Description
Book SynopsisAsperger Syndrome and Alcohol exposes the unexplored problem of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with everyday life. Alcohol can relieve the anxiety of social situations and make those with ASDs feel as though they can fit in. Ultimately, however, reliance on alcohol can lead the user down a path of self-destruction and exacerbate existing problems.
Utilising their professional and personal experience, the authors provide an overview of ASDs and of alcohol abuse, and explore current knowledge about where the two overlap. Tinsley explores his own personal history as someone with an ASD who has experienced and beaten alcohol addiction. He discusses how the impact of his diagnosis and his understanding of the condition played a huge part in his recovery, and how by viewing his life through the prism of autism, his confusion has been replaced by a greater understanding of himself and the world around him.
This inspiring book on an under-researched area will be of interest to professionals working with people with ASDs, as well as individuals with ASDs who may be dealing with alcohol or substance misuse, and their families.
Trade ReviewA concise, direct, soul-bearingly honest book part-written by a recovering alcoholic who only discovered that he had Asperger's syndrome once his recovery had begun...I found this a deeply moving book, partly because of the harrowing depiction of someone suffering in the tertiary stage of alcohol abuse byt, I think, mostly because of the unconditional love shown to him by his family and friends no matter how badly behaved nor how inconsiderate he was. -- Asperger United
Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol exposes the unexplored problem of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with everyday life. Alcohol can releive the anxiety of social situations and make those with ASDs feel as though they can fit in. Ultimately, however, reliance on alcohol can lead the user down a path of self-destruction and exacerbate existing problems. -- BILD
We both highly recommend this very readable and thoughtful book to all health and social care professionals - it is a gift to prefessionals and carers who want to understand and to work more effectively. -- Professional Social Work
This book provides an overview of the very under-researched subject of autism and alcohol abuse. -- National Autism Society
Table of ContentsForeword by Temple Grandin. Introduction. 1. Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol - Why Should There Be a Link? 2. Childhood and Adolescence - Where Does it Start? 3. The Adult Social World - Friendships, Relationships and Other People. 4. Employment - Drinking and the Workplace. 5.Beginning of the End - A Failing Strategy. 6. Drying Out - Support and Rehabilitation. 7. Life Beyond the Booze - Recovering Autistic Alcoholic. Conclusion. References. Resources. Appendix - Thoughts from Friends and Family.
