Containing life-changing strategies and solutions, this book will enable everyone who knows, lives with or works with an individual with autism to achieve a positive relationship that fosters cooperation and mutual respect. The author has dedicated over 20 years to studying, observing and implementing communication strategies that help him, his wife, their three children and his clients experience positive relationships. His immediate family are all on the autism spectrum and they work together to understand one another, resolve misunderstandings, and help each other feel important, loved and respected. Sharing their inspirational personal experiences and interweaving every chapter with practical hints and tips, the book looks at how to get communication working for everyone and emphasizes the importance of laying down ground rules and building confidence. This book will be essential reading for family, friends and professionals who wish to communicate more effectively with those on the autism spectrum.

King's immediate family are all on the autism spectrum, and they work together to understand one another, resolve misunderstandings, and help each other feel important, loved, and respected. Here, he discusses the communication strategies that help them, and his clients, and shows how to experience positive relationships for everyone.

Building Social Relationships addresses the need for social skills programming for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and other social difficulties by providing a comprehensive model that incorporates the following five steps: assess social functioning, distinguish between skill acquisition and performance deficits, select intervention strategies, implement intervention, and evaluate and monitor progress. The model describes how to organize and make sense of the myriad social skills strategies and resources available to parents and professionals. It is not meant to replace other resources or strategies, but to synthesize them into one comprehensive program.

Shape your way in the world and overcome any challenge! Living on your own for the very first time can be exciting yet nerve-wracking--you'll search for roommates, interview for jobs, manage finances, and form relationships. But adjusting to this new life can seem especially difficult when you're on the Autism Spectrum. Drawing on her experiences, Lynne Soraya, one of ThAutcast.com's Most Inspiring Autistic People and author of Psychology Today's Asperger's Diary, will provide you with valuable advice as she guides you through each step of your transition into adulthood. These real-life strategies will help you cope with the feelings brought on by this change as well as deal with common challenges, like: Budgeting and handling bills. Finding the right residence and/or roommates. Discovering a career path that complements your talents. Interacting with coworkers and clients. Building relationships with friends and potential partners. With Living Independently on the Autism Spectrum, you will gain the confidence, support, and guidance you need to finally experience life on your own.

′This book breaks down the social, emotional and practical aspects of relationships so usefully that it is a good resource for teachers and others working with neurotypical individuals. In fact the book so sensibly discusses pitfalls, strategies and individual responsibilities that it would be valuable reading for teenagers generally as well as for individuals with Asperger syndrome′ - Tess Coll, autism outreach teacher ′The Asperger Love Guide is recommended reading for those with Asperger′s syndrome who are seeking or within a relationship. The authors provide a clear explanation of how the characteristics of Asperger′s syndrome can affect the development of a relationship and the expression of love. They then provide sound practical advice for individuals and couples. I really enjoyed reading The Asperger Love Guide and will be recommending the book to my clients′ – Professor Tony Attwood `This is the first book I′ve read in a long time that, once started, I couldn′t put down until it was finished. It is an exceptionally good read. The 77 pages are written succinctly with no waffle - just straight to the point. I will definitely buy a copy of this book for the whole family to use! I will use it to guide Joe (my 17 year old Asperger son) when he′s ready for it. It′s not a book he would read himself; in fact I read the section "the merits of single life" out loud to him a bit like a bed time story′ - Action for ASD ′There is a great need for more awareness of Asperger syndrome and how it affects personal relationships. The National Autistic Society find this a helpful guide′ - Cathy Mercer, NAS ′This book sets out some helpful facts about relationships in a neat, simple form′ - Asperger United ′An excellent self ′help-text′... the book is a clear and matter-of-fact guide to relationships and is unapologetic in offering straightforward and helpful advice for romantic success... Not a word is wasted, and as well as being highly recommended for individuals with Asperger′s Syndrome, should also be read by education professionals supporting young people with Asperger′s Syndrome in schools, colleges and universities′ - SENCO Update ′Aimed primarily at individuals with Asperger syndrome, this very readable book is in fact of use to a much wider audience. The issues are discussed openly and logically and the advice given is both sympathetic and very matter of fact... The book breaks down the social, emotional and practical aspects of relationships so usefully that it is a good resource for teachers and others working with neurotypical individuals. Infact the book so sensibly discusses pitfalls, strategies and individual responsibilities that it would be valuable reading for teenagers generally as well as for individuals with Asperger syndrome′ - British Journal of Special Education Material based on the experiences of the people on the Autistic Spectrum is usually written by neurotypical writers. Here, Genevieve and Dean, both adults with Asperger′s Syndrome, share their advice and tips for romantic success. The chapters cover: o building self-esteem; o the best places to meet potential partners; o dating; o maintaining relationships. Both authors work with the Asperger community, either providing support or training, so their insight is based upon other people′s experiences as well as their own. This is shown in a number of case studies that support the elements described in each chapter. They write in a clear, accessible and non-patronizing way which will suit their audience. This will prove to be an invaluable book to those with Asperger′s or those that support Asperger people. Dean Worton is a 31 year-old high functioning individual with a very positive expression of Asperger Syndrome. He runs a successful UK-based website for adults with Asperger Syndrome and hosts real-life meet-ups around the UK for its members. His key interest is in encouraging adults with AS to live positively and successfully with the gifts that Asperger Syndrome provides. He also works in adminstration and resides in North-West England. Genevieve Edmonds is a 23 year old with ′residual′ Asperger Syndrome, which she views as a significant gift. She works as an associate of the Missing Link Support Service in Lancashire supporting those ′disabled by society′ including individuals with ASD. She speaks and writes frequently in the field of Autism, along with giving training, workshops and soon counselling. She aims to empower those with ASD, carers and professionals in the understanding of Asperger Syndrome as a difference rather than an impairment. She lives and works in a solution-focused way and is based in North-West England

Gunilla Gerland's extensive experience of the autism spectrum means she is expertly placed to offer a fresh perspective on working with autism as well as a wealth of effective tools and interventions to use in practice. In a highly readable style, with many inspiring examples, this book offers original explanations of the impairments associated with autism, showing how to discover the root cause of behaviours that are challenging, not just how to manage them superficially. It looks objectively and non-judgementally at the common pitfalls and difficulties that autism professionals may encounter, explaining how to deal with these and transition to more effective working relationships. An important section on ethics and reflection equips the reader with the knowledge and skills needed to grow professionally in the field. Packed with original insights and practical, hands-on tools and strategies, this is essential reading for teachers, teaching assistants, support workers, counsellors, social workers and anyone else working with individuals of any age on the autism spectrum.

If your child finds talking to people a struggle, this is the book to get the conversation started. In this hands-on guide, Heather Jones offers practical advice, born of experience with her own son, which will help you teach your child the principles of communication. Full of strategies and examples, it shows how you can allay fears, build confidence and teach your child to enjoy conversation. Once a child gets used to talking with other people, many life skills can develop more easily as they grow up – from making friends and shopping for themselves, to being interviewed and eventually getting a job. This handy book provides guidance and inspiration to parents, teachers and anyone else who cares for a child who finds language and comprehension difficult.