From Publishers Weekly
When Bashe, a certified special education
teacher, and Kirby, founder and moderator of OASIS (a popular
Asperger Syndrome Web site with support message boards), published
the previous edition of this book in 2001, parents of children with
the pervasive development disorder flocked to it. The authors now
offer this updated edition of the definitive resource, explaining
what is currently known about the nature of Asperger Syndrome from
the viewpoint of doctors and families. In understandable language,
Bashe and Kirby provide instructions for parents on how to gain
access to information, support and treatment for their child,
covering the most up-to-date options available as well as advice on
new medications and special education. Later, they look at aspects
of the "whole child," offering suggestions for parents on helping
their son or daughter manage their social and emotional worlds, life
at school and general growing-up issues. Bashe and Kirby acknowledge
that every AS child is different, but with the help of numerous
anecdotes from parents of AS children, they manage to provide a
wide-ranging, indispensable guide. (On sale Mar. 29)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier
Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
“A godsend to the increasing number of families who have a child
recently diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (AS). They will get
sympathetic and sound practical advice for the difficulties they are
facing, whether it is in coming to terms with the diagnosis or in
choosing the right kind of education and therapy. Two heroic
mothers, Kirby and Bashe, have made it their business to find out
what AS is really like and what it entails in practice. They show by
example that it is possible to meet the challenges of a child with
unusual skills as well as problems. Above all, they show the way in
which AS can enrich our lives.” —Uta Frith, professor of
cognitive development, University of London, and deputy director of
the UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, and author of Autism
and Asperger Syndrome
“Well beyond merely identifying and defining AS, the authors provide
dozens of field-tested strategies that can be used at home, in the
classroom, and in the community. . . . Bashe and Kirby offer
reliable counsel on topics related to diagnosis, treatment,
assessment, and placement. If you share your home or classroom with
a child with Asperger Syndrome, buy this book.” —Richard D.
Lavoie, visiting professor, Simmons College, and executive producer
of How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop
“The OASIS Web site has been a light of hope for individuals with
Asperger Syndrome, their families, and advocates. Kirby pioneered
ways of transforming the Internet into an accessible tool to help
those who needed reputable information and practical guidelines on
social disabilities. Her groundbreaking ways continue in this
collaboration with Bashe, now in its second edition. . . . Inspired
and informed by their professional background and by their uniquely
intimate perspective on parenting children with AS, the two compiled
a treasure of essential solutions to anyone who, like them,
experiences the joys and challenges of nurturing the talents and
addressing the needs of these very special individuals.” —Ami
Klin, Ph.D., Harris Associate Professor of Child Psychology and
Psychiatry, Yale Child Study Center
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Table of Contents
Forewords by
Dr. Simon Baron Cohen and Dr. Tony Attwood
Introduction by Barb Kirby
PART ONE: Asperger Syndrome
Chapter 1: What Is Asperger Syndrome?
Chapter 2: What Asperger
Syndrome Looks Like
Chapter 3: How
Asperger Syndrome Is Diagnosed
PART TWO: Taking Control
Chapter 4: Can This Be My Child?
Chapter 5: Building the Foundation
for Success
Chapter 6:
Interventions and Therapies
Chapter
7: Medication
Chapter 8: Special Education Basics
PART THREE: The Whole Child
Chapter 9: Your Child's Emotional Life
Chapter 10: Your Child in the
Social Realm
Chapter 11: Your Child in School
Chapter 12: Growing Up
Notes d Acknowledgments d About the Authors d Index
Reviewer Comments
|
Editorial Reviews
|
Praise for the First Edition
"A wonderful book - this volume will be an
invaluable guide for parents and teachers."
Fred R. Volkmar, M.D., Professor
of Child Psychiatry, Psychology, and Pediatrics,
Yale University Child Study Center
"This book, written by two parents of children who have AS, is well researched and gives sound, practical advice on diagnosis, treatment, and effective interventions. It addresses the needs of the whole child."
