Asperger's Syndrome - That Explains Everything: Strategies for Education, Life and Just About Everything Else

Students with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) frequently find the school environment challenging, despite often having a high level of academic ability, because their unique social and sensory difficulties are not fully understood or accommodated. This book clearly explains proven and practical approaches in education and care that will enable young people with AS in primary and secondary education to thrive. The author uses anecdotes from his extensive teaching experience to illustrate potential problem areas and put forward solutions. There are useful strategies for dealing with issues relating to anxiety, communication, social rules, relationships and classroom behaviour. Accounts from parents and young people with AS who have benefited from the approaches described in the book are also included. This book is a comprehensive and accessible resource for teachers, carers and professionals working with young people with AS, equipping them with the insight to help AS pupils succeed, not only in school, but in the wider world. Parents will also find it useful.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements. Foreword. Preface. Part I. Introduction and Background. 1. Asperger's Syndrome Weird or Wonderful?. 2. How I 'Caught' Asperger's Syndrome. 3. What is Asperger's Syndrome?. Part II. Social Care. 4. How Does Asperger's Syndrome Present?. 5. "I'm not Anxious just Worried" - Anxiety and Asperger's Syndrome. 6. Independence and Friendship. Part III. Education. 7. Working with Social Frameworks. 8. The Culture of the School. 9. Managing Student Behaviour. Part IV. Student and Parent Views - Perception of Reality. 10. Student Views. 11. Parent's Views. 12. Conclusion. 13. Bibliography. 14. Glossary and Abbreviations. Index.

About the Author :
Stephen Bradshaw has worked in special education for 35 years, both in Local Education Authority and Independent schools, and was a Headteacher for over 8 years before starting his own school. He set up Farleigh College in 1996 for young people with Asperger's Syndrome after realising the necessity of aligning educational practice to meet their needs, and then North Hill House in 1999 and Farleigh Further Education College in 2000. He has been involved in setting up numerous other schools for ASD and AS using the same model. He has an MSc in Educational Management and a BPhil in Autism. Stephen is still involved in setting up schools for Asperger's Syndrome through his consultancy work at Aspergers.co and as Executive Chairman of the Options Group. He lives in Somerset, UK.

Review :
Stephen Bradshaw's voice, as an expert practitioner of many years' experience, shines through this book. As suggested in the title everything is covered, discussed and considered in an informal and informative style. The book is enlivened by rich material from young people Stephen has obviously had the joy of working positively with. The book will appeal to everyone touched by Aspergers as an individual, family member or friend. This book on Asperger's syndrome provides a unique and diverse perspective of this condition as it is known today... with a narration of how the author began a school for individuals with Asperger's syndrome and a basic review of the definition, history, and characteristics of the condition. It examines social issues including anxiety, independence, and friendship issues; and educational issues related to behaviors, school culture, and curriculum. The book concludes by reporting the narrative responses of individuals with Asperger's syndrome and their parents to questions related to this condition. The book has a broad and ambitious scope... An excellent book for anyone living or working with autism... a 'must-have' book for anyone involved with AS. In this guide aimed at teachers, carers and professionals - though its contents may also prove helpful for parents - he details a wide range of educational approaches and care strategies to support students with the condition. Stephen's book is different to most. It's a personal account of his development of his schools for pupils who have Asperger's, and his experience on how to make it work for everyone. It is shot through with anecdotes and insights that will help anyone working in a school, with descriptions of what he found were key elements for success including the importance of good staff induction. I can see both parents and teachers at all levels of training enjoying this book. At last, a book that provides a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the complex subject - Asperger's syndrome. Written by a true expert in the subject, in a style that reflects Stephen Bradshaw's clear understanding of the needs of affected individuals, their families, and the professionals in the position of supporting them. This easy-to-read book should be recommended to those new to the subject, as well as those who are more experienced but who still struggle with understanding the 'why's that surround Asperger's syndrome.