Succeeding with Interventions for Asperger Syndrome Adolescents

John Harpur was a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. His research included a multidisciplinary project on Emotional Intelligence and Asperger Syndrome. Maria Lawlor is the consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Navan, and lectures in the Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College, Dublin. Michael Fitzgerald is the Henry Marsh Professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at the Child and Family Centre at Trinity College, Dublin. Together they wrote Succeeding in College with Asperger Syndrome: A Student Guide, also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

• Introduction. 1. Background Issues in Social Skills Interventions. 2. Current Thinking on Asperger Syndrome. 3. Communication and Language Issues. 4. Assembling an Intervention. 5. Video Modelling and Script Models. 6. Format of the Sessions. 7. Problems and Solution Tips. 8. Session Plans and Materials. 9. Evaluation Issues. Appendix 1: Relaxation Exercise. Appendix 2: Banned Phrases Sheet. Appendix 3: Action Plan Sheet. Appendix 4: Getting Everyone to Interact Game. Appendix 5: Charades - Ideal for AS Role Plays. Appendix 6: A Sample Script. Appendix 7: Social Effects Questionnaire. References. Index.

Throughout, the text is illustrated and lightened by some wonderful examples which bring a deeper understanding and reality to the material... The book is undoubtedly a useful resource along with other material for anyone wishing to design and lead a social skills group.