Review
Even though the DSM V doesn't acknowledge Asperger's as a seperate condition anymore, but puts all forms of autism on simply 'the spectrum', I was nevertheless diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome very recently at the age of 33.
Because I have developed a great way to make it seem like there's nothing wrong with my social skills in most situations and because of the mere fact that I'm a woman, it took those 33 years to find out what was really 'wrong' with me (after an impressive number of misdiagnoses).
Hans Asperger studied boys, so all the characteristics that one should have to get the Asperger diagnosis are based on the male version of the syndrome. The female counterpart, however, can present itself quite differently and this book is truly a godsend to those women (or parents of daughters) who expect they might be on the autism spectrum.
I already ordered the book while being tested, but didn't start reading it until after the diagnosis. Mostly because I just wanted to see for myself first what came out of the tests without being fully informed on the female aspects. I thought it was very cool when the psychologist who tested me suggested to read this book after giving me the diagnosis, because it's exactly what I had been planning to do so myself.
The first two chapters felt like coming home. It basically described all my quirks and my gifts, taking away any remaining doubt I had left regarding the test results.
Not only is it very informative on all the female aspects, it also gives great advice on how to make the most out of it. Using your special interest and other talents to finally land the job you TRULY like was something which occurred to me before, but never really pursued. Focussing solemnly on academic careers was more my thing, probably to show people I'm not the childish retard I sometimes seem to be. After reading this book however (and having proved myself in the academic field anyways) I feel like I should do something I really, REALLY like. My special interest turns out to be *drum ruffle* books (aw, shucks, ma'am)!
There are many more tips and shared experiences in this book that can truly change an Asperger's diagnosis from something confusing and sad into a truly positive thing. I would even go as far as by saying it can change your life by being able to look at things in a totally different way.
After basically describing this book as the Asperger's Bible for women, how come I didn't give it 5 stars? Looking at it as merely 'a' book, it becomes a bit repetitive at times and the use of language isn't always the best.
The second half of the book also seemed somehow less interesting and the chapter about gastrointestinal issues is fascinating, but I don't think pseudoscience is the way to get people to 'get you'. I know for a fact my boyfriend (who also has Asperger's) will literally NOT be able to finish that chapter due to its unscientific claims.
Still: highly recommended for all Aspie women and their loved ones!
Because I have developed a great way to make it seem like there's nothing wrong with my social skills in most situations and because of the mere fact that I'm a woman, it took those 33 years to find out what was really 'wrong' with me (after an impressive number of misdiagnoses).
Hans Asperger studied boys, so all the characteristics that one should have to get the Asperger diagnosis are based on the male version of the syndrome. The female counterpart, however, can present itself quite differently and this book is truly a godsend to those women (or parents of daughters) who expect they might be on the autism spectrum.
I already ordered the book while being tested, but didn't start reading it until after the diagnosis. Mostly because I just wanted to see for myself first what came out of the tests without being fully informed on the female aspects. I thought it was very cool when the psychologist who tested me suggested to read this book after giving me the diagnosis, because it's exactly what I had been planning to do so myself.
The first two chapters felt like coming home. It basically described all my quirks and my gifts, taking away any remaining doubt I had left regarding the test results.
Not only is it very informative on all the female aspects, it also gives great advice on how to make the most out of it. Using your special interest and other talents to finally land the job you TRULY like was something which occurred to me before, but never really pursued. Focussing solemnly on academic careers was more my thing, probably to show people I'm not the childish retard I sometimes seem to be. After reading this book however (and having proved myself in the academic field anyways) I feel like I should do something I really, REALLY like. My special interest turns out to be *drum ruffle* books (aw, shucks, ma'am)!
There are many more tips and shared experiences in this book that can truly change an Asperger's diagnosis from something confusing and sad into a truly positive thing. I would even go as far as by saying it can change your life by being able to look at things in a totally different way.
After basically describing this book as the Asperger's Bible for women, how come I didn't give it 5 stars? Looking at it as merely 'a' book, it becomes a bit repetitive at times and the use of language isn't always the best.
The second half of the book also seemed somehow less interesting and the chapter about gastrointestinal issues is fascinating, but I don't think pseudoscience is the way to get people to 'get you'. I know for a fact my boyfriend (who also has Asperger's) will literally NOT be able to finish that chapter due to its unscientific claims.
Still: highly recommended for all Aspie women and their loved ones!
0
