Facts About Aspergers and Interview with Julie Clark, author of Asperger’s in PINK

Asperger's in PINK is on
Facebook

“Asperger’s in PINK" is going to be both lighthouse and life raft for parents, giving them something to aim for and the way to get there. Parents of an AS child (whether girl or boy) who are trying to procure a diagnosis or who have a diagnosis but don’t know what to do next, Ms. Clark has provided you with a map. … Thanks to books like this and the parents and professionals who take the time to read them, many more little Aspergirls will have the future they deserve." From the Foreword by Rudy Simone, Asperger's self-advocate and author of Aspergirls and Asperger's on the Job.

Asperger's On the Job
has a forward by
Temple Grandin

A quote from the star of Asperger’s in PINK, Kristina, sets the tone of the book: “I feel like any other ordinary kid and I want to be respected like one.” In her section, Before You Begin, Clark writes about Aspergers (AS):” …both males and females share certain traits…lack of eye contact, inadequate social ability, strict adherence to routine, sensory integration difficulties, lack of empathy, intense interest in a limited number of subjects, rigidity, and a literal way of thinking.” However many people feel that this neurological condition does not have to be cured but has to be accommodated and respected.

Asperger's Syndrome is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is only in 1994 that Asperger’s Syndrome was recognized in the United States and added to the DSM-IV.

In The Pattern of Abilities and Development of Girls with Asperger’s Syndrome by Dr. Tony Attwood - September 1999  we learn: “The boy to girl ratio for referrals for a diagnostic assessment is about ten boys to one girl. However, the evidence indicates that the actual ratio of diagnosed children is 4 boys to one girl (this is the same ratio as occurs with classic autism). Why are so few girls referred for a diagnosis? In general, boys tend to have a greater expression of social deficits, whereas girls tend to be relatively more able in social play and have a more even profile of social skills. Girls seem to be more able to follow social actions by delayed imitation because they observe other children and copy them, perhaps masking the symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome.”

Today in preparation for our tweetchat on The Coffee Klatch (TCK) : http://tweetchat.com/room/tck  Feb. 21st, 9am EST, Julie Clark, artist, mom of a daughter with Asperger’s and author of Asperger’s in PINK kindly answered a few questions.

1. What made you decide to write Asperger’s in PINK?

Julie Clark author is on Twitter

When Kristina was diagnosed, there wasn't very much out there regarding Asperger's - especially anything relating to having (or being) a daughter with it. I wanted to provide a voice for girls on the spectrum, and allowed our story to be that voice, as well as let others learn from our experiences. If our story prompts others to share theirs - to get the conversation going - I'd be thrilled.

2. Who was your target audience?

The hope is that the book would speak to families, to let them know there are other families out there who are walking the same path as they are. They may feel alone, but they are not alone. School professionals and extended family are another audience I'm trying to reach. By personalizing the journey, the hope is that they will gain a view into the world of families like ours, and know that many of us really are trying to do the best by our kids. But we also could use loving, (patient) guidance, and acceptance along the way.

3. How has your book been received?
There are many who have been so kind, and related their own stories to me. Some have expressed that it has been a huge help to know there are other moms (and dads) out there who are walking the same path, even if the steps don't exactly line up. But not everyone relates to the book, and they've made that pretty well known, and that is ok. We each have our own stories, right? What is important is that we choose to learn from each other.

4. Any comments/reviews that made your writing effort worthwhile?
At my first book signing, I had a mom come up, with tears in her eyes. I can't begin to tell you how humbled and touched I was at that moment. As I mentioned, there are those who have quite a differing opinion of what I present in the book. But meeting that mom reminded me of why I wrote the book in the first place, and reenergized me as to the mission behind the book - to increase understanding and awareness of girls on the autism spectrum, and to turn up the volume of the "pink end" of it.

5. Do you find that girls with Asperger’s now have more support in schools than when Kristina started?
That's hard to say. From a purely analytical perspective, knowledge of Asperger's has increased dramatically since then, but the truth is, it is still often misunderstood. So, overall, I'd like to say yes, but I do not think that applies everywhere.

