Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidence

With contributions from some of the best-known and most exciting writers in the field of Autism and Asperger Syndrome (AS), this new book examines AS diagnosis and disclosure (selective or otherwise) from many different perspectives. Drawing on anecdotal, professional and research-based evidence, Coming Out Asperger looks at the impact on children and adults of an AS diagnosis, as well as the effect on parents, teachers, colleagues, siblings and partners. Having considered the social model of disability and the role of diagnosis within it, the contributors go on to cover a range of issues, from the effect of a diagnosis on self-confidence and esteem (Liane Holliday Willey), to a clinician's view of sensitively disclosing a diagnosis to parents (Tony Attwood). Luke Jackson and Eoin Mason write first hand about the effect of being diagnosed with and experiencing AS as children and adolescents; Jacqui Jackson and Jennifer Overton look at how a diagnosis impacts upon family life and how to tell children that they have AS. The ever-difficult question of who and when to tell once a diagnosis has been confirmed, and how to deal with relationships and sexuality, are also discussed. This book is an essential guide for people with AS, parents, teachers, professionals and all those who have ever felt confused about revealing a personal issue.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Dinah Murray. 1.To Tell or not To Tell, That is the Aspie Question. Liane Holliday Willey. 2. Diagnosis in Adults. Tony Attwood. 3. Confidence, Self-Confidence and Social Confidence. Dinah Murray and Mike Lesser. 4. Psychiatry and Asperger Syndrome. Tom Berney. 5. Being Told or Being Told Off: Reciprocity at the Diagnostic Interview. Michelle Dawson. 6. Mental Health Issues Surrounding Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidence in the Context of Asperger Syndrome. David Andrews. 7. One That Got Away Dinah Murray. 8.`Why's it all so difficult?' Sharing the Diagnosis with the Young Person Philip Whitaker. 9. Telling Peers at School about AS - Thoughts on How and Why. Heta Pukki. 10. Disclosure at Secondary School. Penny Barratt. 11. The Conversation. Jennifer Overton. 12. Disclosure: Talking About What Makes Us Human. Stephen Shore. 13. Disclosure: A Parent's Perspective Jacqui Jackson. 14. Coming Out, Various. Wendy Lawson. 15. Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidence in Sexuality and Relationships. Lynne Moxon. 16. Diagnosis in Adulthood and Community Disclosure. Dora Georgiou. 17. Coming Out Autistic at Work. Jane Meyerding. 18. Disclosing to the Authorities. Dennis Debbaudt. Contributor biographies. Index.

About the Author :
Dr Wendy Lawson, a psychologist, qualified counsellor and social worker has operated her own private practice for many years. Wendy was awarded fourth place as ‘Victorian Australian of the year' in 2008. Originally diagnosed as being intellectually disabled, then in her teens as being schizophrenic, and finally in 1994, Wendy was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. The mother of four children, Wendy has been married, separated and divorced, has experienced the death of one of her teenage sons, lost friends and status due to being openly gay, faced ill health and recently is coming to terms with the fact that she is aging! Wendy's youngest son is also on the autism spectrum. Jacqui Jackson is a single parent and, in addition to raising seven lively children, has a first class degree from the Open University. She is a frequent speaker on autism issues. Dennis Debbaudt is a licensed private investigator and the owner of Debbaudt Detective Agency. As an autism advocate, he has authored the booklet Avoiding Unfortunate Situations (1994), articles for the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, and newsletters of the Autism Society of America, Autism-Europe and TASH among other advocacy organizations, and presented information to law enforcement professionals and advocacy organizations in the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom. He's been involved in the development of Maryland's Police and Correctional Training Commissions autism curriculum, an award-winning training video and numerous grass roots training projects. His 18-year-old son, Kelly, has autism. Tony Attwood, PhD, is a clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia, with over 30 years of experience with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. He is currently Adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland.

Review :
Whether you are a person with AS, a parent, teacher or professional who is involved with a person diagnosed with AS, this book can offer support in dealing with issues surrounding disclosure. Issues covered throughout the book range from how you might tell your child about their diagnosis to issues surrounding relationships and sexuality for adults with AS. This collection shares the stories of people with Asperger Syndrome and offers guidance on coping with the diagnosis and deciding whether to tell other people. The 18 chapters discuss the symptoms and diagnostic assessment of the disorder, boosting confidence in people with a monotropic disposition, telling peers at school, and the need to develop tolerance in society. It would be particularly useful for a wide range of professionals, including educationalists who are seeking detailed information about Asperger Syndrome and Autism, and parents would benefit form reading the book too.