Book Review: Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts by Simon Baron Cohen
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Updated June 08, 2015.
The Bottom Line
Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts by Simon Baron-Cohen is a short, no frills account of autism and Asperger Syndrome, both of which Baron-Cohen recasts as autism spectrum conditions instead of disorders. What is intended to be a matter-of-fact and noncontroversial overview of the autism spectrum will no doubt be poorly received by many in the autism community because of the increasing divide in how autism etiology and symptoms are defined by parents and autistic individuals.
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Pros
Cons
Description
Guide Review - Book Review: Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts by Simon Baron Cohen
Simon Baron-Cohen is the director of the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge and a leading researcher in autism spectrum disorders(ASDs).
Several years ago, Baron-Cohen presented the theory that autism is actually a symptom of an "extreme male brain," meaning a brain able to focus on systems and objects but unable to fully grasp empathy and emotions. These and other theories have made him a controversial figure within the autism community. He has published extensively on autism and provides his articles free of charge at the website for the research center.
Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts is a reasonable short overview of autism and Asperger Syndrome; it provides two case studies at the beginning of two young men, one with classical autism and one with Asperger Syndrome, that create sharp contrasts between the two conditions while making it clear at the same time that it really is a matter of degree of impairment involved.
Baron-Cohen has a clear goal to provide a fast run-down on autism for individuals who are looking for the basics. Is all the information necessary for family members? Not really. What parents, extended family, and other caregivers need is general information on potential sensitivities, issues, and behaviors to be aware of and the best ways to handle them. This book doesn’t do that, but that is not its intent. This is a good overview of competing ideas and theories and what’s generally known. It serves as a foundation and is a work worth recommending to those new to autism.
Baron-Cohen provides an easy and interesting introduction to autism. Considering the abundance of inaccurate and misleading information out there, this book should be a starting place for educators, therapists, doctors and for parents looking for general information rather than specific suggestions.
Vendor's Site
Updated June 08, 2015.
The Bottom Line
Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts by Simon Baron-Cohen is a short, no frills account of autism and Asperger Syndrome, both of which Baron-Cohen recasts as autism spectrum conditions instead of disorders. What is intended to be a matter-of-fact and noncontroversial overview of the autism spectrum will no doubt be poorly received by many in the autism community because of the increasing divide in how autism etiology and symptoms are defined by parents and autistic individuals.
Vendor's Site
Pros
- Provides distinct portraits of autism and Asperger Syndrome in two case studies.
- Explains changing prevalence as a move from categorical disorder to spectrum.
- Explains Autism Spectrum Quotient screening instrument.
- Discusses five major theories concerning autism spectrum.
- Notes the interaction between genetics and environment in causation of autism.
Cons
- Two case studies do not say much about the range of symptoms individuals experience.
- Doesn’t adequately explain difference in rate of ASCs in males versus females.
- Doesn’t discuss long-term needs of adults.
- Pricey for such a small book, around $17.95 brand new.
Description
- Paperback, 157 pages with appendices and index
- Published by Oxford University Press, 2008
- Appendix 1 contains Autism Spectrum Quotient
- Appendix 2 contains resource list
Guide Review - Book Review: Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts by Simon Baron Cohen
Simon Baron-Cohen is the director of the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge and a leading researcher in autism spectrum disorders(ASDs).
Several years ago, Baron-Cohen presented the theory that autism is actually a symptom of an "extreme male brain," meaning a brain able to focus on systems and objects but unable to fully grasp empathy and emotions. These and other theories have made him a controversial figure within the autism community. He has published extensively on autism and provides his articles free of charge at the website for the research center.
Autism and Asperger Syndrome: The Facts is a reasonable short overview of autism and Asperger Syndrome; it provides two case studies at the beginning of two young men, one with classical autism and one with Asperger Syndrome, that create sharp contrasts between the two conditions while making it clear at the same time that it really is a matter of degree of impairment involved.
Baron-Cohen has a clear goal to provide a fast run-down on autism for individuals who are looking for the basics. Is all the information necessary for family members? Not really. What parents, extended family, and other caregivers need is general information on potential sensitivities, issues, and behaviors to be aware of and the best ways to handle them. This book doesn’t do that, but that is not its intent. This is a good overview of competing ideas and theories and what’s generally known. It serves as a foundation and is a work worth recommending to those new to autism.
Baron-Cohen provides an easy and interesting introduction to autism. Considering the abundance of inaccurate and misleading information out there, this book should be a starting place for educators, therapists, doctors and for parents looking for general information rather than specific suggestions.
Vendor's Site
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