Aspie Mom

Books about Aspergers

I have been spending some time on Amazon.com this morning. I like to look, occasionally, for new books about Asperger’s that I might find useful. I found a few that I want to highlight here for both my own reference and for anyone else that might be interested.

Different Like Me: My Book of Autism Heroes — This book talks about famous and historical people that were either diagnosed or likely had a form of autism. It talks about how they were able to overcome their challenges and go on to do something great. An inspirational book.

I am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism — An Alphabet book where each and every letter corresponds to a positive quality associated with Asperger’s. This is a very special book that deserves some recognition. A great self-esteem builder!

Asperger Syndrome: An Owner’s Manual–What You, Your Parents and Your Teachers Need to Know: An Interactive Guide and Workbook — A workbook for kids to explore their strengths and challenges.

Simple Strategies That Work! Helpful Hints for All Educators of Students With Asperger Syndrome, High-Functioning Autism, and Related Disabilities — A great resource for educators!!

When My Worries Get Too Big! A Relaxation Book for Children Who Live with Anxiety — Asperger’s and other disorders often go hand in hand with anxiety. This looks like a great book for kids to learn how to manage those overwhelming feelings.

What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What to Do Guides for Kids) — Another book for helping kids deal with anxiety.

The Way to A: Empowering Children with Autism Spectrum and Other Neurological Disorders to Monitor and Replace Aggression and Tantrum Behavior — what appears to be an excellent resource in understanding and side stepping tantrums.

Obviously there are a million wonderful books out there but these are a few that I just happened to come across as I was browsing.

Austism Heroes

Last night, I was watching the New Year’s Rockin’ Eve special. At 11pm, there was a half hour of Entertainment Tonight. They happened to have a short clip about the book, Autism Heroes. The book contains the stories of 38 families dealing with autism spectrum disorders. I am going to have to buy this one. It sounds very interesting to me. It’s one thing to read a book about how someone suggests you deal with spectrum disorders. It is quite another to read about real families and how they cope. That’s what Autism Heroes is about. You can read more about the book at autismheroes.org.

Also mentioned in the clip was John Schneider from Dukes of Hazzard and Smallville, among many other things. His son was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and therefore, John Schneider is an advocate for Asperger’s Awareness.

John Schneider, along with other celebrities including John Asner and Gary Cole (also parents of kids with spectrum disorders), are spokesmen for a non-profiit organization call The Help Group.

It is good to see more press about Asperger’s Syndrome. When talking to people, if you mention Autism, everyone has an idea of what you are talking about. If you mention Asperger’s, no one understands. There needs to be more awareness for the spectrum disorders. That’s something I would really like to work on in 2008. I don’t know how much I can do on my own, but I would sure like to try.

While I have been browsing online this morning, I also came across another website. I honestly don’t know how I have missed it before. Wrong Planet is an online community for those with Asperger’s and parents of those with Asperger’s. I need to read through this site further when I have more time. It looks to be a great site. They have a fantastic article on What is Asperger’s. Definitely a site to keep in the bookmarks.

With that, I’m off. Happy New Year everyone!!