The OASIS Guide

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)
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“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

Forewords by Dr. Simon Baron Cohen and Dr. Tony Attwood
Introduction by Barb Kirby

Reviewer Comments

Forewords by Dr. Simon Baron Cohen and Dr. Tony Attwood Introduction by Barb Kirby

Reviewer Comments

Forewords by Dr. Simon Baron Cohen and Dr. Tony Attwood
Introduction by Barb Kirby