Self-help books for AS students...

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Why are all the 'self-help' books for students with an autism spectrum disorder directed at teachers and/or parents?


It's very frustrating as I'm looking for books that could teach me organizing and other skills so that I, for once, could successfully finish a 3-4 year university course (parents are also putting a lot of pressure on me saying this is my last chance, I have to put everything aside for my studies etc., so I'm not allowed to do anything about my special interests etc., which really isn't helping me).

So far the only books, directed at the student self, that I found have been for people with ADD (or ADHD). And while the tips in those books can provide some assistance, I'm sure, it would be nice to find a book directed specifically at the AS student.


But, yes, I don't understand why there are only books for teachers/parents.
Unless I'm not looking in the right places...

I doubt that such a book could be helpful.
The subject is so broad and the problems are so individual.

I think it's better to get a general understanding, which would come from hanging out in a place like this, and from reading books and blogs written by Autistics.

For specific issues, like study skills, the ADD books should be helpful.
Also, try to get over any aversion you might have to asking a teacher for help.

We need to write one ourselves.

Most self-help AS books are written by and for NTs.

"Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships" by Temple Grandin & Sean Barron is an example of what we need.

I've been asked to work with an elementary school aspie/autie club, and I've been trying to read-up, but it's hard to translate the NT teacher stuff, and I don't think that's what I should do anyway.

Yeah, I can understand parents/teachers wanting a book...but I just think it's so weird that none of them are directed at the student self...
I mean, this message board confirms that a lot of AS people can read and write just fine:P
And you'd think that the person worrying the most about college and surviving it would be the AS student, not the parents or teachers:\

The bolded parts have yikes written all over it. I feel badly for you that they're restricting the things which calm you and help you deal with the stresses of the world. That idea comes from old school parenting where you lose privilages if you don't perform as expected which isn't the thing to do with Aspies. I say that as an Aspie and a parent to an Aspie. The more stress/demands/expectations my son has to deal with, the more he needs his interests to help him achieve some balance.

let me ask a friend of mine who's got a lot of knowledge about this sort of stuff. I met him through my son (he works with Aspies and is someone who totally 'gets it' and I adore him!) I'll let you know if I come up with anything.

Well, I'm not (yet) diagnosed with AS or PDD-NOS (which I got a question form for)
but the psychiatrist did say I have some form of an "information processing disorder" (that's what it's called literally in Dutch, not sure if there's an English term for it). In other words, my brain doesn't always know what to do with the input it gets.
But I suppose because it's all new to my parents, they're not quite sure what to do.

I really want this year to work for myself as well, so I'm willing to do everything and anything I can to get top grades.
So far I got a self help book for uni students with ADD, am planning on getting a voice recorder (for lectures) and I got a gigantic (nearly A-4) weekly planner (harder to lose and easier to look at), I'm also looking for a monthly planner as not to lose track of the big picture.

And even though my school hours are different every day, I'm making myself go in at the same time everyday as to create a solid daily structure (the time I don't have classes can be spent preparing for lectures, doing homework and studying Japanese in the school library).

I'm the same way, the more stress I get the more I seem to need my 'obsessions', e.g. learning Japanese words over an over seems to calm me and actually gives me some energy:)
Sometimes it's very hard to turn the switch off though and I guess that's what my parents are worried about:\

I would greatly appreciate it if you could share your friend's advice:)
Thank you.

My son is just starting college.
On orientation day, they separated the parents from the students and took us on a separate tour. The most emphatic part of the lecture was that they are adults now. We can't legally ask for confidential information and we really need to let go of the controls. The kids have managed to get this far, and they'll be fine.

Maybe you can get your parents to talk to a councilor at school, where they'll get a similar lecture.

To offer your grown children friendly advice is good, but to continue to act like parents is not helpful. Any help a parent knows how to give, they would have given by now. That part of the game is over.

An "information processing disorder" is not an excuse to treat you like a child forever. Everyone has little strengths and weaknesses. One of yours just happens to have a name.
Shall we collect a list of names for parents who want to maintain control long after their kids grow up?

Hah! I think you'd find my mum's name on the very top of that list ^_-
She basically embodies 'over-protective'.

For the most of it they treat me like an adult, but for some reason when it comes to my interests, it's like they never want me to partake in any of it...
It's always baffled me.


E.g.
I say: I might take up dance lessons once I start uni
my mum: Yes but don't drop school for it or anything like that!

Me: I think I should learn to speak Japanese fluently, 'cause I'd like to do some research in Japan once I'm studying for my master degree.
Them: Yes but it shouldn't be your priority. School is what counts.

Me: I really like to knit, I just found this awesome patt-
Mum: Yes that's nice but I don't want you knitting for the entire day!



Stuff like that kind of has the opposite effect on me as I get very upset, to the point of wanting to hurt myself (though I have that under control, don't worry), and then I seem to focus on the activity even more.
But they don't seem to understand that, even when I tell them.

Though, next week I'll be miles away from them, so if I keep my interests to myself things should be okay.

well i have some books that may be helpful:


"Succeeding in College With Asperger Syndrome" (By John Harpur) --- very much a guide for college students with AS

"Asperger's Syndrome, An Owner's Manual 2: For Older Adolescents and Adults" ( By Ellen Heller Korin) --- a workbook that address some potential issues

"Solutions for adults with asperger syndrome" ( By Juanita Lovett) --- not specifically intended for students but it may provide insight

they're all available on amazon.com

Ah! Thanks so much. I will definitely check them out (once I have money again:P).

I guess I was just using the wrong keywords to find the right books.