cover image Social Skills for Teenagers and Adults with Asperger's Syndrome: A Practical Guide to Day-To-Day Life

Social Skills for Teenagers and Adults with Asperger's Syndrome: A Practical Guide to Day-To-Day Life

Nancy J. Patrick. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, $19.95 (208pp) ISBN 978-1-84310-876-4

Patrick, Nancy J. Social Skills for Teenagers and Adults with Asperger Syndrome: A Practical Guide to Day-to-Day Life. Jessica Kingsley. 2008. c.208p. index. pap. PSYCH ~This comprehensive guide addresses how teenagers and adults with Asperger syndrome (AS) can enhance their social competence and live their best lives. Targeted to those with AS and their families and professionals, this book will be useful in autism collections of public and academic libraries. Background: A parent of a child with a disability, Patrick (coauthor, Hints and Tips for Helping Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders) examines how those with AS can have more fruitful relationships and dispenses practical advice on health and medical issues, optimum living arrangements, and associated monetary concerns. As many people with AS are underemployed, Patrick devotes significant attention to discussing college options, career and vocational assessments, and how to find and keep a job. The author presents an exhaustive list of adaptive tools, including assistance technology, effective listening, eye gaze, role playing, and scripts, and a final section provides fill-in forms that help determine personal strengths and weaknesses.--Elizabeth J. Safford, Nevins Memorial Lib., Methuen, MA.