Dr. Tony Atwood in “The Pattern of Abilities and Development of Girls with Asperger’s Syndrome” found that: “Girls are more able to verbalize their emotions and less likely to use physically aggressive acts in response to negative emotions such as confusion, frustration and anger. We do not know whether this is a cultural or constitutional characteristic but we recognize that children who are aggressive are more likely to be referred for a diagnostic assessment to determine whether the behavior is due to a specific developmental disorder and for advice on behavior management. Hence boys with Asperger’s Syndrome are more often referred to a psychologists or psychiatrist because their aggression has become a concern for their parents or schoolteacher.”

Also Dr. Atwood, in his paper about girls with Asperger's, noted that girls "are more motivated to learn and quicker to understand key concepts in comparison to boys with Asperger's Syndrome of equivalent intellectual ability." As such, he predicted that girls would fare better in the long run, if they're properly diagnosed.

There we have it – the magic words- ‘properly diagnosed', what Julie Clark and countless other parents are working so hard to receive. Julie says of the official diagnosis: “The combination lock opened, the fog lifted, darkness no longer enveloped us. .. At last, we knew what we needed to know to help Kristina grow."

We hope Julie’s book, our posts and The Coffee Klatch sessions will motivate parents to continue their struggle to but a name to their child’s unique behaviors and open the eyes and heart of others to accept and respect all individuals. As Julie Clark wrote: " What I am saying is that "the village" contributes to the growth or stagnation of all of us."

Purchase Asperger's in Pink at Future Horizons
Purchase Asperger's On the Job at Futrue Horizons

Where to connect with Julie Clark:
*JulieClarkArt Artisan Studio at ArtFire
*JulieClarkArt.blogspot.com
*Asperger's in Pink on Facebook
*I'm on twitter
*Julie Clark Art, artisan studio on Facebook

Related Posts:

*Asperger's in PINK by Julie Clark ~ Book Review 

*Asperger's On the Job by Rudy Simone ~ A Review 

*Three Book Reviews Dealing With Guides For Kids With ASD

*Shonda Schilling's Frank Account of Son With Asperger's Syndrome

*Jodi Picoult's House Rules

Asperger's in Pink by Julie Clark ~ Book Review

Review by Gavin Bollard

“One of the hardest things about raising a child with Asperger’s is the feeling that our daughter has something invisible. … It’s the old, old story of judging by appearance. It’s the old, old ending, of the cover not fully representing the book,” writes Julie Clark in Asperger's in Pink ~ A Mother and Daughter Guidebook for Raising (or being) a Girl with Asperger’s.

Twitter

Julie Clark, a writer, an artist, and a mom explains in detail the adaptations, alterations and perseverance needed to win their daily battles in raising Kristina with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). These battles were sometimes with their immediate family, their friends, medical and school systems and sometimes with  Kristina or even with their own insecurities.

Julie Clark will be joining Hartley Steiner and Lorna d'Entremont on the The Coffee Klatch ~ Twitter tweetchat Feb. 21 at 9am EST. Join us please!

The foreword by Rudy Simone, Asperger's self-advocate and author of Aspergirls and Asperger's on the Job, applauds Kristina’s mom for her tenacity in enlisting the aid of professionals, in documenting the progress of her child’s education and care and most importantly in getting the all important diagnosis.

Part of the title of this book is “A Mother and Daughter Guidebook for Raising (or being) a Girl with Asperger’s.” Julie Clark walks us through the lengthy process of getting the proper diagnosis and blames this partly on the fact that her child is a girl. In her forward, Rudy Simone also upholds the fact that the female gender often goes undiagnosed and even receives multiple misdiagnoses. This results in not having access to the proper care and support.

A delayed diagnosis leaves the family struggling to prove that their child’s unique behavior is not due to bad parenting or willful misbehaving. Clark points out that one of the most difficult aspects of their journey has been the feeling of being misunderstood and under a microscope as a family unit.

Clark advises, in a Pink Pearl to Everyone, to throw out the cookie cutter! Do not expect girls with AS to mimic boys with AS. For that matter, don’t expect girls with AS to mimic their neurotypical counterparts…”

Even though this book fills the need for a resource for families and educators of girls with Asperger’s, it is also very beneficial for all parents of a special needs child because many aspects of the Clark’s family struggle apply to all. These parents will learn from Kristina's parents as they sift through the EAS (Educational Alphabet Soup) IEP, 504, PAT, FAPE, CSE, OT…

Unfortunately her dealings with the educational system, except for a few caring, capable individuals, make me shudder. Clark is Thankful for: “A 5th grade teacher, who taught more, gave more, than anyone else, and who has bestowed a lifelong positive impact on one little, super-special girl-and her parents.”

