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Autism, AS and related conditions newsletter - June 2008. Go to the newsletter archive.

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JKP Autism Newsletter
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Autism, Asperger Syndrome and related conditions newsletter

Welcome to the first JKP Autism, Asperger Syndrome and related conditions newsletter, a monthly update of relevant news and events, entertaining interviews and articles.

You can find details on how to contribute or give feedback, as well as opt out of these emails, further down the newsletter.


Exclusive Interview with Tony Attwood

JKP author Tony Attwood is a practising clinical psychologist and a leading expert in the field of autism. We met up with him at the recent Autism Cymru conference to ask him some questions.

Tony Attwood Book Launch - Autism Cymru

When and why did you first become interested in Asperger's Syndrome?

I first became interested in Asperger's syndrome in the early 1990's when we finally had some diagnostic criteria for Asperger's syndrome which I was able to use in my clinical practice. I had been interested in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) since 1971. At that time our knowledge of ASD was primarily in the area of classic autism and the silent aloof child, however, it became very clear that some of the children were certainly not silent or aloof.

What do you like best about your work?

I think that the greatest enjoyment is seeing the progress of individuals that I have known for a number of years, in terms of self understanding, abilities and circumstances. I also enjoy the compliments and feedback from people with Asperger's syndrome, their parents and other professionals for the knowledge that I have and the strategies that I have acquired over the years to encourage particular abilities.

Who or what inspires you?

I have the greatest inspiration from those with Asperger's syndrome. I think they are heroes for the way they cope with the challenges they face in their daily life. I am also inspired by those who support the person with Asperger's syndrome from parents and partner to teachers and therapists.

What do you hope for the future for Asperger's Syndrome?

I think, in the long term, I would hope that people with Asperger's syndrome have a greater understanding of their qualities and difficulties. I would also hope that there is a change in attitude from seeing Asperger's syndrome as a tragedy to a different way of thinking.

What is your favourite book and film?

I have really enjoyed the Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling. Although they were originally written for children I think that they are an inspiration for people of all ages. I particularly enjoy the wisdom of various characters especially Dumbledore. I have also enjoyed the film versions of the Harry Potter books for the special effects and ability to entrance the audience. I do realise that Harry Potter is not everyone's favourite taste but I have read each book twice, which I have not done since I was at school having to read the English literature text for the GCE 'O' Level. One day I would like to meet J. K. Rowling to express my appreciation for her imagination and writing such enthralling books.

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome Tony Attwood recently launched the paperback version of his new book, The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome, at Autism Cymru conference in Cardiff. It is now available for purchase.

Click for more details



JKP News

Jessica Kingsley Publishers have launched a new imprint, Singing Dragon, publishing authoritative books on Tai Chi and Qigong for martial arts, health and wellbeing. Find out more about Singing Dragon.

Does Your Partner Have Asperger's?, an article on JKP author Sarah Hendrickx, has recently been featured in The Times.

Rory Hoy, film-maker of JKP DVD Autism and Me, has been signed by music label Howlin Records. His first album, Cosmic Child, is out now. You can hear tracks and read more about it on Rory's MySpace page.

Content links

New autism books from JKP

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

Tony Attwood

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Making Sense of Sex:
A Forthright Guide to Puberty, Sex and Relationships for People with Asperger's Syndrome

Sarah Attwood

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Using Intensive Interaction and Sensory Integration:
A Handbook for Those who Support People with Severe Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Phoebe Caldwell with Jane Horwood

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Reaching and Teaching the Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Using Learning Preferences and Strengths

Heather MacKenzie

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Asperger Syndrome and Social Relationships
Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome

Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon

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Asperger Syndrome and Employment:
Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome

Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon

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Autism and its Medical Management:
A Guide for Parents and Professionals

Michael G. Chez MD

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Promoting Social Interaction for Individuals with Communicative Impairments:
Making Contact

Edited by M. Suzanne Zeedyk

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Providing Practical Support for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Supported Living in the Community

Denise Edwards

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Useful Dates for your Calendar

What Where When Link
Intensive Interaction Conference - JKP are launching our new book Promoting Social Interaction for Individuals with Communicative Impairments, Edited by M. Suzanne Zeedyk Birmingham, UK June 13th Conference info

Book info
SEN Resources Summit Stansted, UK July 7th-8th Conference info
Autism Society of America national conference Orlando, Florida, USA July 9th-12th Conference info
US Autism and Asperger Association 2008 International Conference Austin, Texas, USA September 4th-7th Conference info
National Autistic Society Conference 2008 London, UK September 19th-20th Conference info
NASEN/TES Special Needs London Islington, London, UK October 17th-18th Conference info
Autism 2008 Geneva Centre for Autism International Symposium Toronto, Ontario, Canada October 22nd-24th Conference info

Email us with your news, events or feedback at news@jkp.com or visit our website for more on our books.


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