Karra Barber – författare

During adolescence social development and social status among peers is of crucial importance. For teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) social interaction does not come naturally and often needs to be carefully learned. This workbook provides guided strategies to help those with ASD engage and connect with other people at home, school, work, at social gatherings and in the community.Using a restaurant menu as a template, The Social and Life Skills MeNu guides readers through each step of a conversation with starter statements to initiate conversation, main course topics to convey the purpose of the interaction, and treats that bring the exchange to a close. Packed with questionnaires, discussion logs and hypothetical social scenarios, this workbook encourages students to think through their responses and consider the consequences of what they say and how others might react. By practicing these easy techniques students can improve self-awareness, increase self-confidence and build on their daily life skills.This book will be a life-changing tool for all teenagers and young adults with social cognitive disorders, as well as their parents and the teachers and other professionals who work with them.

'Every year I read several manuscripts written by mothers about having a child with Asperger's syndrome. The quality of manuscripts varies considerably. As soon as I started to read 'Living Your Best Life with Asperger's syndrome' I knew it was going to be one of my favourite biographies. I was entranced by Karra's descriptions of her son's intellectual abilities, his perspective on life and sense of humour. The anecdotes illustrate aspects of Asperger's syndrome perfectly. Professionals will have the 'Ah ha!' moment, as the descriptions of events and conversations are consistent with the theoretical models of Asperger's syndrome. Both parents and professionals need to read this book, and then other children with Asperger's syndrome will indeed live a better life' - Professor Tony Attwood

'This book is a worthwhile read and written in a very positive way. Many professionals will find the anecdotes evocative and perhaps illumination. There are also useful and practical tips and ideas noted throughout the book. I would happily recommend it to parents, especially those who are in the early days, post diagnosis and looking for information, ideas and a positive perspective' - Alison Leask, Chair of Autism, Argyll, Scotland

Effectively accommodating the social and academic needs of children on the autistic spectrum is an important task in every school. This book is a practical guide to benefit parents, teachers, Local Education Authorities and international autism organisations.

Each chapter provides a summary followed by anecdotal stories that illustrate a point, describing how a young boy navigates his way through the social challenges that he faces every day.

Issues covered include:

odiagnosis and recognizing the difference;

oproviding support and understanding;

ocommunication;

oconcrete thinking.

The focus of the writing is how to live your best life despite your difference. The book describes the problems and pain Karra faced as her son changed and encountered difficulties at every stage. She also demonstrates her resilience and determination and the book is a celebration of her son and their relationship.

'This is a very accessible book which would be helpful to parents and teachers meeting autism for the first time. The book charts a success story and as such should make an encouraging read. This would be well worth having a parents' group or staff room library.' - Special