UBC Press Asperkids book Paperback 192 pages

As a parent, a teacher and an Aspie herself, Jennifer CookO'Toole provides a unique insider's look into Aspergersyndrome. She shows how to help children on the spectrum byunderstanding how they think and exploiting their special interests topromote learning. Her strategies work because she thinks like thechildren that she teaches.This book is full of original and effective methods for engagingwith children with Asperger syndrome. The author discusses theory ofmind, the necessity for concrete forms of communication, and ways toinspire imagination through sensorial experiences. In particular sheexplores the untapped power of special interests, explaining how toharness these interests to encourage academic, social and emotionalgrowth.Affirming that different doesn't mean defective, this bookoffers the insight and guidance that parents and professionals need toconnect with the Asperkids in their life and get them excited aboutlearning.

Jennifer Cook O'Toole has Asperger syndrome and isthe mother of three young Aspie children. She graduated from BrownUniversity and attended Columbia University's Graduate School ofSocial Work. She has previously worked as a social worker and a teacherin both special needs and mainstream education. In 2002 she wasnominated for Disney's Teacher of the Year Award. She served on theFamily Advisory Board for Levine Children's Hospital, NorthCarolina, and regularly gives presentations at hospitals and localuniversities on special needs parenting. She lives near Charlotte,North Carolina.