An Asperger Dictionary of Everyday Expressions

This revised and expanded edition adds over 300 new expressions that help unlock the meaning of everyday expressions. Both informative and entertaining, the book addresses an important aspect of social communication for people with Asperger Syndrome, who use direct, precise language and `take things literally'. This dictionary aims to dispel any confusion that arises from the misinterpretation of language. It provides explanations of over 5000 idiomatic expressions and a useful guide to their politeness level. Each expression is accompanied by a clear explanation of its meaning and when and how it might be used. The expressions are taken from British and American English, with some Australian expressions included as well. Although the book is primarily intended for people with Asperger Syndrome, it will be useful for anyone who has problems understanding idiomatic and colloquial English. An essential resource and an informative read; this dictionary will assist in a wide range of situations.

About the Author :
Professor Ian Stuart-Hamilton is Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Glamorgan, Wales. He has over thirty years' research experience in a wide variety of psychological techniques and settings. The Psychology of Ageing is now translated into 16 languages, and was awarded a British Medical Association Book of the Year award in the Geriatric Medicine section in 2008.

Review :
The reference guide is a light-hearted yet comprehensive reference tool with bucketloads of useful information, and a few fascinating surprises to boot, for people with or without Asperger's syndrome. This second edition of An Asperger Dictionary of Everday Expressions, written by Ian Stuart- Hamilton, is a helpful guide for people who are on the Autistic spectrum and need some help understanding different day to day expressions. As soon as you open the book, it tells you about the conditions of Asperger's syndrome and gives you a detailed guide on how to use the book. The dictionary shows the different meanings for each expression, which sometimes have more than one meaning. When I read the book, I learned many new meanings which I had not come across before and can use in the future. I also noted a very helpful star system, which is after each meaning telling how offensive it is to the person you are talking to (*unlikely to offend** may offend *** will always offend). The book has an eye-catching blue cover, with large print, easy for someone passing by to see what it is about. They style of the writing and the layout inside the book is easily understood as all the expressions are in alphabetical order. I would recommend this book to anyone who has difficulty, like me, in understanding expressions and words that don't mean things literally. It is very easy to understand and can help you a lot. The second edition of this useful reference book. It has been much improved, and in particular provides greater guidance on which expressions might be offensive. Helpful not just with people who have Asperger Syndrome, but with anyone who has problems, permanent or temporary, with social communication. Praise for the first edition: 'The dictionary will be useful to adults and teenagers as a reference in understanding phrases that don't make sense. Teachers and people living and working with people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder could use it as a starting point for helping individuals to understand communication and language but also to become aware of how often it is our metaphors that are nonsensical if you have a literal interpretation of the world.' This is a truly inspirational book and teaching tool and a very successful dictionary for all. It should be on the bookshelves of every inclusive classroom, house and office. A useful addition to the reference library of parents and professionals working with children and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders. ...illustrates just how complex the English language is... A brilliant idea if you're not sure what an expression means or which one to use. Although designed specifically for people with Asperger's Syndrome, this also works as a compact reference for anyone trying to find out what "Queensberry Rules" actually are and, if they are said to be rolling in it, what "it" is. Stuart-Hamilton chooses expressions that have legs, so to speak, staying away from contemporary slang (too short-lived) and literary and classical expressions (annoying to nearly everyone, not just those with Asperger's Syndrome}. He makes sure each expression has a logical (and often entertaining) definition and notes whether each is unlikely, may, or will offend. Stuart-Hamilton (developmental psychology, U. of Glanmorgan) delivers once again in this dictionary of idiomatic expressions, expanded in this edition to over 5,000 entries. Although designed specifically for people with Asperger's Syndrome, this also works as a compact reference for anyone trying to find out what "Queensbury Rules" actually are and, if they are said to be rolling in it, what "it" is. Stuart-Hamilton chooses expressions that have legs, so to speak, staying away from contemporary slang (too short-lived) and literary and classical expressions (annoying to nearly everyone, not just those with Asperger's Syndrome). He makes sure each expression has a logical (and often entertaining) definition and notes whether each is unlikely, may, or will always offend.