Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-ConfidenceDinah Murray Coming Out Asperger explores the complexity of diagnosis for Asperger Syndrome, the drawbacks and benefits of disclosing a diagnosis of a 'hidden disability,' and how this impinges on self-esteem. The contributors include some of the best-known and most exciting writers in the field of Asperger Syndrome (AS) today, and include individuals on the autism spectrum, parents and professionals. The broad range of the chapters, which draw on anecdotal, professional and research-based evidence, make this book a comprehensive and highly original consideration of the implications of an AS diagnosis. The ever-difficult question of who to tell and when once a diagnosis has been confirmed is discussed in great depth. Liane Holliday Willey and Stephen Shore examine the dynamics of disclosure, its risks and the possible effect on self-confidence. Jacqui Jackson looks at how a diagnosis impacts upon family life. Tony Attwood provides a clinician's view of diagnosing adults, and Lynne Moxon, Wendy Lawson, Dora Georgiou and Jane Meyerding discuss adult issues surrounding disclosure, including how to deal with relationships and sexuality, and disclosure in the workplace, as well as social and disability issues. A unique and fascinating insight into the important issue of diagnosis disclosure, this book is an essential guide for people with AS, parents, teachers, professionals and all those who have ever felt confused about revealing a personal issue. |
Contents
| 9 | |
| 19 | |
| 32 | |
3 Confidence selfconfidence and social confidence Dinah Murray and Mike Lesser | 53 |
4 Psychiatry and Asperger syndrome Tom Berney | 67 |
5 Being told or being told off ? Reciprocity at the Diagnostic Interview Michelle Dawson | 88 |
6 Mental health issues surrounding diagnosis disclosure and selfconfidence in the context of Asperger syndrome David N Andrews | 94 |
7 One that got away Dinah Murray | 108 |
talking about what makes us human Stephen Shore | 173 |
a parents perspective Jacqui Jackson | 184 |
14 Coming out various Wendy Lawson | 200 |
15 Diagnosis disclosure and selfconfidence in sexuality and relationships Lynne Moxon | 214 |
16 Diagnosis in adulthood and community disclosure Dora Georgiou | 230 |
17 Coming out autistic at work Jane Meyerding | 245 |
18 Disclosing to the authorities Dennis Debbaudt | 258 |
Contributor biographies | 268 |
8 Whys it all so difficult? Sharing the diagnosis with the young person Philip Whitaker | 125 |
thoughts on how and why Heta Pukki | 143 |
sharing the news of Asperger syndrome with a young persons peer group Penny Barratt | 149 |
11 The Conversation Jennifer Overton | 164 |