We read that as her daughter gets older the academic and special services component of school was solid but the social component crumbled as the days of knowing Kristina was a bit different had unfortunately begun. Like for so many of our special needs children, Clark says it so simply:“ Watching your daughter bloom in October, only to wilt in Spring in unbearable.”

I agree with the author on the topic of bullying. The emotional bullying girls can dish out is rather nasty and long lasting; more psychological than physical. The wish of many parents is for their child to find a true friend like Emma was for Kristina.

You will easily relate to Julie’s explanation on how they needed lots of perseverance, patience and prayers to deal with friendships, play dates, invitations to parties, school group projects, playground and lunch time friends and family outings and vacations. Follow the Clarks, armed with Social Stories in pockets, trying to interest Kristina in extracurricular activities to learn to interact with peers.

The chapter, Holding the Marriage Together, will make you realize how important it is to be a helpmate to your spouse, to make time to be together and to be a team dealing with the added stressors of a special needs child.

Interview with Danett Schott
S-O-S for Parents

After having read Asperger’s in PINK, you should be a stronger person, a better advocate armed with more knowledge and hope. A person, like Julie Clark, with a light at the end of your tunnel and with no regrets because you have figured out what is really important in life and with all your being you work to make this happen:  “I so hope, with all my being, that she will grow up to be happy, healthy, successful and loved by others.”

Asperger’s in PINK is divided in four sections entitled, The Diagnostic Process, School, Community and Day to Day. Each section has short chapters that all begin with an interesting quote by Kristina and end with Julie’s Pink Peals for various people like caregivers, her husband, the couple, the extended family and other moms. Then she has what she is Thankful for in regards to the topic she covered in the chapter. The last part of each chapter is entitled Inside the Bubble, a moving story about an event that her family experienced. I especially loved Holidays Are Hard where she tells us the difficulties of Halloween.

The comprehensive index allows parents to use this book, after their first reading, as a resource that they can return to when they need guidance or simply for a ‘misery enjoys company’ read! Also this book makes a  great gift for family members, friends and educators so that finally you can all be on the same page!

Asperger's in PINK by Julie Clark

Binding: Paperback

Pages: 273

Price: $14.95

Purchase: Future Horizons

Where to connect with Julie Clark:
JulieClarkArt Artisan Studio at ArtFire
JulieClarkArt.blogspot.com
Asperger's in Pink on Facebook
Twitter 
Julie Clark Art, artisan studio on Facebook

Related Posts:
*Facts About Aspergers and Interview with Julie Clark, author of Asperger’s in PINK
*Asperger's On the Job by Rudy Simone ~ Book  Review

*Shonda Schilling's Frank Account of Son With Asperger's Syndrome

*Jodi Picoult's House Rules

Asperger's on the Job by Rudy Simone ~ A Review

If you are a person with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) or with High Functioning Autism (HFA), a parent or spouse of such a person, an employer, a co-worker, an educator or an advocate, Asperger's on the Job by Rudy Simone is a must read for you. Simone’s unique, fun way of expressing herself makes it very entertaining and her first hand knowledge with Asperger’s makes it very educational. The advice Simone shares will stay with you no matter who you are.

Rudy Simone was born in upstate New York and lived in Europe, Asia and California. Simone, an accomplished author, AS consultant, a jazz singer and stand-up comedian now living in San Francisco, also has AS, a diagnosis she only received when she was in her 40’s. By then she had walked out on jobs, apartments, friendships, and relationships and had haunting memories of being bullied and never fitting in. This book is based on her own experiences and the experiences of over fifty adults with AS from around the world.

At first glance, the book only seems to be a resource to help employers accommodate their employees with AS or HFA and for these employees to find and keep gainful employment. Once you start reading, you quickly realize the valuable insight Rudy Simone reveals about Asperger Syndrome and about many aspects of the daily challenges Aspergians face. Her practical solutions for the Asperger population on how to choose and cope and her recommendations on how the neurotypical population could accommodate the growing number of employees on the spectrum make it a go-to book for all groups of readers.

