books to recommend to your regular doctor

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Hello
I was recently diagnosed as having Autism Spectrum Condition, although more inline with aspergers / high functioning autism than more severe autism.

I recently explained this to my doctor who didn't appear to know much about the condition.
I was wondering if anyone out there could recommend any books or dvds that i could buy for my doctor to help him understand the condition and thus give me the best treatment (and not misdiagnose or mistreat me).

Would be grateful for any advice.
Thanks

Do doctors do that in the UK? I can't imagine giving my doctor a book. He would never read it.

I'm a healthcare practitioner. I gotta tell you, when people bring me materials about their disorder, 3/4s of the time its really offensively off. Most people don't understand what kind of resources trained professionals look for. I just smile and thank them and put it aside. Because it is usually pop science that is written to a lay person. And I know so much more than Time Magazine about how to treat people! Most of the time, I can say to the person, "Don't worry. You're already getting this treatment." And it's usually true.

One time when someone really brought me something interesting, that did increase my ability to treat her, it was a really awkward situation, because she wanted me to treat her according to that protocol ONLY, and I had to repeat over and over that we would only do that as much as was safe and appropriate to her as an individual. But we did pretty much follow the protocol in that she gave me - and then she had a fit once because it stopped working (a common problem with set protocols. The tend to plateau.) And guess what - she was mad at ME. For following the protocol that she was insisting on. Even brought her husband in to yell at me. Scary s**t. So that might explain to you why patients barring print-outs of internet articles on their condition scare me. My experience is that these folks are pretty controlling and hard to treat.

So, here's my thought - if you are going to bring in materials, make sure they are written for MDs. Don't bring anything written for lay people. Secondly, recognize that your doctor is not always going to follow the advice because they have a responsibility to treat you according to their own protocols. They spent 4 years in grad school and more years on internships. One book or video is not going to trump that experience.

Lastly - just a heads up. Most doctors who don't specialize in autism have no clue about the disorder. That's just the way it is. Fortunately, we are physically the same as anyone else to treat. Some of us have sensitivities to medications, but that's very individual. Other autistics need higher doses than typical. Your doc is going to have to learn about YOU. Not just autism.

Making accommodations so that you get good care is largely on you. Write out your questions before your appointment. Bring a person with you if you need to. Bring stuff to help control the sensory environment so that you can be more comfortable. Be willing to say so if you don't understand something. This is all about learning self-advocacy.

Wouldn't bother, really. If your doctor wants to look up ASD, they'll find sources for MDs themselves. Unless they've specifically asked you to bring something, it's just rude - except if its some guidelines for how to help you, along the lines of 'sometimes I need to write things down' or the like.

The fact that you feel the need to ask this question really adds validity to the idea that the medical communities point of reference on the subject is lacking.

I would buythem Tony Attwoods book " The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome". That way if this Dr. is similar to what has been described by previous posters maybe he/she will put their egos aside and recognize that maybe they don't know all that they could to be able to support the interests of their patients. And being that Dr. Attwood is a Subject Matter Expert on Asperger's they will respect his insights.

If there is an opportunity to educate someone or point them in the direction of good information then I say do it. I have had to educate a few Dr.'s on F.P.I.E.S. (http://www.fpiesfoundation.org)a rare Food Protein allergy that presents in the GI tract. Unfortunately one of those times was in the ER when my son was having an acute reaction and the Dr. thought he had the flu and I sat there argued with him that it was FPIES and looked at me like I was an idiot. Luckily the nurse was willing to listen. After my son was stabalized I was able to give the nurse some information and resources.

If you can get the Dr. two books, so he can give one to a colegue that needs to have their horizons broadened as well.
Kind Regards. Shark