Asperger Syndrome and Young Children: Building Skills for the Real World: For People Who Know and Care for Three-To-Seven-Year-Olds

Named for the Austrian pediatrician who first described it, Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a form of autism that often prevents children from understanding how to interact socially with their peers. Though there is no specific cure for the disease, Bolick, a clinical psychologist specializing in AS, argues that parents and teachers can bolster an AS child's development and prevent some of his or her future problems by addressing the regulatory and communication inefficiencies that accompany AS before the age of seven. Since AS is often confused with individual variations and overlaps other disorders, the author begins by listing over a dozen characteristics that can be symptomatic of the neurodevelopmental problem--such as extreme distress in response to change or difficulties with complex motor activities like shoe-tying. The bulk of the book, however, is devoted to providing specific and detailed strategies for caregivers. For example, sensorimotor processing, the first developmental stage to master, can be supported by creating a calm physical environment for the child. Social and emotional abilities, a skill developed much later, can be aided by making plans with the child for coping or getting help when difficult situations arise. There is little doubt that the Bolick's excellent suggestions will increase an AS child's self-esteem by building their strengths. Her program is, however, fairly complex and time consuming and will be of the most assistance to professionals and very committed parents.