Some of them, I have simply thrown away. They're full of categorical statements, overgeneralizations, and lots of doom and gloom parading around as "let's get real" honesty.
Beware of writers and "experts" who talk in categoricals.
In other words, making statements like:
Asperger's teens can't make friends. They lack the social skills required.
Instead, look for writers who understand that there are as many different definitions of "Asperger's" as there are people who have Asperger's. In other words, look at the individual, not the diagnosis. The diagnosis and formal definitions of Asperger's should only inform the way you approach the individual.
One aspie might actually be great at sensing other peoples' emotions, while another is less aware, emotionally. The mixture of traits, the degree each expresses itself, and how they all work together with the person's basic personality mean generalizations are dangerous when it comes to working with aspies.
Writer Tony Atwood is careful never to make generalizations.
He will write something like:
Many AS individuals have difficulty with maintaining friendships.
That's very different from some writers, who say things like:
AS sufferers lack the ability to form friendships.Atwood's The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is far and away the best book I have read on the subject. It's comprehensive, rationale, yet the underlying tone is therapeutic and hopeful. At least that was my take.
Atwood seems like a fascinating guy in general. He's a former Brit who now lives in Brisbane, Autstralia. He runs a clinic for AS people.
And he's a huge Brian Wilson fan!
If you're an aspie parent, I strongly suggest you get to know Atwood's work. He's amazing. I believe he's a true advocate for understanding AS, and for helping the world to understand as well.
Much more to come on Tony and his work in the future.
In the meantime, if you're reading a book about AS and find yourself getting depressed, you might consider throwing it away - like I did!
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