The Asperger's Syndrome Survival Guide
The Asperger's Syndrome Survival Guideby Craig Kendall was the first in his series that I read which made me feel like I was not alone in feeling the way that I was as a parent. Kendall's experiences with his own son brought to life what I was feeling and made me accept my own faults which then brought me to accept my son for who he was, an Aspie.Kendall explains what Asperger's Syndrome is, the symptoms of Asperger's, treatment options, and the behavior that Aspies may endeavor. He also delves into the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome as well, the criteria that needs to be met for a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, as well as other conditions that may occur with the disorder. Kendall's knowledge and understanding of the subject is astounding and put into a great format that is understandable for anyone to read and take in; whether you are a parent, a teacher, a doctor, or an Aspie yourself. He makes Asperger's Syndrome unbelievably easy to understand and comprehend so much so that I was thankful that I found his book! Without this book, I wouldn't have been able to fully adjust to my son's diagnosis or my own feelings about it.Kendall goes further into Asperger's Syndrome to include medication, Autism verses Asperger's, support systems, and how we can help these individuals lead a successful life. He gives support group information, nonprofit organization links like GRASP and ASAN, as well as online support groups on yahoo and wrongplanet.net. All of these are great resources which I have used and have benefited from. I have used these links in order to get help and to get information from. I, personally, created my own support group as well just to have another form of support out there on Facebook and Yahoo. I created The Asperger Child Inc. to help individuals and the community come together to better understand the syndrome so that Aspie's can lead productive lives in society.I felt wonderful after reading this book! The explanation Kendall gives as children get older, the child's perspective, and the importance of gaining social skills was such great material. He helped me understand my child's world and what he was going through, which I had no idea until I read this book. Kendall breaks it down, step by step, so the reader can follow and actually read within two days (I read it in one day because I just couldn't put it down!)Kendall includes bonus reports within this book: How to be your child's best advocate, Making the transition to adulthood, Helping your child cope with the holiday season, and The Asperger Survey of Parents and Professionals. All of these reports are beneficial and quite useful. I have caught myself going back to these reports for a fresh read when needed. Knowing they are there helps me to make sure that my child is getting what he deserves in life.The Asperger's Syndrome Survival Guideis a must read. You will catch yourself going back to it on a regular basis and updating yourself or just getting the help you need when times are tough. Kendall lets you know that you are not alone, and Asperger's Syndrome is not a curse, it is just a difference, and a difference that can be worked around! --Amanda Baer, President, The Asperger Child Inc.The author has chosen a very apt title,'The Asperger's Syndrome Survival Guide, what you and your family need to know'.Anyone looking for information on Aspergers like myself, will agree that it is like a breath of fresh air to search and find information of this caliber. The Author has written the book with everyday people in mind and this is evident right the way through the book. It starts with a detailed, easy to read, Table of contents. This doesn't have to be a book that you start at page 1 and read through, the format is laid out for your e --Carrol Booth, Shared Care NetworkThe author has chosen a very apt title,'The Asperger's Syndrome Survival Guide, what you and your family need  to know'.Anyone looking for information on Aspergers like myself, will agree that it is like a breath of fresh  air to search and find information of this caliber. The Author has written the book with everyday people in mind and  this is evident right the way through the book. It starts with a detailed, easy to read, Table of contents. This doesn't  have to be a book that you start at page 1 and read through, the format is laid out for your ease and you choose where  you start, and read in the order that is relevant to you. For me this started with one of the Free Bonus Guides, The  Asperger's Survey of Parents and Professionals. The page layout, typeface, bold headings also add to the enjoyment of  reading this book. You can concentrate on absorbing what you are reading, the lists make great sense of what Craig is  telling us.I chose to read this book because we are soon to become Multilink Foster Carers for Children with Autism.The author,  Craig writes this book from personal experience and from the heart in a style you can relate to. It makes sense. You  read the data and think, 'why has no one told me that before?'The book itself is very easy on the eye, good front  cover, great size to carry around. I wanted to know more, and have read and re-read chapters or sections that interest  me. This will be one book that won't leave my bookshelf.Chapter one covers many of the basics, What is Asperger's Syndrome, A guide to understanding it and Diagnosis. Chapter  Two looks at the symptoms of Asperger's and talks about social problems, behaviors', differences of Asperger's and  Autism, along with when do symptoms start showing. There are 9 chapters in total and go on to explain The causes of  Autism, Diagnosis, Treatments, Changes from Childhood to Adulthood, Education needs, and a very important last chapter  focusing on Support Groups. At the end of the book are 4 bonus guides looking atAdvocacy,Transition to Adulthood,Coping with Holiday SeasonsandThe Aspergers Survey of Parents and Professionals.Throughout the book there are references to other web pages and useful resources. Page 57 gives the website for Carol  Grey's Social Stories and discuss' how play therapy and social skills are used alongside each other.The use of further  references to other useful resources is fantastic and you can choose to explore these options further or just be happy  with the knowledge you've just learned. Likewise at the end of Chapter 9 we are introduced to  'Blogs'. There are  references to an autism internet blog, a parent written blog and an autistic spectrum person blog.The Author's topic knowledge is evident and I can't wait to read the other books written by Craig Kendall. This book  works, it has a place in the literature market for finding out more about "Aspergers" and will be a constant source of  support for parents, carers, health and education staff and many more.The book has many strengths,it is adaptable to your own style of learning, is written using commonsense everyday  language. Craig's personal journey with his own family has been a blessing and I would like to thank them for sharing  their journey with us, because without that deep understanding and compassion this book would not have been written. A  quote from Craig's website sums up this book for me, 'He learned what works and what doesn't'.--Carrol Booth, Shared Care Network