Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidence

by Jennifer Overton (Contribution by), Wendy Lawson (Contribution by), Jacqui Jackson (Contribution by), Dinah Murray (Editor), Dennis Debbaudt (Contribution by)

Overview

Coming Out Asperger explores the complexity of diagnosis for Asperger Syndrome, the drawbacks and benefits of disclosing a diagnosis of a "hidden disability," and how this impinges on self-esteem. The contributors include some of the best-known and most exciting writers in the field of Asperger Syndrome (AS) today, and include individuals on the autism spectrum, parents and professionals. The broad range of the chapters, which draw on anecdotal, professional and research-based evidence, make this book a comprehensive and highly original consideration of the implications of an AS diagnosis.

The ever-difficult question of who to tell and when once a diagnosis has been confirmed is discussed in great depth. Liane Holliday Willey and Stephen Shore examine the dynamics of disclosure, its risks and the possible effect on self-confidence. Jacqui Jackson looks at how a diagnosis impacts upon family life. Tony Attwood provides a clinician's view of diagnosing adults, and Lynne Moxon, Wendy Lawson, Dora Georgiou and Jane Meyerding discuss adult issues surrounding disclosure, including how to deal with relationships and sexuality, and disclosure in the workplace, as well as social and disability issues.

A unique and fascinating insight into the important issue of diagnosis disclosure, 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781843102403
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	11/15/2005
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	5.91(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.63(d)

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.

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

Book News

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.

www.youthinmind.net

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.

Autism Matters