The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

4.21 of 5 stars 4.21 · rating details · 793 ratings · 89 reviews

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). It brings together a wealth of information on all aspects the syndrome for children through to adults.

Drawing on case studies and personal accounts from Attwood's extensive clinical experience, and from his correspondence with individuals with AS, this book

...more

Kindle Edition

Published (first published September 28th 2006)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,648)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jun 06, 2011 Nicola rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: psychology, non-fiction, library

Ooh, you’re always setting yourself up for a fall when you call your book The COMPLETE Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome. You may as well call it the ONLY Guide or the BEST EVER Guide. *wince* Maybe I should cut Tony Attwood some slack; the title was probably his publisher’s idea.

Nonetheless, I found this book slight lacking. One might even say... incomplete. *rimshot*

It’s particularly poor when it comes to strategies for dealing with Asperger’s. Almost all the suggestions are aimed at children (“dra...more

6 likes · like · see review

Nov 06, 2012 Roberta rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

I thought this book was very detailed in regards to Asperger's Syndrome. I bought it to learn about the condition because my son was recently diagnosed with it. I read it seeing myself lurking through the pages. I had hoped to find out how to cope with someone who thinks differently than other people do. I figured out there was a reason why my son and I are so close.

If you are looking for a complete guide to understanding Asperger's I recommend this book. You will learn how it is diagnosed, theo...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 15, 2012 Abenson2015iowamennonite.org rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Complete Guide to Asperger Syndrome by Tony Attwood is just as the title suggests.

The book describes the unique world of a child with aspergers and how they view life. People with asperger syndrome view the world differently and often find they don’t fit in with daily life so they escape into an imaginary world.

If you know someone with aspergers this book may help you understand them better. It is filled with different characteristics of all sorts of people with aspergers such as their sense...more

like · see review

Jan 11, 2011 Marcos Buccellato rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Un libro útil e interesante. Brinda una descripción bastante abarcativa de los distintos aspectos del síndrome, las características que se reflejan en las personas con este diagnostico, los problemas que enfrentan y varios consejos sobre cómo superarlos o manejarlos. No está escrito en un lenguaje técnico pero hay referencia a estudios clínicos y características médicas del síndrome. Seguramente sea de mucha ayuda para padres, docentes, amigos, parejas y compañeros de una persona con asperger y...more Un libro útil e interesante. Brinda una descripción bastante abarcativa de los distintos aspectos del síndrome, las características que se reflejan en las personas con este diagnostico, los problemas que enfrentan y varios consejos sobre cómo superarlos o manejarlos. No está escrito en un lenguaje técnico pero hay referencia a estudios clínicos y características médicas del síndrome. Seguramente sea de mucha ayuda para padres, docentes, amigos, parejas y compañeros de una persona con asperger y les ayuden a entender esta mirada distinta de la realidad que tienen los que encuadran a este síndrome.
Se le puede criticar el que el enfoque terapéutico es completamente conductual sin considerar, sino de forma secundaria, los aspectos relacionados con los sentimientos, la imagen de si mismo, la voluntad y el bienestar interno de la persona (salvo quizás por el último capítulo). Todos los consejos que se dan son para modificar conductas o hacer mas soportable el ambiente para evitar que se generen problemas con el entorno social. Si bien es cierto que estos problemas pueden generar inconvenientes a la persona con asperger, todo apunta a ajustar el entorno para ocultar o disimular su naturaleza y para que tenga una vida mas "normal". Esto es negativo en al menos dos aspectos, el primero es que no se puede acomodar la realidad para evitar que le afecte al asperger ni tampoco se puede ocultar su naturaleza, alguien comento que algunas veces hay que aguantarse las cosas como son, y esto es un poco lo que me parece que se esquiva en el libro. En vez de considerar que las posibles experiencias de la persona sean formativas y tratar de que dejen algo positivo, se trata de evitarlas, suavizarlas, esconderlas, etc. Este enfoque probablemente sea muy bien intencionado, pero a todas luces poco realista y deja desprotegido al individuo para aquellas ocasiones donde falla, no se brindan estrategias adaptativas. El libro no plantea esto de forma tan inocente pero de alguna forma es el mensaje final. Por otro lado, si bien se remarca todo el tiempo lo valiosos que son estos individuos, se los trata como personas falladas que hay que de alguna manera tratar de que pasen desapercibidos en el mundo social, deben disfrazarse y tratar de ser "normales". Al mismo tiempo se concluye que el asperger tiene que aprender a aceptarse a si mismo... conclusión: reconocete como un individuo fallido y disimúlalo en sociedad.
La verdad es que en la realidad existen personas de todo tipo con diferentes problemas, la "normalidad" es difícil de encontrarla en personas concretas: hay depresivos, malhumorados, histéricos, violentos, arrogantes, tímidos, mentirosos, falsos, bipolares, paranoicos, celosos, optimistas, pesimistas, solitarios, etc. Si vamos a mirar en detalle debe haber más gente anormal en algún sentido que normales. El tema es como se adaptan y se ajustan a la realidad en la que se encuentran y como influyen en la misma para modificarla para poder llevar la existencia de forma mas llevadera y placentera. El asperger es uno mas de todos estos que debe encontrar según sus fortalezas y debilidades, la forma de adaptarse y vivir en el mundo (mas o menos difícil lo mismo que el resto de los mortales). Los consejos de este libro seguramente ayuden a una persona a manejar situaciones practicas y a modificar algunas conductas problemáticas, pero ante todo se deberían ver como herramientas para poder adaptarse he influir sobre la realidad y poder aprender de las experiencias malas y buenas sin que esto lleve a consecuencias negativas (depresiones, somatizaciones, baja autoestima, etc.). Me parece que un camino mas interesante sería focalizarse en las fortalezas de cada individuo para hacerlas valer socialmente y tratar de sacar provecho de ellas y no estar disculpándose por las debilidades, disculpas que por otro lado a la mitad de la gente “normal” no le interesan y si lo hacen probablemente sea para tener una mirada condescendiente. Buscar una imagen positiva de si mismo no condicionada por no ser “normal” y tratar de llevar al máximo el potencial de cada uno.
(less)

