Girls with Asperger's Syndrome are less frequently diagnosed than boys, and even once symptoms have been recognised, help is often not readily available. The image of coping well presented by AS females of any age can often mask difficulties, deficits, challenges, and loneliness.This is a must-have handbook written by an Aspergirl for Aspergirls, young and old. Rudy Simone guides you through every aspect of both personal and professional life, from early recollections of blame, guilt, and savant skills, to friendships, romance and marriage. Employment, career, rituals and routines are also covered, along with depression, meltdowns and being misunderstood. Including the reflections of over thirty-five women diagnosed as on the spectrum, as well as some partners and parents, Rudy identifies recurring struggles and areas where Aspergirls need validation, information and advice. As they recount their stories, anecdotes, and wisdom, she highlights how differences between males and females on the spectrum are mostly a matter of perception, rejecting negative views of Aspergirls and empowering them to lead happy and fulfilled lives.This book will be essential reading for females of any age diagnosed with AS, and those who think they might be on the spectrum. It will also be of interest to partners and loved ones of Aspergirls, and anybody interested either professionally or academically in Asperger's Syndrome.
Introduction.; 1. Imagination, Self-taught, Reading and Savant Skills, and Unusual Interests.; 2. Why Smart Girls Sometimes Hate School.; 3. Sensory Overload.; 4. Stimming, and What We Do When We're Happy.; 5. On Blame and Internalizing Guilt.; 6. Identity and Gender Roles.; 7. Puberty and Mutism.; 8. Attraction, Dating, Sex, and Relationships.; 9. Friendships and Socializing.; 10. Higher Learning.; 11. Employment and Career.; 12. Marriage and Cohabitation.; 13. Having Children.; 14. Ritual and Routine, Logical and Literal Thinking, Bluntness, Empathy, and Being Misunderstood.; 15. Diagnosis, Misdiagnosis, and Medication.; 16. Depression Meltdowns, PTSD, and More About Meds.; 17. Temper Meltdowns.; 18. Burning Bridges.; 19. Stomach Issues and Autism.; 20. Getting Older on the Spectrum.; 21. On Whether AS is a Disability or a Gift, and Advice from Aspergirls to Aspergirls. Additional Tools for Parents.; 22. Give Your Aspergirl some B.A.L.L.S. - Belief, Acceptance, Love, Like, and Support.; 23. Thoughts and Advice from Parents of Aspergirls. References and Resources.
This book is an easy to read, sensitive and funny at times while presenting some serious matters to consider. The concerns are focused on the individual but inclusive of the parents, educator and the community surrounding them. Whether you are a parent of a child with Asperger Syndrome or know someone who is, this is a must read as it will not only provide the reader with a good insight and look into the lives of girls with Asperger Syndrome, but also make you laugh as you develop more compassion aside faith.