Her twenty short chapters are often supported by true stories or quotes and always end with a list of what the employee can do, followed by a list of suggestions to employers and advocates. Simone finishes each chapter with a few thought provoking or self-searching questions and she has even left blank spaces for your answers. To quickly locate information, if you cannot find it in the table of contents, you will surely zero in on exactly what you are looking for in the detailed index.

Simone brings a bit of humor to her serious topic through her play on words. For example these are two of her chapters:
*Polyester Prisons, Neck-Tie Nooses, and High-Heeled Hell
*A Little R&R Goes a Long Way: Ritual and Routine

The author has a wonderful way of explaining things. Here is how Simone explains to a person with AS to get their point across to a non-spectrum person: “If you shoot your words like an arrow (directness) at their recipient, that person will likely recoil from them. If you gift wrap your words (tact), the recipient will be more likely to want to accept your package (the point you want to make) and take it in.”

Simone addresses many controversial questions, one being her chapter: To Tell or Not to Tell, That Is the Question. She presents many arguments for and against disclosing that one has Asperger’s. Among the many different perspectives given, Lewis is quoted as saying: “It is best to let them know what it is so they don’t guess the worst. The vacuum of not being able to insert a label means others place it. …The term Asperger’s displaces ‘crazy’. Preemptive strike—fill the vacuum before someone fills it for you…”

This book should raise the self-esteem and hope of Aspergians and parents of children with Asperger’s. Simone never misses her chance to validate the attributes of individuals with AS. Here are a few:
*“People with AS possess a diligent, perfectionist attention to detail; these two factors will ensure that as long as your AS employee knows what you want or need, you can trust them to do the job right.”
*“The Aspergian ability to focus on tasks for a long period of time without supervision or incentive is legendary.”
* “Yet those with Asperger’s possess some extremely useful, important, creative, and marketable skills that employers are missing out on.”

Parents and educators, who can now read about the challenges Aspergians meet in the workplace, as apposed to the generation who grew up without diagnoses and guidelines, will be better equipped to point their child/student with AS in the right direction when choosing a field of education leading to a satisfying career.

In the section Finding the Perfect Job for YOU- The Personal Job Map, Simone states: “One way to optimize success is to choose one (career) that works with your strengths and interests and which doesn’t involve too many of your shortcomings.”

Hopefully, the valuable lessons learned when reading Asperger's on the Job by Rudy Simone will go towards a positive change to the number in this quote “Up to 85% of the Asperger’s population are without full-time employment, though many have above-average intelligence.” If there is one author whose counsel we can believe and follow, it is Rudy Simone’s “Been there, done that” take on choosing a career, the work place and the interdependant roles we all must play. 

Asperger's on the Job by Rudy Simone

Publisher: Future Horizons

Binding: Paperback

Pages: 156  Price: $19.95

Related posts:
Three Book Reviews Dealing With Guides For Kids With ASD 
Shonda Schilling's Frank Account of Son With Asperger's Syndrome
Jodi Picoult's House Rules 

Travis Breeding ~ Author of I Want to be Like You: Life With Asperger’s Syndrome

Travis Breeding, now in his mid 20’s, grew up knowing something was not right with him in this neurotypical world. At the age of 22, Travis was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. The diagnosis was somewhat of a relief but at the same time it was somewhat frustrating. Since then, Travis has been learning about who he really is and has become an author and a national guest speaker on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Asperger’s Syndrome is a mild form of Autism that is likened to “Invisible Autism.” Breeding describes it as a “neurological disorder where people who have Asperger’s have trouble functioning in social situations, they don't have understanding of the social norms, the unwritten rules that you just know but people who have Autism don't.”

People with Aspergers have difficulty relating to others in three main areas; Social communication, interaction and imagination and this is often referred to as the “Triad of Impairments.”

These are bits and bites taken from Travis’s sites and I hope it will motivate you to join Travis and Chuck Walley, the moderator, on The Coffee Klatch session Sunday, Dec. 19th, 2010, 9 to 10 pm EST. 

