Foreword. Tony Attwood. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction. 2. Pitfalls of Adolescence and Beyond. 3. Work and Education. 4. Bullying. 5. Going Out and Staying In. 6. Drugs: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. 7. Sex and Relationships. 8. Growing Up. 9. Another Final and Positive Note. Further Reading. Useful Addresses and Websites. Index.
A no-holds-barred, funny and articulate guide to the pitfalls and positives of the young adult years on the autism spectrum
Luke Jackson is 26 years old and has Asperger Syndrome. He is the best-selling author of Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome, also published by JKP.
Sex, Drugs and Asperger's Syndrome is one of my favorite books this
year. Luke Jackson provides the reader with an in-depth
understanding of many relevant issues regarding both Asperger's
Syndrome as well as autism in general. This includes employment,
bullying, sexuality, relationships, and much more. The autism
community and society as a whole will benefit greatly from these
much needed discussions.
*Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D., Executive Director, Autism Research
Institute (autism.com), San Diego, California*
I enjoyed reading Luke's book immensely and will be recommending it
to the majority of my teen/young adult counselling clients in the
hope that it will go some way towards assisting them through the
years of 'storm and strife' that accompanies this particular
passage of time. Luke has managed to cover many facets of 'growing
up', including dating and sex among other things. However, his book
is not for the parent who wishes to keep their 15-year-old wrapped
in a blanket of innocence, for Luke tells it 'how it is', with a no
holds barred approach. Using correct descriptors for body parts and
various sexual acts, there is an absence of euphemisms. Luke writes
from an autobiographical perspective, not claiming to be an expert.
What is clear though is that he is an 'expert by experience' and
conveys his knowledge deftly like a wise old professor!
*Action for Asperger's*
Jackson wrote Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to
Adolescence at age 13. Now he returns at age 26 to share all that
he has learned, both the good and the challenging, about becoming
an adult, living with Asperger's, and finding his place in the
world. With candid humor, the author shares his experiences in
becoming an adult and what that means to him. He explores the
difficulties he and many others with an autism spectrum disorder
(ASD) deal with, such as finding work, social scenes, bullying,
drug use, sexual relationships, and friendships. A consistent
message throughout is the acceptance of differences in yourself and
others. Jackson encourages those on the spectrum to embrace and own
those qualities that make them unique and to use them to their
advantage. VERDICT Jackson's personal and brutally honest take on
being an adult with ASD is eye-opening and refreshing. A valuable
read for teens and adults with ASD as well as parents, siblings,
employers, teachers, caregivers, friends, and partners of those on
the spectrum. Jackson's view that acceptance of oneself is the
first hurdle; welcoming others is key as well
*Library Journal*
Reading Sex, Drugs and Asperger's Syndrome feels like having a
conversation with an older brother or cousin. He advises without
preaching, explains without boring and throws in enough jokes to
make the entire reading experience thoroughly enjoyable... From
bullying to drugs, employment to nights out, and mental health to
sex, it includes the entire spectrum of life without judgement,
leaving no stone unturned and rendering no subject taboo...
Powerful, honest, funny and friendly, Sex, Drugs and Asperger's
Syndrome is a must-read.
*Disability Now*
This is a brilliant book. Luke writes beautifully, engagingly and
with wisdom. There is nothing he shirks, it is all there, all the
drugs, all the pitfalls of relationships, all the social gaffes and
mistakes, all described with humour and without judgement.
*Autistica*
With wisdom beyond his years and the mastery of an expressionist
artist, Luke guides the reader through the rocky shoals of
successful transition from adolescence to adulthood as a person on
the autism spectrum. A straightforward, honest must read for anyone
seeking greater understanding of the coming of age of the human
soul, autistic or otherwise.
*Stephen Mark Shore, Ed.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Special
Education at Adelphi University*
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