Tony Attwood (1) (1952–)

Tony Attwood is a therapist rather than a researcher and that is reflected in this somewhat incomplete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome. If you want a comprehensive description of the Syndrome, the ever-changing diagnostic guidelines and the individual symptoms, this is the book for you. If you want an extremely thorough over-view of all available therapies/interventions/support services and their efficacy this is most certainly the book for you. If you want a summary of the current state of show more research into causes of autistic behaviour, you will need to look elsewhere as there's a total of less than two pages on the subject.

The book focuses heavily on childhood and adolescence but does not completely ignore adulthood; I think this just reflects where the effort has been put with regard to helping Aspies - there's just much less support for adults available. Because of the focus on ways of helping Aspies with their social problems, there is comparatively little discussion of their strengths, but Attwood is clearly aware of these strengths, appreciative of the positive things Aspies can offer society and sympathetic to their cause. Nevertheless, particularly early on he does make quite a few value-judgements that I feel are entirely subjective and out of place. He also use "empathy" in a technical sense that is not what non-psychologists would generally assume it means - but doesn't explain this specialised usage for several more chapters. This potentially helps fuel an incorrect and very negative stereotype about Aspies - that they have no empathy - which is completely without foundation.

The tone is quite dry, somewhat academic, but not excruciatingly dull. It is heavily referenced for those who wish to dive into the research literature. Various case histories and anecdotes leaven the text and for the most part I think it's readily accessible to the general reader. The book will be of most use to parents of Aspies and I believe Attwood had that readership in mind when he wrote it. show less

ARC provided by NetGalley

One of the most difficult aspects of being diagnosed with Asperger’s latter in life isn’t learning about yourself, but learning ways to deal with the world around you as an adult, since much of the literature and support is for children. That situation though is slowly changing thanks in large part to people like Dr. Tony Attwood and Temple Grandin, who have stepped up, spoken out, and shared their stories and advice to help people. This book adds yet another show more step, adults that have aspergers, have thrived and survived, and have been serving as mentors to many others share their words of wisdom on how to survive daily life and the stresses within it, all from the perspective of an Aspie. While sometimes the stories drag a little bit, the advice that these Aspie mentors offer on anxiety, depression, friendship, love, and more is invaluable to someone like me that was only diagnosed as being on the spectrum last year. This book is must have for anyone on the spectrum. 4 out of 5 stars. show less

For as much as is currently known about Asperger's Syndrome, this book is quite comprehensive. Research has come a long way in recent years but opinions are still evolving.

Atwood's book is written clearly, well organized, and covers all ages from children to adults. Each chapter discusses key points that are informative with suggestions that are practical and age appropriate.

This book was recommended to me by a child psychiatrist as the best book of its kind out there. I found it easy to show more read and understand. It makes a good resource for the person affected by Asperger's as well as family and friends.

Atwood's philosophy is that Asperger's personalities are not good or bad, they are just different. In addition to diagnosis information and clinical observations, there are many problem solving options and useful strategies for a lifetime of coping with this difference. show less

If you’re new to the topic of Asperger’s syndrome, this is an excellent book to start with. Dr. Attwood has years of research, which he draws upon in writing this book. It takes an exhaustive look at the various issues/symptoms associated with AS.