Adult with Asperger's in the News

Tim Page, a Pulitzer-prize winning music writer, has an article in the latest issue of The New Yorker magazine. In it, he describes his childhood; his obsessions, past and present; the frustrations of being considered a "genius," but not knowing why, and still failing all the uninteresting classes; the relief of receiving a diagnosis as an adult; and the revealed truth to be gained from reading Emily Post.

Read it here: Personal History: Parallel Play

In addition, before the article came out, he was interviewed about it, and his life, on NPR's All Things Considered, which you can listen to here: Pulitzer-Winner on Living with Asperger's.

At Home in the Land of Oz:

Autism, My Sister, and Me.

Anne Barnhill, a LOCAL AUTHOR , has written this endearing memoir about her experience growing up in the 1950s and 60s with a disabled sibling. Her sister Becky was not formally diagnosed with autism until the age of 37, but rather spent most of her life labeled "emotionally disturbed." Anne's parents struggled to find a proper educational and residential setting for Becky at a time in history when institutionalization was the norm. Her parents' relentless searching and determination to find services for Becky never end even through mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. Anne also candidly talks about the full range of emotions she felt for her sister growing up and the ever increasing responsibility she now has as her parents grow older.

I fell in love with Anne's writing and her family when I reviewed this book in June, but recently I was reminded of it again when I saw a segment on CNN about Jeff Daly and his struggle to find his sister Molly who was institutionalized in 1957 at the age of 3. His heartbreaking story turns around when he not only reunites with his sister after almost 50 years, but also since he has now vowed to help other siblings and family members find their lost loved ones as well. Heed my warning: if you watch the CNN video clip of his family's story above- get Kleenex! Visit theARClink.org or the National FindFamily Registry For People with Disabilities for more information about this resource.

I was struck by the similarities in the two families. Each struggled with the same decisions for their loved ones but because of various resources, guidance from "experts", and the restraints of societal norms each family took different paths that resulted in positive and negative consequences.

Anne's history will ring true for many other siblings who endured the same past and gives hope to those of us who can see how her family and the Daly family have helped change the course that families now take when faced with providing what is best for their loved-one with a disability. I highly recommend this special sister's memoir.

ASNC Bookstore Top Ten Bestsellers List for July

July 2007 Top 10 Bestsellers

1. The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
   
   
2. Tasks Galore
   
   
3. More Than Words: Helping Parents Promote Communication and Social Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
   
   
4. Tasks Galore for the Real World
   
   
5. Skillstreaming In Early Childhood: New Strategies and Perspectives for Teaching Prosocial Skills
   
   
6. TEACCH Structured Teaching Assessment: Guides to Individualizing the Schedule and the Work System
   
   
7. Tasks Galore: Making Groups Meaningful
   
   
8. Asperger's and Girls
   
   
9. Social Skills Training for Children and Adolescents with Asperger Syndrome and Social-Communication Problems
   
   
10. Exploring Feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety
    

Please visit our website to read detailed descriptions of these and other popular titles. We are also adding new books weekly, so check out our New Items category to see our latest offerings.