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Code 9009 |
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$18.95
This collection of quotes, stories, poems, and essays from children with Asperger Syndrome, ages 2-17, offers us a glimpse into their daily lives, relationships, challenges, and victories, from their own perspective. Twenty years ago, only a few academics even knew the term "Asperger Syndrome." Today, this high functioning autism spectrum disorder is one of the most rapidly growing diagnoses among school children. Unfortunately, while the American public's awareness of this disorder is also growing, their understanding of it is lagging behind. Journalists tend to focus on the most heart-wrenching cases. Popular television shows exaggerate (or even make up) symptoms for comedic effect. And the average person on the street, if asked about Asperger Syndrome, is still most likely to reply "Oh yeah, isn't that like 'Rain Man?'" The truth is, most kids with Asperger Syndrome are intelligent and very verbal, but have challenges in social skills and certain facets of communication. Many have special interests that they study intensely and like to "lecture" on. But these children also vary tremendously. They are amazing, loving, complicated individuals-far more than cookie-cutter "little professors." In More Than Little Professors, parent and Asperger's specialist Lisa Barrett Mann, M.S.Ed., leads us through the children's works, explaining common characteristics of this autism spectrum disorder, and sharing her unique insight on life with these sometimes baffling, but always fascinating children and youths.
"More Than Little Professors, a compelling collection of stories, poems and artwork by children with Asperger's, runs a high risk of becoming the most dog-eared book on my bookshelf. It is certain to be devoured by my graduate students along with the many children and families we serve in the schools and community. I wish this book had existed when I first began supporting children on the autism spectrum to socialize and play with their typical peers and siblings in Integrated Play Groups. It is a privilege to peek into the worlds of these amazing young authors and artists, who share many insights that are both validating and inspirational for my life's work. There are lessons for us all that are certain to impact generations to come."
"The poetry, comments and stories within these pages provide information directly from the 'mouths of babes' about how children with Asperger Syndrome feel about themselves, others and the world they so readily observe, and in the process clear up common misunderstandings. Poignant, at times painful and powerful, this book helps us to appreciate the 'child' within these intriguing individuals, encouraging us to look deeper and learn from their wisdom."
"This book is amazing! It shows the creativity of those with Asperger's. It also shows some common misunderstandings encountered by those on the spectrum and those they communicate with."
"From the mouths of babes (or should we say, Aspies), this book opens a window of greater understanding for the reader into how the minds of people with Asperger Syndrome work. Positive and sometimes heartbreaking, Lisa Mann provides powerful insights into the psyche of people with Asperger Syndrome in a way that most texts have yet to do."
"This wonderful volume conveys the experience of individuals with Asperger's disorder as they cope with the "typical" world. Through writings, poems, comments and artwork, the book provides important insight into the experiences and inner worlds of children with Asperger's."
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Than Little Professors-Children with Asperger Syndrome: In Their Own Words
by Lisa Barrett Mann, M.S. Ed.