The Pro’s of Knowing the Aspergers Diagnoses
*Great to know that you’re not just some crazy psycho roaming around the world.
*There was something preventing me from having normal friendships and normal interactions with kids my age.
*It's like I was always on the outside looking in.
* I was looking at life through a bubble and always trying to pop that bubble but I never could.
*Living life without really knowing who you are.

The Con’s of Knowing the Aspergers Diagnoses

*It was overwhelming to realize that there’s really not much that can be done as far as a cure or making it go away.

* You realize that you have a lot of work ahead of you.

 Breeding says self-awareness is the key. “Now in my life, I've pretty much become aware of what's going on, I know I have Autism, that's the situation I have to deal with and I'm okay with it. I'm pretty much able to live a normal life.”

Travis had been doing a Communications major at Indiana University-Purdue University-Fort Wayne. He does various speaking engagement relating his own experiences growing up with Aspergers. He has a Facebook page and a super new, well designed web site. When I first goggled Travis Breeding in late Oct. of this year, he had a few web sites…nothing like this Awesome one with everything in one easy to find place.
This month of December, Travis’s inspirational autobiography, I Want to be Like You: Life With Asperger’s Syndrome, is coming out. Be sure to join The Coffee Klatch to hear more about it.

To wet your appetite, bits and bites about the book:
* Educate as many people as he can on Autism and other Spectrum disorders.
* Provide insight for parents who have children on the autism spectrum as to what their child’s life might be like in the future.
* See real life examples from my life.
*Read about the events in which have happened in my life that have got me to where I am today.
* Share my story with the world in hopes of both the autism and NT Neurotypical individuals world becoming more aware of each other and uniting as "one"


Found this quote on his old site which sums up his message: “We cannot learn to interact with others until we have learned how to interact with ourselves and be happy with whom we are.”


Learn more about Travis Breeding, Blog, Book, Calendar, Presentations… here

Mar 18 Special Needs Stats and News- Apies In The Working World

Aspies Have a Place in the Working World

Asperger's syndrome was first identified in 1944 by Doctor Hans Asperger. More than half a century has passed and in that time, has the lives of Aspies been better? Are provisions made to accommodate and change the environment or procedures of our learning establishments, interview methods for jobs and the work place itself.

Aspies have a place in the working world. Some of the traits of people with Asperger Syndrome seem to hinder their chances of getting a job. These same traits could also be the ones that will make them a valuable employee.

"Don't write me off" is the slogan of a campaign to improve access to employment and benefits for people on the autism spectrum from the National Autistic Society.

What do you feel is the biggest hurdle individuals with Asperger face when looking for a job?

Chantal Sicile-Kira ---Inspiration To All Special Needs Parents

Her name, Chantal, is the same as my daughter's. This stopped my web navigation at her site. The captivating content of her posts kept me there most of the evening. Her mission is "to empower parents and educators with the knowledge they need about autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including Asperger’s Syndrome (AS)."

At The Autism Advocate, she writes "Practical tips and musings on raising children and teens with autism" with interesting articles on sensory processing challenges, a topic of concern in our life.

The families of Special Needs children should be thankful that through her writing and speaking engagements, Chantal Sicile-Kira continues sharing her struggles and successes.

Career highlights of this remarkable mom:

*Award winning author, speaker, Autism expert and mom of two

* New book, her fourth, is 41 Things To Know About Autism (Turner, March 2010),

*Advocate for her autistic son, Jeremy, led to the Newsweek cover story “Growing up with Autism’

*Jeremy’s story featured in the MTV documentary ‘True Life’ series was the recipient of a 2008 Voice Award.

*Bilingual, Chantal has worked in North America and Europe

*Chantal’s first book, Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Complete Guide to Understanding Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and other ASD’s

*Her second book, Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent’s Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical, and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders

*Third book, Autism Life Skills: From Communication and Safety to Self Esteem and More: 10 Essential Abilities Every Child Deserves and Needs to Learn (foreword by Temple Grandin, PhD) was published by Penguin (US) in October 2008, and Random House (UK) in May 2009. 

To contact: 

twitter: http://twitter.com/sicilekira

Web site http://www.chantalsicile-kira.com/

Blog  http://www.chantalsicile-kira.com/blog/

Do you have an autistic teen?
 Does your community have support services for autistic individuals when they no longer attend public school?