Asperger's Guide for Teens and Young Adults
Asperger's Syndrome Guide for Teens and Young Adults Thriving (not Just Surviving)by Craig Kendall is one of the most inclusive books on Asperger teens that I have had the privilege to read. Kendall takes you through the steps of what to expect as the AS teen is leaving elementary school moving into middle and high schools, through puberty and dating, through the trials and tribulations of bullying and cyber bullying, and into the young adult stage. All of these times are very trying for the AS teenager as well as their caregivers and Kendall has again made things as easy to understand as possible.He notes throughout the book that not all AS children are the same and that circumstances will vary according to the child; yet he offers options which benefit the well being of the AS teen. For example, intellectual abilities are not necessarily affected by Asperger's Syndrome; however the stimuli around the child may be causing some academic issues. Thus, we should evaluate what is causing the child's problem instead of jumping to conclusions. Kendall's knowledge and grace on the subject matter is astounding and beyond sufficient. With the experiences that he had to endure with his own son with Asperger's Syndrome, Kendall brought to life this disorder through his words of wisdom in laymen's terms for everyone to understand; doctors, teachers, parents, and even teenagers themselves can benefit greatly from this book.Kendall's bonus chapters include life beyond high school, succeeding in the workplace, college issues, surveys for bullying for schools, and a guide to the Individualized Education Program. All of these are extremely helpful and he goes into great detail about the IEP's which will help parents during their travel within the school system. Life doesn't stop for these children. It goes on with the same difficulties; they just need help in understanding them and how to work around them. This is what Kendall explains in theAsperger's Syndrome Guide for Teens and Young Adults Thriving (not Just Surviving). He helps parents help their children and be able to thrive as a family unit as well. By doing this, they learn how to become good citizens in society, even if society isn't quite ready for them just yet.I have my own son who is moving into the teen years, and I was completely bewildered and scared before reading Kendall's book. Afterwards, I felt calm and ready to take on the next few years and help my son to the best of my abilities and understand what to expect; I knew what to do, thanks to this book. Kendall notes that there are support groups out there, or to create one yourself if one isn't available. This is what I had to do in my area and am still on the bumpy road to success. I am recommending all of Kendall's books to everyone because of his depth of knowledge in this area. His experiences have hit home with me and will to many others. This book is definitely a must read for parents with an Asperger child.Amanda BaerPresident --The Asperger's Child, Inc.