Friendships

Dr Wenn B. Lawson PhD, CPsychol is a lecturer and author. Since being diagnosed with autism in 1994, Wenn is passionately committed to campaigning for the rights of people on the autism spectrum. In 2008 Wenn was awarded fourth place in the 'Victorian Australian of the Year' awards.

• Acknowledgements. Foreword by Emma Wall. Introduction. 1. What is a friend? 2. How to recognise a friend from a foe. 3. Too many friends! 4. You're just too honest! 5. Family comes first? 6. Sharing common goals. 7. Baring all. 8. It's hard to be a good friend. 9. Letting your friends know you care. 10. Sustaining and developing our friendships. Appendix 1. Personality Test Just For Fun. Appendix 2. Online Friendship And Support Agencies. Appendix 3. Autism Alert Cards. Index.

`Adult friendships are rarely simple, but for those with Asperger's syndrome, which is characterized by difficulties with social skills, they are especially difficult. Lawson, diagnosed with Asperger's as an adult, has been a counselor, a social worker, and a psychologist. Her latest book is not a how-to guide to "Aspie" friendships but rather a compilation of questions and answers interspersed with her poetry and friends' contributions. Temple Grandin, Liane Holliday Willey, and others have illuminated their difficulties with social interaction, but most writers on this topic have addressed parents of young children and teens. It is helpful, therefore, for "neurotypicals," as well as those with Asperger's, to read about an adult perspective. Especially moving is Lawson's description of her "autistic meltdown" when she was separated from a friend while shopping and panicked. Her suggestions for avoiding that situation and her frankness about how she has unwittingly broken social codes are helpful, although her writing is more geared toward her own circle than the general public. Recommended for libraries with strong collections in autism spectrum disorders.' - Elizabeth Safford, Nevins Memorial Lib., Methuen, MA`Another insider's view from this well-known author, who herself has an autistic spectrum disorder. Contains practical advice on all aspects of "doing friendship well" from its beginning to its end.' - Current Awareness Service (BILD)`Just like any other "ship", friendship...means travelling through stormy waters as well as calm.'* Wendy Lawson`A frank and thoughtful analysis of what makes and breaks friendships, she explores what it means to have friends or to be a friend - and what other kinds of friendships there are, whether imaginary, animal or inanimate.'