Autism & Asperger Syndrome in Adults (Overcoming Common Problems)

Here's a nice and straightforward introduction to Autism and Asperger. There's, indeed, a lot of points to like and take onboard in this very short little book (about 100 pages), written by someone who, over the past decades, has been 'a support worker, an outreach worker, a service co-ordinator, a project officer, a development officer, an autism consultant, a trainer, a researcher and a lecturer - all within the autism field'!

Dr Luke Beardon keeps here putting the point across: every individuals is unique, and, so, it would be futile and counterproductive, if not demeaning, to adopt a 'right size fit all' attitude when attempting to deal with the adults concerned. It starts with terminology: should we talk about autistic people, or, show more people with autism? The debate is raging (and I personally am not surprised, in these days of rampant emotionalism...) yet silly. As the author bangs it with common sense: either or, the choice belongs to the person being labelled, and, since such choice will vary from one individual to the next there is no right or wrong! But here's not the most important.

The most important is why individuality is the most relevant factor to be acknowledged. Focusing (strongly) on personalities, this is where he throws some darts at the DSM. Yes, Autism and Asperger are part of a spectrum; but the DSM defines each in such a narrow way that it doesn't help at all. In fact, such highly questionable sub-categorisations just leads to making assumptions, and so have expectations, all based on where on the spectrum individuals have been diagnosed... which is bonkers since all individuals will be unique and so not fit into such clinical ticked-boxes! I love that because, being a Care Support Worker dealing with autistic people, I constantly see that in my job: skills, abilities, preferences, and, so, needs in terms of support vary greatly from one person to the next, despite all having the same diagnosis. Dr Luke Beardon nails a point through an equation: autism + environment = outcomes. After all, that's how it works for what he calls PNB (Predominant Neurotype Brains) so why would it be different for non-neurotypical people?

'I believe that the term autism should be used to cover all individuals who are autistic. In doing so, one would be forced then to ascertain specifically how autism affects each individual (at that time, within that environment), rather than making assumptions related to the term itself.'

This is in fact the whole point here: autism is a set of features (that the author outlines very clearly) but such features will express themselves differently from one person to the next. The author actually goes one step further: addressing neurotypicals, he warns against echopraxic behaviours that is, autistic people sometimes going at such a great length to mask their condition so as to fit in that they may appear like having no condition at all, and so no need of support (women seems to be particularly good at this). An awareness of autism is here needed, for it might lead to a greater understanding and therefore tolerance.

Another strong feature of this book I really enjoyed is how it sails away from autism being perceived as a disorder, or impairment, to, on the contrary, celebrate it as a strength. Sure, it can be an harrowing and severely debilitating condition, and Dr Luke Beardon doesn't deny that. But, here he addresses mainly autistic people who have the mental capacity to be able to engage in society (study, work, marry, have kids etc.) and, as he points out in a whole chapter, such individuals can be very proud of their autism indeed!

On the other hand, where I found the book getting weak is in the ending chapters, focusing on schooling, employment, and relationships (romantic and parenting). Who is his target audience? Autistic people? Educational institutions and employers? Neurotypicals? Well, all of them at once, which, I felt, quite diluted his message -addressing everybody ends up addressing nobody. Nice points are being made when it comes to suggestions in terms of reasonable adjustments (and in debunking a few other myths!) but his solutions are too light, if it's his job to bring solutions at all!

Regardless, here's a very good read challenging the perception of what it means to be autistic. I cannot but recommend it to anyone interested in the topic, and, above all, neurotypicals. We all have prejudices (mine were blown apart when I start working as a Support Worker). Sadly, the 'official' sub-categorisations purported by clinical manuals (e.g. the DSM, itself very controversial even among professionals...) doesn't help in our perception, and, so, in our dealing with autistic people. As an inclusive society we clearly can do better! Well, this book offers right insights, welcome demystifications, and, a few pointers to make things better. A necessary stance! show less

Men are from Mars for autism/aspergers. I don't find either book particularly helpful.
Pros: This book is written very clearly and has lots of examples of females in it. It also discusses empathy w/o the prejudice of everyone having the same experience/expectations of an event.
Cons: I don't like the analogies or binary nature, and despite everything I still think there are different degrees of autism. And I still do not understand whether it engenders a learning difficulty or difference, and how much you can compensate or overcome problems.
Also it doesn't offer solutions or empower people to make better choices, when faced with a different world view.

My new bible. I've already recommended it to multiple people and I'm going to make my whole family read this.