A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome

by Genevieve Edmonds

A Self-Determined Future with Asperger Syndrome examines autism and Asperger Syndrome from the social perspective, rather than the medical perspective. It is based on a 'solution focused' approach, which uses the skills and coping strategies people with Asperger Syndrome already employ, to help them reach their preferred future. came to be used with individuals with Asperger Syndrome, as well as discussing how it can be used to support individuals on the autistic spectrum. Complemented by case study examples and practical worksheets and tools, the book treats people with Asperger Syndrome as individuals aside from the 'problem' or 'disordered' aspects of autism. Asperger Syndrome and autism, as well as professionals working with people with people on the spectrum.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2007

Reviews

[Frrobins · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm an autistic counselor, with autistic children and who has seen autistic clients. Initially I was pleasantly surprised to see this book at Half Priced Books and had high hopes for it. And those hopes were not fulfilled.

Part of it relates to my annoyance with books about Solution Focused Therapy in general. While I like SFT and incorporate elements of it, books about it all sound rather similar and gimicky. There's a lot of time spent selling the approach, and in this book even, a lot of what came off as the author going, "look at me, I'm such a good therapist using SFT!" And the problem is that all of the interventions are basically the same. If you've read one SFT book, you've read them all. When I read books about CBT, DBT or the Gottman Method I am usually taking numerous notes because the authors hit on stumbling blocks I've encountered in sessions and provided ways around them. This is not the case with books on SFT and I'm about to give up on purchasing them. Strangely this does not apply to classes workshops on SFT which I have found very helpful. Whatever is happening in the workshops that is beneficial is not making it into the books on this theory!

I also found the conversational style of the author rather annoying. I am a professional reading about a professional issue. A conversation is different than a book, and stuff like that annoys me. The case studies were also aggravating, with paragraphs about the counselor walking in the rain that didn't pertain to the client but more about setting a scene because...? It made me wonder if the author was hoping a publisher would read it and offer her a contract for her unpublished romance novel.

I also had a few issues with how autistics were portrayed. One part said they had impaired creativity. Actually autistics are intensely creative and I get extremely annoyed with the perception that autistics aren't creative. There was one good part where she mentioned the ability of autistics to focused intensely as a good coping mechanism that neurotypicals don't have. And that's about it.

I really didn't come away with anything helpful about how to adapt SFT to the autistic population that I wasn't already doing. Felt like a waste of time and money.

[Sam Peeters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books describes very clear how solution-based work can contribute to good relationships in different areas of life. The emphasis on solutions rather than on problems in this book gives hope for people with autism (like there are many) who have enough of problem-focused therapists and social workers. This book shows genuine interest in the unique way of seeing and experiencing the world of people with autism. It is also very much focused to what happens in real life instead of describing a high-brow system of theory.

Samengevat beschrijft dit Engelstalige boek hoe oplossingsgericht werken kan bijdragen tot vruchtbare relaties op de verschillende levensgebieden. De nadruk ligt in dit boek vooral op authentiek samenwerken met mensen met autisme. Vooral eerder probleemgerichte therapeuten, zeker pas afgestudeerden, hebben ‘t daar vaak lastiger mee. Dit boek zou ik hen dan ook van harte willen aanraden. Authentieke interesse in de unieke manier van de wereld zien en ervaren tonen kan nochtans de oplossing van veel schijnbaar onoplosbare problemen veel dichterbij brengen. Ook als persoon met autisme vind ik het boek een verademing. De nadruk op oplossingen eerder dan problemen en kijken naar wat werkt, wat al gedaan is, de focus op de inspanningen en realisaties, zal hopelijk ook bij anderen met autisme leiden tot een beter leven.

Zie ook http://tistje.com/2011/03/31/een-zelf...

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speaking with my experience with CBT and therapy in general and the traumatic experience of working with some ASD therapists, i wholeheartedly support the use of Solution Focused Therapy.