like · see review

Oct 25, 2009 Leslie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Parents of children with Asperger's

Shelves: autism-asperger-s

This is supposed to be the bible for the newly diagnosed with Asperger's but I honestly don't remember being that impressed. It is helpful if you don't know anything about the disorder. It seems that there still isn't a whole lotta info available about this disorder so I feel like if I've read even one book, I've read them all. Borrow one from the library, cos if you tried to buy all these books you would be broke and not learn anything new past the first book.
It is as thorough as can be on the...more

like · see review

Feb 03, 2013 Sonia Owen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I own this book and think it's great. This is one of the things which has greatly helped me with my understanding of Asperger's Syndrome, and my understanding of how it affects me. Whenever I'm confused about something, or unsure as to whether my Asperger's Syndrome is having an effect on something, I can go to this book, and more often than not find some kind of answer - find some kind of information that helps me to understand better.

Occasionally the language can be a little bit difficult to...more

like · see review

Feb 21, 2009 Aaron Miller rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this after I was diagnosed with AS at the age of 25. It's an excellent source of information on how AS manifests itself and issues surrounding the condition.

My only problem with the book is that Attwood babies Aspies too much, commonly suggesting that they should make everyone aware of their condition and expect both understanding and allowances. If a person with Aspergers ever hopes to live a full life, he or she needs to accept that not every situation can be planned or controlled. The...more

6 likes · like · see review

Oct 07, 2011 Janet rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Remarkable! The author's lucid style made reading this book a pleasure...curl up with a book about Asperger's syndrome? Absolutely; fascinating reading.

The content is not the usual dry and informative scholarly writing one might expect; it is personal and full of insights originating from Attwood's work as a clinical psychologist, and his correspondence with people who have Asperger's. The author is positive and upbeat in his desire to help children and adults with Aspergers to understand the dr...more

like · see review

Jun 28, 2012 Alexis rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: autism

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is a comprehensive guide to this diagnosis written for parents, teachers, and clinicians. I fit none of these categories although I'm hoping to work in a college disability support office. In this role, I expect to work with students with Asperger's syndrome. Reading this guide book has given me much to consider.