John Pomeroy, M.D.,
Associate Professor of Psychiatry,
Director of The Cody Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities,
State University of New York at Stony Brook
"If I had one cent for every person who has ever said, "Where would my family be without Barb Kirby and OASIS?", I would be as rich as Midas. But some things are better even than gold. Thank goodness Barbara L. Kirby and Patricia Romanowski Bashe know that! Together, they have provided the community of Asperger Syndrome with more than a rainbow's end of the shiny stuff. I wonder if they knew that when they finished taking the OASIS website and turning it into a stuffed-full-with-good-things book, they would also be opening a wondrous treasure chest brimming with understanding and support.
Liane Holliday Willey,
EdD.,
Author
of Pretending to Be Normal: Living With Asperger's Syndrome
and
Asperger Syndrome in the Family: Redefining Normal
"If someone were to ask me to suggest the most useful resource about AS, I would not hesitate for an instant: The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome. The authors have presented all the current information on AS with admirable clarity and empathy. This is a must-read book for parents, educators, and individuals with AS alike."
Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Special Education, University of Kansas, Author of Asperger Syndrome and Difficult Moments: Practical Solutions for Tantrums, Rage, and Meltdowns; Asperger Syndrome and Sensory Issues: Practical Solutions for Making Sense of the World; Asperger Syndrome and Adolescence: Practical Solutions for School Success.
"If it is important for parents and professionals to be on "the same page," - and it surely is - I strongly recommend starting with any page in the Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome! There is something in this book for everyone. For parents there is sound advice, comforting support, and remarkable insights that are sure to inspire. For professionals, the book offers a compass whose true north will point the way towards success when the changing "terrain" of Asperger syndrome renders typical educational road maps ineffective. There is even a special gift for those with Asperger syndrome - recognition of their struggles, and an acceptance and profound respect for who they are. This book is both inspired and inspiring! "
Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D., Executive Director, ADDCON Center, Author of How to Be a Para Pro: A Comprehensive Guide for Training Paraprofessionals and Trevor, Trevor
"This book will be of genuine and continual assistance to those working on behalf of children and adults with Asperger Syndrome. Rarely does one find such a wealth of quality information all between the same two covers. Some books boast and swagger. This one quietly walks up and raises the bar. This book has important work to do, and it is more than up to the task."
Carol Gray, Director, The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding, Author and Creator of Social Stories and Comic Book Conversations, Editor of The Morning News
"This book will go to the head of my reference list for parents. It is thorough, accurate, and user friendly."
Susan J. Moreno, M.A.A.B.S., President of Maap Services, Inc., founder and editor of The Maap, Author of More Advanced Individuals with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
"The OASIS Guide is unquestionably the most important resource in the field. It is an indispensable tool for anyone preparing for, or in the midst of running the marathon of parenting, grand parenting, teaching, coaching, treating or in any way becoming involved in the life of an AS child. It is also essential reading during those numerous rest breaks needed to stay sane on the road to the finish line. Bashe and Kirby have provided another gift to their over one million fans. Count me in as an unabashed OASIS cheerleader."
Steven E. Gutstein Ph.D.,
Director,
The Connections Center
and
Author of Autism, Aspergers: Solving the Relationship Puzzle
"This is a long awaited book for those living and working with individuals with Asperger Syndrome. The authors have put their years of gathered knowledge, information and resources into one chock-full volume. Presented in an easy to use format with everyday language and compassionate understanding, it will be 'THE BOOK of AS' for years to come. "
Jeanne Angus, MA, Director, LearningSpring Academy of New York City
"OASIS has long been a tremendous resource for family members and professionals. In this book, Barb and Patty have thoughtfully organized a massive amount of critical information into a comprehensive and valuable guide. Every family and professional should have a copy of this book readily available as an ongoing resource for supporting individuals with Asperger's Syndrome. Congratulations to the authors for their valuable contribution."
Cathy Pratt, Ph.D., Director, Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Board of Directors, Autism Society of America
"Incredible! The OASIS Guide contains tremendous advice, tips, and practical solutions to manage the confusion of special ed and Asperger Syndrome. The new parent and seasoned veteran should read the Guide, cover to cover. It is excellent."
Peter W. D. Wright, Esq. co-author, with Pamela Darr Wright, of Wrightslaw: Special Education Law and Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy: Survival Guide to Special Education, Owner of www.wrightslaw.com
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