1st Edition
ADHD and Asperger Syndrome in Smart Kids and Adults Twelve Stories of Struggle, Support, and Treatment
ADHD and Asperger Syndrome in Smart Kids and Adults offers detailed examples of individuals who have above-average cognitive intelligence, but struggle with executive function impairments of ADHD and significant social-emotional impairments of Asperger syndrome.
The book centers around twelve case studies of bright children, teens, and adults treated for both ADHD and Asperger syndrome. Each chapter describes diverse examples of their strengths and their difficulties and explains how these individuals can be helped with appropriate treatment to overcome their ADHD impairments and to improve their ability to understand and interact more effectively with others. Case examples are followed by updated, science-based descriptions of these disorders.
Providing science-based information about ADHD and Asperger syndrome in clearly understandable, accessible language, this text is ideal for clinicians, educators, social workers, medical and mental health service providers, and parents of those struggling with such impairments. It also advocates for restoring the diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome to diagnostic manuals of the American Psychiatric Association and World Health Organization.
Section I Starting Points and Potential Destinations
Introduction: The Story of Dan and the Purposes of This Book.
1) Smart Adults with Late-Recognized Asperger Syndrome and Success
Section II Children and Teenagers
2) Joshua
3) Sam
4) Bella
5) Jeremy
6) Justin
Section III Young Adults
7) Anthony
8) Drew
9) Sandra
10) Jorge
Section IV Adults
11) Richard
12) Loretta
13) Gary
Section V Updates on ADHD, Asperger Syndrome and Overlap
14) ADHD: Problems in the Brain’s Self-Management System
15) Asperger Syndrome: Problems in the Brain’s Social-Emotional System
16) Overlap Between Diagnostic Silos with Complications on Complications
17) Summary Observations and Resources
References
Index
Biography
Thomas E. Brown, PhD, earned his doctorate in clinical psychology at Yale University and served on Yale faculty for 20 years. He has published five books on ADHD and now directs the Brown Clinic for Attention & Related Disorders in Manhattan Beach, CA.
"This book does a marvelous job of exploring the complex connections between Asperger's and ADHD as well as implications for treatment. It has much to offer to mental health practitioners, parents and teachers"
Fred R. Volkmar, MD, Irving B. Harris Professor of Psychiatry, Child Study Center Yale University School of Medicine; editor, Encyclopedia of Autism; editor-in-chief, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
"I read your book and really like all the case histories of adults, young adults, and children. It will provide valuable insights to parents and teachers."
Temple Grandin, PhD, professor of animal science, Colorado State University; author, The Autistic Brain and Thinking in Pictures-My Life with Autism
"This well-written and informative book draws upon research and Dr. Brown’s extensive clinical experience to fill a great need for clinicians, patients, and families. It presents clinical cases of highly intelligent people struggling with both ADHD and Asperger Syndrome (high functioning autism spectrum disorder). It wisely informs us of what they can do to improve their quality of life. I congratulate Dr. Brown for this unique book that serves a neglected population of people."
Russell A. Barkley, PhD, clinical professor of psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina
"Drawing on his many decades of clinical work and meticulous research, Brown shows us the talents and strengths in this widely misunderstood group of children and adults. A major contribution, a beautiful book!"
Edward M. Hallowell, MD, author, New York Times bestseller Driven to Distraction as well as Delivered from Distraction and ADHD.2.0.
"Asperger’s syndrome and ADHD often combine to create a complex profile of abilities. I recommend this informative and practical book for professionals and for parents.
Tony Attwood, PhD, clinical psychologist and associate professor, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; author of The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome.
"Dr. Thomas Brown has crafted a superb and widely accessible book focused on smart children and adults with ADHD who have specific strengths and interests, but who also encounter significant difficulties in social and school settings. This volume is well worth reading by clinicians, educators, and parents as well as those brilliant individuals dealing with Asperger's syndrome."
James F. Leckman, MD, PhD, Nelson Harris Professor of Child Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Psychology, Yale University
This book is a must read for mental health professionals, educators, and families interested in understanding the intersection between ADHD and Asperger Syndrome. A masterful storyteller, Brown uncovers the "central mystery of ADHD" and provides a science-based understanding within the framework of beautifully articulated stories of daily life in those overcoming challenges of ADHD with Asperger Syndrome.
Elizabeth A. Laugeson, PsyD, associate clinical professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCLA Semel Institute; author of The Science of Making Friends; founder and director of the UCLA PEERS Clinic for individuals with social impairments.
ADHD with Asperger syndrome is a great challenge in clinical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. In 12 case examples rich in details Dr. Brown shows how to help these children, teens and adults. This book will be beneficial for their families and friends as well as for mental health professionals,
Yufeng Wang, PhD, professor of Psychology, Peking University, Sixth Hospital Institute of Mental Health, Peking China; editor-in-Chief: Chinese Handbook of Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
"Very bright students with ADHD and Asperger’s are not uncommon at MIT and other colleges. Dr. Brown’s scientific, yet very empathic discussion of the struggles of these students is a valuable gift to the students, their faculty, their clinicians and their families."
Xiaolu Hsi, PhD, clinical neuropsychologist, Student Mental Health Service, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Harvard Medical School.
"Thomas Brown is a master at using vibrant story-telling to deliver cutting-edge research. His new book reminds us that all those with autism are not the same. ADHD and Asperger Syndrome in Smart Kids and Adults provides insights and understanding parents need to more effectively support their complex kids with ADHD, Asperger Syndrome, or both."
Elaine Taylor-Klaus, CPCC, PCC, CEO of ImpactParents.com; author of Essential Guide to Raising Complex Kids with ADHD, Anxiety, and More.
