Hi all, I'm an avid reader and thought it might be nice and am fortunate enough to receive review copies of many of the newest materials about autism. I thought this might be helpful to see what new resources are out there and provide a forum to discuss or ask about them. This way you might see a book that's interesting enough to buy or you might save your money by avoiding a book that's not your cup of tea. So, I will add this new post and then start off immediately with a review. If you have different opinions about a book or additional opinions, please share them too!

I recently received this new book and thought I would share a review of it. The title is LIFE & LOVE: Positive Strategies for Autistic Adults and it is written by Zosia Zaks, an individual on the autism spectrum. ISBN 1931282935. It also has a foreword by Temple Grandin who is also on the spectrum. Reading books written by individuals who experience autism provides unique insight that is vital.

Here is the review I posted on Amazon recently:

This book is well written and a wonderful tool for older teens on up to adults (on the autism spectrum) to help navigate the world. Many topics covered include: grocery shopping, renting an apartment, traveling, interviewing for a job, housekeeping, family relationships, dating relationships, friends etc. Ms. Zaks breaks down each area into bite sized pieces to help her audience deal with social and sensory issues. She has wonderful down to earth advice like keeping a sensory emergency pack on hand and being prepared for social interactions before they happen. Reading this as a "neuro-typical," I found this to be a terrific resource to help those on the spectrum become more independent by addressing their challenges directly. It's a wonderful book full of easy to follow tools and suggestions. I think every teen with Aspergers Syndrome graduating high school (and those already out of high school) should obtain this book!! GREAT INSIGHT.

More reviews can be found at Amazon.com.

Here are the chapters included in this book with subchapters within each:

PART 1: LIFE...
(1) Coping w/Sensory Issues
(2) Maintaining a Home
(3) Living on your own
(4) Shopping
(5) Transportation & Travel
(6) Health Care
(7) Vocational Challenges
PART 2: LOVE...
(8) Dating on the Spectrum
(9) Spectrum/Non-Spectrum Relationships
(10) Keeping Ourselves Safe
(11) Gender Issues on the Spectrum
(12) Friendship
(13) Disclosing Your Diagnosis
(14) Invidibility and Self-Esteem in the Autistic Community