Attwood does a good job of explaining each characteristic of the syndrome in language that is understandable to all audiences for whom this book...more

1 like · like · see review

Jan 30, 2013 Alexandra rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

I strongly reccomend this to individuals who suspect they may have AS, or have a close family member/s ,friend or work colleague that they otherwise suspect may have Aspergers Syndrome or the behavioural characteristics and developmental history associated with AS.
I also reccomend this to students and professionals in the fields of psychology or educational sector,(state or independent)including but not limited to teaching and administrative staff, as well as H&R managers and personnel in co...more

like · see review

Nov 26, 2008 Kassy added it · review of another edition

For a guide to Asperger's this is quite good. Upon reading it, I knew that this pattern fit me very well, and promptly got diagnosed. Alof of the patterns, repetative thoughts, behaviors, pedantic speech, idiosyncratic interests, skill with words, trouble with non-verbal communication (including flirting). Ex: 29, never had a romantic relationship, or had much in the way of that connection. That's been the most devestating effect. That's mainly because even if someone is flirting me, I can't rea...more For a guide to Asperger's this is quite good. Upon reading it, I knew that this pattern fit me very well, and promptly got diagnosed. Alof of the patterns, repetative thoughts, behaviors, pedantic speech, idiosyncratic interests, skill with words, trouble with non-verbal communication (including flirting). Ex: 29, never had a romantic relationship, or had much in the way of that connection. That's been the most devestating effect. That's mainly because even if someone is flirting me, I can't read impressions. When I've "done" something about it, it's all wrong. So then most often I'm overly cautious, and nothing can happen that way either. That's the truth, depressing, but the truth. Physical disabilities are hard, to not be able to take care of oneself with ease, and to have the discrimination that comes along with it, especially when it's more severe. Mental disabilities, such as Asperger's and others, can cut one off from the necessary social support that keeps a person alive as well, but for different reasons. In my case I'm cut off because of an inability to understand others intentions. I've found that my life has been very difficult, and arduous sometimes to make life meaningful in light of the difficulties, the awkwardness, the rejection, the mistakes, the isolation that seem neverending. In my case, I know that the compassion it has aroused in me, the empathic-ness, because of knowing intense, difficulty just getting by, doing the basics, just remotely keeping friends, has been the most humbling experience I can imagine. Many of the people I have known who have not known such hardship in their lives, are sometimes much more conceptual, and 2-dimensional and how they view others able to exist at a more superficial level (in that sense any humbling traumatic hardship can be a blessing in character developement), most people I know rely psychologically on the benefits of having romantic partners throughout their lives. That too is something, that it is possible I may never get to rely on, or enjoy. Or even physical affection, I don't really understand the subtle cues that would lead to kissing, and being forthright really has not worked. I'm like everyone else, just as selfish and concerned with meeting my needs, but this has forced me to question everything down to the foundation. I don't believe ideologies, and dogmatic opinions, because they fall apart, ground down by exhausting psychological hardship, and loneliness. Most recently in the last few years I've stumbled upon the sage Ramana Maharshi and his method of Inquiry has given me a sense of bliss and connection to everything at times unparalleled. And so when the mind goes out to desires and fears I redirect it toward the I that is seeing, the I that is experiencing, who is that I? Continual dismantling of the self-image through every experience. Obviously in this I've been using the self-concept, so I'm not free of it. But maybe one of these days. In some ways, I wish people would be more forgiving toward me, of subtle mistakes, but not in a way where they don't treat me with respect, but value that my way of processing the world is cool, and interesting too. So far it is rare. This is a cruel, oppressive collective conscience at this time, but certainly my difficulties with Asperger's Autism have granted insights into a deeper level, sometimes missed by my anarchist, feminist, gender queer, ideological comrades, that of how psychologically our egos, are creating this unliveable environment, where we are all depressed all the time, especially those of us who can't compete in the mean social competeitions.(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 01, 2008 Douglas rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone wanting to know more about Asperger's Syndrome

Recommended to Douglas by: no one

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book is considerably different from Attwood's 1998 book, in that it's more addressed to the general public, and has much more material about adult Aspies. A great many scholarly papers and books have been distilled to make up a good portion of the material. There is a great deal of encouraging material about materials developed to help Aspies navigate society, such as the Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations of Carol Gray, and the Interactive Guide to Emotions by Simon Baron-Cohen a...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 01, 2011 Laura Cushing rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A complete guide to Asperger's system, just like the title says. I'm sure it's not 100% complete, nothing ever is - but it's as close as you're going to get. Attwood discusses every life stage from early childhood to adulthood, and gives strategies for working with aspergers and overcoming some of the challenges those on the autistic spectrum face.

