The chapters "Different Drummer" and "The Little Adult" might be of particular interest.

I second the recommendation for "All Cats Have Aspergers Syndrome". It's an extremely cute book.

Asperger Syndrome And Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions For Tantrums, Rage And Meltdowns
by Brenda Smith Myles; Jack Southwick

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
by Tony Attwood

Can I Tell You About Asperger Syndrome?: A Guide for Friends and Family
by Jude Welton
Very general and straight-forward. A quick, easy read.
My son is reading this to his class.

Asperger's Answer Book: The Top 275 Questions Parents Ask
by Susan Ashley PhD
I really like this book for general, straight-forward info!!

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
by Tony Attwood

Asperger Syndrome, the Universe and Everything
by Kenneth Hall (10 years old)
My son loved this book!

Asperger's: What Does It Mean to Me?
by Catherine Faherty
This is a workbook that parents do WITH their Asperger's child.
I am learning so much more about his quirks.

Incredible 5-Point Scale ¿ Assisting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Understanding Social Interactions and Controlling Their Emotional Responses
by Kari Dunn Buron
This is good for school and home. You will learn a lot about your child's own emotional regulation and what triggers it.

Pretending to Be Normal: Living With Asperger's Syndrome
by Liane Holliday Willey, Tony Attwood (Foreword)

Thanks for all this great info!

2 more recent reads to add:

Lost at School by Ross Greene Positive, pro-kid plans for kids struggling at school. I wish every teacher and principal could read this.

Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm A slim, quick read. Another really, really positive perspective on AS. I may just buy this for Christmas for our extended family members.

This isn't an AS book, but it really struck home for me with what I've noticed in public education as my son has gone through school:

The Trouble With Boys by Peg Tyre

Not every suggestion works for our kids (like more recess, when that is often the most difficult part of the day), but the discussion on how difficult the organization and writing skills have become is very, very relevant. It kind of helps focus what is an IEP item v. what you might try to change on a broader level at a school.