"...the book provides an invaluable guide for parents or professionals keen to update themselves on the diagnosis, treatment, and causes of autism. It should also prove a very useful introduction for students and others who want to nkow more about this fascinating condition."

From a parent's perspective, this is the first book to be read when autism is suspected in your child. Missing are the generalizations and stereotypes, as well as conflicting symptoms, found in many other books. Lots of helpful information to help you understand your child better, how to best help him/her at home and the various treatments/therapies available to your child. If your child doesn't meet the "classic" symptoms of autism, this book will bring better understanding of the all encompassing term "autism."

Manages to pack an incredible amount of information into a very small space, while remaining wonderfully clear and jargon-free. Invaluable for anyone who wants to acquire an overnight grasp on the state-of-the-art research into autistic spectrum conditions, their causes, and the best methods of education and treatment.

This text contains a combination of literature reviews, empirical research, and case histories to show a balanced approach to the Autism/Aspergers diagnostic categorisation debate. While the editors clearly state their belief that what is knowns as Aspergers Syndrome is a misnomer of High Functioning Austism, they have included a critical set of papers which contain strong evidence that Aspergers is indeed a seperate, yet related, condition. It is left to the reader to analyse all the information presented and arrive their own conclusion - or to inspire further research in an attempt to answer so many outstanding questions. For me, I thought it an excellent addition to my psychology library, and complimentary to the works of Uta Frith and Frances Happe. And I favour Aspergers as a distinct diagnostic category in the Autistic spectrum.

The book offers a highly useful, carefully considered selection of essays on HFA or Asperger's, including documents written by those affected by the disorder. Highly recommended!

"I really liked the way this book presents information about autism and Aspergers in such a clear way for children. Kids will find it easy to read and relate to Emily's story and actual experiences. It's a real treasure for kids who have a brother or sister with high-functioning autism or Aspergers, and a heart-warming read for their parents, too."

If I knew where Earl P. Martin lived, I would drive to his home and give him a fierce bear hug.

"Dear Charlie" is based on letters from a grandfather to his Autistic grandson, Charlie. As Mr. Martin shares in his letters his thoughts on what it will mean to Charlie to grow up Autistic, he paints a loving, well thought out sourcebook to accompany his grandson through life as a grandfather realizes that Autism has not made Charlie disabled, it has simply made him differently abled.

I am delighted that the publisher had the good sense to publish a book that goes beyond the one in a million miracle cures that so often form the bulk of the better selling books on Autism.

Mr. Martin's letters to Charlie provide parents a valuable resource to open a dialogue with the higher functioning autistic child which reassures him that it is ok to have Autism. For the older Autistic child who can read, I can't imagine a better tool for boosting self esteem than urging him to read this book.

This is one Autism source book I know I'll reach for again and again as I lead my two Autistic sons towards puberty and adulthood.

Thank you Mr. Martin for showing our children that they can live well with Autism. Bravo!

This book reads like a college or medical textbook, but it is the best source I have found for information on autism in people who are not mentally retarded as well. It includes lots of details on typical symptoms in both children and adults and lots of first hand accounts from parents and individuals with autism. I found parts of it extemely helpful and parts way over my head. Worth checking the library for first, though, given the price.

I was disappointed to find that throughout the book, the term "autism" was used, rather than Asperger's. There is some debate as to whether Asperger's is a form of autism. Moreover, I don't use the term "autistic" with my very high-functioning Asperger's child. It may not be fair, but "autistic" has the connotation of someone with a much more severe disability.

Other than that, the book seems great. But I may never use it for the reason above.

How I wish I had had this book as a child. This is a good teaching tool for helping children with Asperger's understand their "undefined differences," make peace with them and explain them to other people. I like the way the book emphasizes the point that "different" does not necessarily mean stigmatized.

This work does a great service in making efforts to remove the stigma often associated with Asperger's. Although Asperger's is a neurological "difference" that IS on the Autism spectrum, it is not "autism," per se. Many argue the point that it is a form of autism, or a "milder form," but that question remains open. What IS known about Asperger's is that it is INDEED a spectrum condition and that it DOES share some autistic properties. Sadly, "autism" is such a highly charged term that it often eclipses the different challenges people with Asperger's contend with. This book does an admirable job of addressing this issue.

I highly recommend this one for all people whether or not they are on the spectrum. It has good information and paves the way to acceptance.

Catherine Faherty has created a masterpiece using "TEACCH" as an approach to working with "Aspergers" and high end "Autistic" children.

This workbook is a must for parents, and for all teachers in the field of Autism/Aspergers. What makes Catherine's approach so unique is her outstanding ability, using worksheets, to help students with Autism and PDD (Pervasive Developmental
Disorders) increase their communication skills and self-awareness. Participation in activities that were once ignored can be accomplished using Catherine's method.

She begins her book with a dynamic approach to help the student accept herself/himself for exactly the way they are. Many Autistic children have questions related to their disability. Through a carefully structured model, the author is able to guide an Autistic child through a series of discoveries tailored to his or her individual needs.

The "TEACCH" approach begins at the point of the child's current educational requirements. The method does not force the child to learn educational material just because it is required by a specific curriculum. The individual student's immediate needs come first. ASPERGER'S: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME? accomplishes its goal.

Catherine Faherty deserves 10 stars for writing a book that truly helps an Autistic/Asperger student develop at his or her correct learning level. Topics such as "How I Learn", Who I Am", "What My Interests Are", "How Can I Deal With My Disability?", are brought to fruition through worksheets, questions, and important information. The author also allows the student to discover there is no shame in being different. A lesson all of us need to "grasp" in today's world.

Whether you are a teacher, a parent of an Autistic child, or an Autistic/Asperger student, this workbook is more than a must...it is a necessity.

Catherine Faherty's book is brilliant!

Steve Horwitz Hart - Autistic Specialist