I learned a lot about my aspergers from reading this book, and have been working on a few new strategies based on the reading. I also found the resour...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 01, 2009 Melinda is currently reading it · review of another edition

During a recent plane flight I finally read a decent chunk of this book. It is definitely more clinical than other books I've read, and it is superb. My latest realization, that the book describes in detail, is some of the coping mechanisms that Ben uses that have been driving me crazy. Understanding them better and recognizing them for what they are--attempts to make sense out of the environment--instead of pure behavior problems, has really given me some much needed compassion.

like · see review

Oct 20, 2011 Norelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I highly recommend this to family and friends who know someone with Asperger Syndrome. It is incredibly hard to give this complex condition justice in under 10 minutes. . which is all you tend to get to explain your child(ren). . this book does a good job explaining the key areas,but I do wish it addressed the different nature of girls.My daughter has struggled to get understanding as she presents with issues rare in boys such as selective mutism as a teen.

like · see review

Apr 19, 2011 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very complete, clear and excellent info about Asperger's. From what happens in the Asperger brain, to implications in all of life's facets, to what helps people be individually successful at their God given level. Also covers what a teacher can do in the classroom to help these kids that can really make a difference. Tony Attwood is an reknowned expert who writes about and treats kids and adults with Aspergers in Australia. He calls it a syndrome instead of a dissorder to make adults & kids...more

like · see review

Dec 23, 2011 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If I were to recommend only one book to people to help them understand my children, this would be the book. Neither of my children have Asperger's, they have pdd-nos, yet this book does an excellent job of explaining some of their symptoms and behaviors. I think that this is an excellent book for explaining Asperger's (or High Functioning Autism, PDD-NOS, etc) to people that do not understand the diagnosis.

like · see review

Jun 02, 2010 Carrie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: anyone with Asperger's, their parents, their partners, and therapists

I'm a 30-year-old female who recently learned she has Asperger's. At first I was unsure of the diagnosis, but I felt like this book was the story of my life. It helped me understand a lot. Tony Attwood is an expert, but he keeps his book more conversational than clinical. There is a glossary that explains all the terms, a list of resources, and plenty of references for people who want to learn more.

like · see review

Jun 22, 2009 Neisha Cedeno rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is an amazing book on a subject very close to my heart. I feel that if there is any book out there that covers this subject thoroughly, it is this book by Tony Attwood. I find my son in almost all of the pages in this book. This is definitely a recommended read for anyone who has had a recent diagnosis. It is very informative and quite positive.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 04, 2012 Natasha rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I bought this book in response to receiving a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome and sadly, there wasn't any information in the book that really stood out to me. The book does cover the characteristics of Aspeger's and how the condition is diagnosed, which would make it an ideal read for teachers, medical professionals, etc.

like · see review

Oct 19, 2008 Michael rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: asperger-autism

This is a comprehensive study of Asperger's Syndrome. The author has an easy style - much less clinical than similar books. The emphasis is on understanding AS, coping strategies for dealing with traits that can be problematical and ideas for making the most of beneficial traits.

