Books about Adult Autism/Asperger's?

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Hi guys,

I wonder if anyone can make me some book recommendations? While I'm interested in reading them myself too, I'm looking for a book or two I could give as a resource to my mother about understanding autism/asperger's. I am an adult in the process of diagnosis, and most autism books only seem to talk about children, which is little use in helping her understand the challenges I experience or how she can better relate to and communicate with me as an adult with autism.

I have Tony Attwood's book, which is very good and more neutral about age than others I have seen so I will probably give that to her. However, it's quite "textbook-ish" and I was hoping I could also find something a bit friendlier and lighter in tone.

Has anyone come across anything that might fit the bill?

Thanks!

Hope no one minds me bumping this to see if anyone has any ideas.

Does such a book exist?

You're getting nothing because there is nothing. I have collected probably 100+ PDFs on AS and Autism in the past 5+ years, and almost none are specifically about adults that I can see just from looking at the titles.

The closest thing I see is "Autism and Asperger Syndrome - Preparing for adulthood" by Patricia Howlin.

"Asperger’s Syndrome and Adults...Is Anyone Listening?" is a collection of essays, not really useful.

"Employment for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome or Non-Verbal Learning Disability" is probably the most interesting thing I see, with a lot of practical how-to advice. Again, though, there's a lot of personal experience essays.

Try looking for this paper on Google: "Asperger Syndrome Grows Up - Recognizing AS Adults in Today's Challenging World" by Roger N. Meyer with Aleta Root Linda Newland.

There are personal accounts by adults, and adults have written about their children having AS.

There are several self-help books. Whether these are helpful or not is a YMMV issue. "Asperger Syndrome: Natural Steps toward a Better Life" mentions adults. "A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome" seems to be aimed more at younger people.

An AS bibliography with annotations on usefulness of books would be something worthwhile, but I don't have time to compile one.

There's always the movie Rain Man; a good fictional depiction of an adult with HFA/AS, and it's a good movie too.

He has the usual symptoms of need for routine, distress at change, meltdowns when forced to do things he doesn't want to, "stimming" and motor mannerisms, and problems with executive functioning. The usual social deficits are there also, though they're not as evident as these things prior due to the fact he doesn't really socialize with others.

Many of those on the milder end don't like it though, as they don't experience the same problems (I experience those things above and I have AS).

"Asperger's From the Inside Out: A Supportive and Practical Guide for Anyone with Asperger's Syndrome" might work. It's geared towards people who are diagnosed when they are adults. It's by Michael John Carley, who was diagnosed in adulthood himself. He is also the chairman or whatever of GRASP, which I believe is the only national organization for adults with AS. I thought the book was quite good (I've read several others as well, including Tony Attwood's book). The only thing about it is that Carley is a very high-functioning Aspie, so not everyone may completely relate to his story. I think it may fit the bill of what you're looking for, though.

Living Well on the Spectrum. A lifesaver for me. Opened my eyes to my traits and is teaching me how to accept how those traits are affecting me in a positive way, and how I can overcome or cope with the negative issues. It's a wonderful book.

Aspergirls is a good one for females with AS

I second the Michael John Carley book and Asperger's.

If your mom is into cats, then you may wish to look at a book titled something like "All Cats have Asperger's".

You may also wish to look into Jerry Newport's books too.

Attwood is a bit heavy, so you may wish to take it in stages with him, like point out a couple things in whatever area you are discussing that day, like sensory issues.

One thing I recommend not doing is pointing out the genetic links right away. That did not go over very well as you might imagine.

You might look for videos on Youtube too and stream them with her, if you find ones that you enjoy/are interesting.

Rain Man probably made me very ignorant to the fact that I may have an ASD. I am going to a clinic near where I live very soon to get a diagnosis.

From what I remember, Adam gave a pretty good definition of Asperger's.

Adam himself is a character who is quite identifiable.

Not to mention good looking.

It is a coincidence maybe that Hugh dancy, who played Adam, is or was married to Claire Danes, who portrayed Temple Grandin. Interesting, hey?

Even though the original post is from last year, it might help to mention that there are several very good books about and aimed at adults on the spectrum these days.

I found useful:

Aspergirls -- Rudy Simone
Asperger Syndrome and Anxiety -- Nick Dubin
Very Late Diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (ASD) -- Philip Wylie

There is also a book called Pretending to Be Normal, though I haven't read that one yet.

I also like "Too Loud, Too Bright, Too Fast Too Tight" by Sharon Heller, which doesn't mention being specifically about autism but it does address sensory issues that will be things that many on the spectrum experience, and how to cope.