The Other Half of Asperger Syndrome. A guide to an Intimate Relationship with a Partner who has Asperger Syndrome

Customer Reviews

Great For Partners of Men With AS

2008-07-01
What I really liked about this book is it's clarity and to-the-point writing. There isn't a whole lot of fluff (it's a short book) but it covers the basics very well. If you've been in a relationship with a man who as Asperger Syndrome for any length of time, you'll likely find yourself nodding your head, pleased to see that your feelings and thoughts are so well-addressed in this book.

What impressed me perhaps most of all is that this book manages to address some of the difficulties faced by the partner of someone with AS without making it seem as if they are a victim of their partner's AS. There is a refreshing tone of "this can work" throughout the book, acknowledging that, while some things can be difficult, men with AS also have some very redeeming qualities. AS is not a disease, and you shouldn't look at your partner as defective. People with AS just process their world differently. As in any relationship, partners need to decide what they are and are not willing to accept.

The book does touch a bit on women with AS, though it is brief and I feel it misses the mark somewhat. Still, I give this book five stars because I truly and honestly believe that any partner of a man with AS will benefit greatly from reading this. Men with AS may also benefit, as this book is a key to understanding his partner's experience.

I would highly recommend this book.

As close as you will ever get to a set of instructions

2008-04-17
You don't have to be married to someone with Asperger's to value this book. Anyone who has autism in their family will see the patterns and traits outlined here in ways surprising and unexpected, and will recognize themselves in the process. Living with a person with autism can make you think you are crazy because of the coping mechanisms you put in place - people with autism can be orderly in a way that is enviable and makes you feel completely disorganized yourself and the next thing you know you're alphabetizing your medicine cabinet and sorting playmobil toys by the date they were manufactured.

The Other Half of Asperger's helps people without autism measure the impact of autism on theirs lives and empowers them to value the good things and minimize the bizarre ones. It allows you to knit those two halves (be they of a marriage, parent-child or brother-sister relationship) back into a whole.

Helpful

2008-02-08
Very timely for me and tells it like it is. Nice to know I am not alone.

Basics covered

2008-01-18
While this book is well written, I did purchase it hoping that it would include more about women with Aspergers who have a neurotypical partner. I struggled with the fact that I identified more with the author's said issues with her Partner with AS, than i did with her explanations for the partner with AS. I was disappointed that her experience only included two women with AS. Having said that, i still think that it is a good book for my partner as he still has to come to terms with my being on the Autistic Spectrum.

Must read for anyone married to an Aspie or has an Aspie son

2007-12-18
Several years ago, my eldest son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. On the way out the door of the doctor's office my husband asked, "Do you think that I have Asperger Syndrome and this is what is the problem in our marriage?" I quickly answered, "Yes!"

This book has been a Godsend. It not only made me feel as if I wasn't crazy or entangled in a disfuctional marriage but it gave me insight into how I can help any woman who sees in my son what made me fall in love with his father.

This book has allowed me to peer into my son's future and help prepare him to find and keep someone to share his life with. I also hope, someday, to pass this quick reading book on to my future daughter-in-law as an engagement gift.

The best thing is that I no longer feel as if I am selfish for my belief that "you won't get a gift you want unless you pick it out yourself."

Read on the run.

2007-10-01
Based on academic research as a qualified couples counselor specializing in this area and from her own personal relationship experiences, the author uses quotations and real-life examples to illustrate her points with a compassionate understanding. Practical everyday topics include living and coping with AS, anger and AS, getting the message across, sex and AS, parenting, staying together and AS cannot be blamed for everything.

Asgerger

2007-09-21
I read this book with interest -- there is much that fits into the world of Asperger females although it is written primarily for the woman who is married to an Asperger male. There are a lot of coping techniques as well as ways to assist your Aspie with his/her socialization problems. I do wish that the book addressed the other side as well -- assistance for the male who is married to an Aspie female -- and that is why I gave it a 4 star rather than a 5.

short and sweet

2007-08-09
this book, while not a manual by any means, is quite forward and well written. an aspie reading this can learn quite a bit about him/herself. because of brevity, it is easy to suggest to a neurotypical partner that he or she also read it without fear of balking due to a lot of time that they may have to invest in reading something much longer.

i found the book quite useful and have asked several people to read it, too.

Best book on the subject. Period!

2007-03-08
After reading everything I could read online or buy, I found this slim little volume to be an absolute MUST READ for any woman living with and loving a man with Asperger's. Nothing else I've read has hit the nail on the head in such a fair and evenhanded manner. So much help that I intend to write the author to thank her.

Realistic

2007-02-27
It is a must read if you are a partner of a person within the spectrum. Very well written and easy to read.