Asperger's Rules!: How to Make Sense of School and Friends

by Blythe Grossberg Psy. D.

Overview

Fitting in to school and social life can be the single most challenging task when you have Asperger's syndrome — Asperger's Rules! can help. Packed full of information, this book covers common school situations and the uncommon challenges that they can present to a child with Asperger's. Kids will find the how-to for understanding and communicating with peers and teachers, standing up for and taking care of themselves, setting realistic goals, and making friends. Asperger's Rules! belongs in the backpack of every kid with Asperger's and is an essential resource for getting the most out of middle school.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433811272
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
Publication date:	05/28/2012
Pages:	127
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Introduction 7

How this Book Works 9

Recognizing Your Talents 10

Making Smart Goals 11

Looking at Your Goals 12

Chapter 2

Your Feelings and Emotions 14

Test Yourself: How Well Do You Understand What You Feel? 15

Understanding What You Feel 16

Listening to Your Body 17

Understanding How Other People Feel 20

Ranking Your Problems 22

Decoding Your Fears 23

Dealing with Change 26

Getting Upset in Class 27

Knowing When You Need a Break 30

Preparing a Talk With Your Teacher 33

Getting Extra Help 34

Goal Setting: Feelings Rules 35

Chapter 3

Teachers and Asking For Help 36

Test Yourself: How Well Do You Ask for Help? 37

Telling Your Teacher About Asperger's 38

Explaining How You Work in School 39

Finding Information for Your Teacher 41

Thanking Your Teacher 41

Asking for Help With School Work 42

Asking Your Parents for Help 44

Goal Setting: Teacher Rules and Helping Rules 45

Chapter 4

The Unwritten Rules of the Classroom 47

Test Yourself: How Well Do You Understand the Unwritten Rules of the Classroom? 48

Checking Your Body Language 49

Communicating With Your Teacher 51

Participating in Classroom Discussions 58

Goal Setting: Classroom Rules 62

Chapter 5

Other Situations in School 63

Test Yourself: How Well Do You Handle Recess, Lunch, and Other Situations in School? 64

Navigating Recess, Gym, and Lunch 65

Dealing With Special Occasions at School 69

Finding Other Ways to Make Friends with Kids and Adults at School 72

Goal Setting:, Rules for Other Situations in School 73

Chapter 6

Friends, Classmates, and the Other Kids 74

Test Yourself: How Do You Interact With the Other Kids at School? 75

Making Friends 76

Having Conversations 78

Dealing With Annoying Situations 87

Saying "No" 88

Apologizing to Kids 90

Joining an Activity 90

Arranging a Get Together 91

Knowing the Rules for Hanging out With Other Kids 94

Being a Good Friend 95

Goal Setting: Friends and Classmates Rules 96

Chapter 7

Bullies and Mean Kids 98

Test Yourself: How Well Do You Handle Bullies? 99

Dealing with Bullies 100

Understanding Less Obvious Bullies and Mean Kids 103

Staying Safe Online 109

Goal Setting: Bullies, Mean Kids, and Cyber-Safety Rules 112

Chapter 8

Healthy Habits 114

Test Yourself: How Well Do You Treat Your Body? 115

Getting Enough Sleep 116

Eating Well 118

Having Good Hygiene 120

Getting Dressed 122

Goal Setting: Healthy Habits Rules 124

Resources 125

Websites, Books, and Games (Yes, Games!) to Help You

About the Author 128

Editorial Reviews

This is a straightforward book for people who do best with straightforward explanations. It's clear and to the point, while also attractively designed and interesting. Aimed at teenagers with Asperger's, it clarifies the social cues that people might have a hard time picking up on their own at school and with peers. It suggests self-advocacy methods, such as sending a teacher an e-mail explaining why a kid gets overwhelmed in class and how the teacher could help (a sample e-mail is included). The pros and cons of people that you have Asperger's are laid out, and it's suggested that kids go over them with their parents. The advice is practical and has suggested scripts for conversations with parents and teachers. A list of body language that signal someone is "bored or disengaged" has notes explaining the deeper thought: not just "crossing your arms," but "crossing your arms can make you look defensive or angry." Goal-setting is a big part of the book's plan, with checklists for evaluating how you're doing. Schools situations outside of the classroom, such as recess, gym, and lunch, are also deciphered; one chapter is dedicated to making friends, and another is about bullies. "Healthy habits," are covered, such how to relax and get enough sleep, being well-groomed, and making healthy food choices even if there are foods you don't like the texture or taste of. This book will be very helpful for children and young adults who need extra support when it comes to social skills. Reviewer: Sara Lorimer

Children's Literature - Sara Lorimer

Grossberg provides an upbeat and supportive guide for readers with Asperger’s, covering feelings and emotions, teachers, asking for help, and dealing with bullies. Quizzes let readers reflect on their own approaches to situations like interacting with kids at school, and Grossberg also includes tips on how to interpret social situations (“Sometimes, conversations are really about nothing. Kids just like to say silly things or kid around”). Flowcharts illustrate how various conversations might progress, and other sections focus on dressing properly and eating healthful meals. The invaluable advice should help readers navigate new challenges. Ages 9–13. (July)

Publishers Weekly

Gr 7 Up—As a clinical psychologist who works with middle- and high-school students diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, Grossberg has the background and expertise to give advice on how to negotiate the world of the neurotypcial. The advice is straightforward, easy to understand, and solid. Each chapter includes a short test to help readers understand the importance of the material. The short quiz at the start of each chapter clues readers in to how they should relate to the upcoming information. The book includes sample dialogues and opportunities for readers to practice what they are learning. While this book is written specifically for youngsters on the Asperger's spectrum, it will be helpful for any children who struggle with making and keeping friends, dealing with bullies, or understanding unwritten rules in the classroom. Some young people may prefer to read this on their own, while others could certainly benefit from sharing the volume in a group and/or with an adult helper.—Wendy Smith-D'Arezzo, Loyola College, Baltimore, MD

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