I particularly liked Wendy's poems, which were simple and insightful accounts of her views on the world. I felt it was a real treat being allowed to read such personal memoirs... I feel that Wendy's personal accounts, coupled with clearly written and concise information made this book a worthwhile read. I have no hesitation in adding it to my bookshelf. -- Rochelle Mitchell, Teacher
Overall, I think the personal insights offered in this book will make a significant contribution to our understanding of autistic spectrum disorders. -- Communication Magazine
Wendy Lawson's Understanding and Working with Spectrum of Autism: An Insider's View is a lively and eclectic blend of analysis, argument, autobiography and poetry. -- OAARSN Book Review
Wendy Lawson, the author of this book, was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and, because of this, the content of enriched with fascinating personal insights.
Chapters cover existing concepts about autism, how people and children with ASD express themselves, factors that induce stress and anxiety plus difficulties with social skills. In addition to this, the author explores practical ways of managing social contact, anger and stress. At the end of the book, there is a useful list of frequently asked questions with answers and revision exercises.
The content helped me to gain a better insight into ASD and would be helpful for any occupational therapist working with either adults or children with ASD.
-- British Journal of Occupational Therapy
This book helps parents and others to find ways into the world of the person with autism. Its aim is to explore the cognitive processes of the ASD individual, in the light of the author's personal experience...The book contains practical suggestions for managing obsessive-compulsive behaviour, avoiding sensory overload and annxiety. It also offers tips for developing social skills which, Lawson argues, should be taught in social situations, to overcome ASD individuals' difficulties in generalising... Overall, this book succeeds in brridging the gap between ASD and 'neuro-typical' individuals. -- RCSLT Bulletin
Wendy Lawson's new book furthers understanding of the links and differences between neuro-typical individuals (anyone who is not autistic) and those with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As I read the book, which is well written, humorous and enjoyable, I felt as if I was talking to someone who really understands the difficulties that parents experience. Her personal experience of living with Asperger Syndrome is so clearly explained and gives parents, carers and professionals a unique insight into autistic children's different view of life. She analyses ASD characteristics and looks at ways of dealing with social skills, anger management and self-esteem, as well as examining the effects of stress on the family. There are also exercises at the back of the book to encourage the reader to think about what she has discussed, and suggestions for interventions and strategies for coping with difficult situations. I am glad to have my own copy at home to dip into, when I need a little advice from an expert! -- AFASIC News
The purpose of the book is to increase awareness and understanding of autistic spectrum disorder(ASD), and cognitive processes in individuals who have a diagnosis of ASD.Ultimatley, it aims to enable others to relate better to people with ASD.
Wendy uses humour, relevant literature, practical issues, case histories, personal experience and her amazing poetry throughout the book, which definatley ensures the purpose of the book is achieved. Understanding and Working with the Spectrum of Autism: An Insiders View is an excellently written book which I would recommend to any professional, person with ASD, carers, or parents. Its ability to provide new insights into understanding ASD and how to deal with it also increased the reader's awareness of the need to make ourselves better understood and more predictable to the person with ASD, rather than the other way round.
-- Michelle Griffin, Nurse Specialist, Community Behavioural Team, (Worcestershire NHS)
I found it to be full of fascinating insights and observations which illuminate what it is like to have an autistic spectrum disorder... I think the personal insights offered in this book will make a significant contribution to our understanding of autistic spectrum disorders. -- Communication