Unlike many books on this topic, this book examines AS as it appears at all stages in a person's life - not just in childhood. The author has much clinical experience in diagnosing and working with adults with AS - and...more

like · see review

Oct 29, 2012 Claus Conrad rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: parents or teachers of children with autism spectrum disorders or adults with Asperger's Syndrome

Shelves: neuropsychiatry

Tony Attwood is not only one of the world's leading experts on Asperger's Syndrome but also a remarkable writer. This book really is a complete guide to everything related to Asperger's Syndrome, at least with regards to children and young adults. Despite its wealth of information, the book can be read at a fast pace thanks to its frequent examples and quotes from patients of the author.

like · see review

Feb 14, 2012 Sara floerke rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very helpful book. Comprehensive in its scope. Research style writing, but one can tell there is a human behind the pen. Sometimes funny. Very helpful. I'm going to copy the bibliography pages because this guy is an obvious expert...the main trunk of the Asperger's discussion from which many branches develop.

like · see review

Sep 11, 2012 Grace Oh rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Terrific, complete, easy-to-read book on everything you wanted to know - and didn't - about Asperger's Syndrome from THE expert. It won't have everything in detail, but it'll certainly do a good job covering the important aspects. Explains scientifically but in easy-to-understand prose and logical format.

like · see review

Jun 06, 2012 Renee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Excellent, extremely thorough book about Asperger's Syndrome in childhood through adulthood. Contains information to help understand, raise, or even stay happiliy married to an Aspie, but I also thought that much of the advice for parents could apply to parents of any child.

like · see review

Jan 07, 2012 Lorraine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: asperger-s-syndrome

Very good! Tony Attwood gives a clear, interesting, and informative synopsis of aspergers syndrome. I enjoyed the organization of the book, the anecdotes, insights, and suggestions he gives. He is so extremely knowledgable, and writes in a kind, understanding way. Tops!

like · see review

Sep 08, 2012 Diana (Bever) Barber rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another excellent reference book. It truly seems to be "the complete guide." Just as other Asperger caregivers whom Tony Attwood has counseled have wondered about their own symptoms, the more I see my boys do and the more I read, the more I think, "I really need to get myself tested for this, too!" Tony puts this into perspective. You can live and you can do it well with Asperger's, though admittedly, there are some aspects that may need a little help from medicines and specialists. This book is...more

like · see review

Jun 24, 2012 Michael rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Dry and filled with bullshit "exercises" that are supposed to help you ameliorate the worst anti-social effects of Asperger's Syndorme. Geared mostly to children. Too many quotes from his sister and friends. Not all Asperger's experiences are like theirs.

like · see review

Aug 23, 2012 Finnella Flanagan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: aspergers, non-fiction, owned-books

This is a bit of a long read, but the best book on Aspergers that I've found so far. I've yet to find that great, short introductory book; this is not it. The chapter on sensory issues is terrific and explains an often ignored aspect of Aspergers.

like · see review

Feb 15, 2011 Sam Mills rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I discovered my Asperger's syndrome late in life and found this book to be a thorough, invaluable aid to understanding my behavior, past and present. I strongly recommend it to friends and loved ones of all persons who have Asperger's syndrome.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 54 55 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (7)

More editions...

Genres

Non Fiction

50 users

Psychology

30 users

Reference

8 users

Parenting

8 users

Science

5 users

Health

5 users

Self Help

3 users

Medical

2 users

Health > Mental Health

2 users

Education

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Tony Attwood

Tony Attwood is an English psychologist who lives in Queensland, Australia and is an author of several books on Asperger's Syndrome. He received an honours degree in psychology from the University of Hull, an M.A. in clinical psychology from the University of Surrey, and a Ph.D. from University College London under Uta Frith. His book, Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, pr...more

More about Tony Attwood...

Books by Tony Attwood

Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Exploring Feelings: Anxiety: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety

Why Does Chris Do That? Some Suggestions Regarding the Cause and Management of the Unusual Behavior of Children and Adults with Autism and Asperger Syndrome

The Cat Kit: Cognitive Affective Training: New Program For Improving Communication!

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Complete Guid...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from The Complete Guide to ...

“Universities are renowned for their tolerance of unusual characters, especially if they show originality and dedication to their research. I have often made the comment that not only are universities a 'cathedral' for worship of knowledge, they are also 'sheltered workshops' for the socially challenged.” — 4 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
avg rating	preview: The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome Goodreads rating: 4.21 (793 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8128531-the-complete-guide-to-asperger-s-syndrome?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328302116l/8128531.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8128531-the-complete-guide-to-asperger-s-syndrome?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood[/url]

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website