Nick Dubin

Here is an interesting question: Would an analyst with Asperger's Syndrome be more or less able to help a patient with the condition than a normal therapist?

The answer, I think, is "It depends." It depends on the analyst, the patient, and the exact nature of the patient's problems. A neurotypical analyst will probably be more able to detect the sufferer's problems, but the "Aspie" might be better at understanding and offering a solution. Or not. Aspies are so varied a population that the show more Aspie analyst and the Aspie patient might find nothing in common.

That, to some extent, happens with this book. Some of it, such as the ideas about stress and the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, struck me as incredibly insightful. I found the information about cognitive behavioral therapy very informative also.

And yet, I didn't feel as if there were any actual answers here. Dubin understands some Aspie problems -- he is "on the spectrum," after all. But I didn't feel as if he was speaking to me -- he doesn't feel like "my" kind of Asperger's sufferer. It may be different for you. But my feeling is that one should approach this book as a source of information, not of answers. show less

I have read this book twice. I think it is clear and concise, and gives basic information on how bullying affects children with aspergers in school.
However I also think it is boy-centric and the strategies and solutions seem naïve. I think this may be linked.
I.e there is no discussion on relational aggression that is more common among girls and far harder to deal with.

This probably the best book on the topic I have read so far. It covers the root causes of depression in those with asperger’s. The posits the source of depression for those with Aspergers is from the constant pressure to fit in a social circle and not having the resources to do so. The lack of social competence is a constant source of frustration. This frustration manifests itself as depressive feelings. The book looks at possible solutions, it reviews the present psychological and show more chemical and societal treatment strategies. The book is a good balance between theoretical and practical approaches to Asperger’s induced depression. show less

Bullying is a serious problem for people with Asperger syndrome, both at school and at work. Displaying different behaviour increases the risk of being victimised. Writing from personal and professional experience, the author describes the negative effects of bullying; the danger of persistent bullying; and the importance of involving the bystander. The book offers strategies for use by parents, professionals, schools, and the victims themselves.