Reading about self-help books on autistic-spectrum disorders (autism, Asperger syndrome)

Abstract

Until relatively recently, most books on autistic-spectrum disorders (ASD) were written for and by researchers, clinicians or educators. It was not until 1992 that the first book by an author with autism appeared in print. This was by Donna Williams and was entitled Nobody Nowhere. The author attempts to explain why people with autism behave as they do and provides practical suggestions as to how their difficulties, particularly those related to the social impairment, desire for sameness and sensory defensiveness, may be overcome. The book was hailed as unique, remarkable, the most extraordinary book published... this decade. However, such a book would now have far less impact because there have since been many books written by people with autism or those living or working with them. The publishers, Jessica Kingsley, have almost 200 books on autism and Asperger syndrome on their current list, many of these being of a self-help nature.