Product Description
Dr. Grandin and Barron address the social challenges those with autism and Asperger's face, explaining in the process how confusing and illogical normal societal rules can be. They also address the "unwritten rules" that most children understand instinctively but are a mystery to those on the spectrum. They teach how to trust feelings, be assertive in a positive way, and deal with negative people and situations.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 17 reviews)

Very helpful, enlightening and practical

As a man in my 40's who recently discovered I have symptoms of Asperger's, this book was very helpful. It's a well written, easy read. The stories and advice of the two authors are interwoven in such a way to provide alternate perspectives. Grandin is logical. Barron is emotional. The authors offer practical advice in compensating for literal rigid thinking, anxiety by adjusting diet and increasing flexibility and learning social rules. Grandin speaks frankly. I learned much about myself and other people.
May 30, 2008

Eye opening, very helpful

The Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships: Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of AutismAs the parent of 2 children and a husband with Asperger's, this book (I've read many)has many Aha moments. Very well written and very insightful. A must read for parents, teachers, etc. who work with children with Autism and Aspergers. I originally bought this book to help my now teenage boys with the social aspects of growing up but I have learned just as much if not more about how they look at life.
May 19, 2008

Great information

This book if filled with great information about Temple and Sean growing up in and how their disorder effected all parts of their lives. This book is beneficial for other families and for professionals. I highly recommended this title!
February 13, 2008

"Mystiques of Autistic Processing and Societal Integration"

"Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships" Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism", by Temple Grandin & Sean Baron and Editor Veronica Zysk. Future Horizons, TX 2005. ISBN 1-932565-06-X. HC 383 pages, no illust., 3 pgs. Ref. 9 1/4" x 6 1/4".

An intense, factual expose of the autistic mind-set interpreted through the minds of two published writers, both of whom worked successfully to overcome their ASD (autism spectrum disorder) disabilities, including AS (Asperger's) or Aspies. The book's format was uniquely addressed by having a skilled editor monitor major issues and allowing the authors to define & explicate personal experiences & varied techniques they used to overcome obstacles and deficiencies, nearly all of which involved social interaction with peers, parents & professionals (teachers or employers).

Importantly the spectral divergence of afflictions were compared and categorized into basic subtypes as Imaging vs Logical (flat affect) vs Emotional types; noting need to become integrated in society through compensatory, modified behaviors, while stressing importance of obtaining early help through parenting, mentors, professionals and inherent need to gain motivation and self-esteem. Great emphasis is placed on the "Ten Unwritten Rules of Social Relationship", most of which are social skills & behaviors taught under generic term of manners, etc., and are discussed in a highly emphatic but coherent manner. Specific weak links in ASD include rigidity of thought & behavior, difficulty in multi-tasking, emotional absence or lability, lack of perspective thinking, and naiveté or guilelessness wherein unfair advantage is easily taken of them.

The book, as a primer teaching tool, rightfully contains modest prolixity, which in and of itself is common to ASD. The mismatch of the sensory inputs (visual, auditory, touch, etc.) often requires environmental adjustments or elimination, at times the use of medications or special diets, and regular exercise is emphasized. Conclusions include some brief synopses of other ASDs having diverse problems, some undiagnosed until adulthood. Current era where societal integration is less tightly bonded, family units fragmented and a heightened if not frantic pace of living reigns in a culture of increasing acceptance of using drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex, video-games, C-Ps and self-importance causes authors to suggest current-day treatment is more difficult than during the 50's and 60's when B&W TV was monitored.

This is a book that everyone, affected or not, would learn a great deal about successful societal integration.
February 05, 2008

A guide inside the Aspie mind

As a parent of an Aspie I often wonder how my son views the world. If you don't know where someone is at how can you reach them? This book is the guide to where Aspies are at. Temple and Sean are very different from each other and that is very helpful. They offer two different views of social situations.
This book is practical, offering a step by step set of rules. Aspies like ruls. I like this book.
November 12, 2007

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Thinking in Pictures, Expanded Edition: My Life with Autism
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Developing Talents: Careers for Individuals with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
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The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
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Emergence: Labeled Autistic
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Preparing for Life: The Complete Guide for Transitioning to Adulthood for Those with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
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