Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol: Drinking to Cope?

by Matthew Tinsley, Sarah Hendrickx, Temple Grandin (Foreword by)

Overview

Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol exposes the unexplored problem of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with everyday life. Alcohol can relieve the anxiety of social situations and make those with ASDs feel as though they can fit in. Ultimately, however, reliance on alcohol can lead the user down a path of self-destruction and exacerbate existing problems.

Utilising their professional and personal experience, the authors provide an overview of ASDs and of alcohol abuse, and explore current knowledge about where the two overlap. Tinsley explores his own personal history as someone with an ASD who has experienced and beaten alcohol addiction. He discusses how the impact of his diagnosis and his understanding of the condition played a huge part in his recovery, and how by viewing his life through the prism of autism, his confusion has been replaced by a greater understanding of himself and the world around him.

This inspiring book on an under-researched area will be of interest to professionals working with people with ASDs, as well as individuals with ASDs who may be dealing with alcohol or substance misuse, and their families.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781846428142
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	06/15/2008
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
File size:	366 KB

About the Author

Matthew Tinsley has a degree in Modern Languages and spent his entire professional life working in the sphere of specialist bookshops. After many years struggling with alcoholism and two failed marriages, he overcame his addiction. Matthew believes this is largely due to his self-awareness of his autistic condition, together with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. He is currently living in Brighton, where he aims to help spread awareness of the problems faced by those with Asperger's Syndrome.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Temple Grandin. Introduction. 1. Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol - Why Should There Be a Link? 2. Childhood and Adolescence - Where Does it Start? 3. The Adult Social World - Friendships, Relationships and Other People. 4. Employment - Drinking and the Workplace. 5.Beginning of the End - A Failing Strategy. 6. Drying Out - Support and Rehabilitation. 7. Life Beyond the Booze - Recovering Autistic Alcoholic. Conclusion. References. Resources. Appendix - Thoughts from Friends and Family.

Editorial Reviews

The use of alcohol by adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) to mitigate their symptoms and assist them in functioning in social situations is an area in which little research has been done to date. Here, Tinsley, who was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome (AS) as an adult, recounts his own use of alcohol, a seemingly benign habit that quickly got out of hand, hurting his personal relationships, his ability to obtain and maintain employment, and his health. Coauthor Hendrickx is training manager of an AS support project for adults, and her partner, Keith (with whom she wrote Asperger Syndrome: A Love Story), is self-diagnosed with the syndrome. Here, she enhances Tinsley's account by sharing her own experiences and explaining the intricacies of alcohol addiction. Though Tinsley's story of growing alcohol dependence is at times painful to read, the story of his recovery can give hope to all who struggle with addiction. This book will benefit professionals in the field, those diagnosed with AS, and their friends and family by increasing their awareness of the issue and perhaps helping them to avoid similar situations in their own lives. Recommended for large public and academic libraries.
—Lisa M. Jordan

Library Journal

A concise, direct, soul-bearingly honest book part-written by a recovering alcoholic who only discovered that he had Asperger's syndrome once his recovery had begun...I found this a deeply moving book, partly because of the harrowing depiction of someone suffering in the tertiary stage of alcohol abuse byt, I think, mostly because of the unconditional love shown to him by his family and friends no matter how badly behaved nor how inconsiderate he was.--Asperger United

Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol exposes the unexplored problem of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with everyday life. Alcohol can releive the anxiety of social situations and make those with ASDs feel as though they can fit in. Ultimately, however, reliance on alcohol can lead the user down a path of self-destruction and exacerbate existing problems.--BILD

This book provides an overview of the very under-researched subject of autism and alcohol abuse.--National Autism Society

We both highly recommend this very readable and thoughtful book to all health and social care professionals - it is a gift to prefessionals and carers who want to understand and to work more effectively.--Professional Social Work

From the Publisher

A concise, direct, soul-bearingly honest book part-written by a recovering alcoholic who only discovered that he had Asperger's syndrome once his recovery had begun...I found this a deeply moving book, partly because of the harrowing depiction of someone suffering in the tertiary stage of alcohol abuse byt, I think, mostly because of the unconditional love shown to him by his family and friends no matter how badly behaved nor how inconsiderate he was.

Asperger United

Asperger Syndrome and Alcohol exposes the unexplored problem of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) using alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with everyday life. Alcohol can releive the anxiety of social situations and make those with ASDs feel as though they can fit in. Ultimately, however, reliance on alcohol can lead the user down a path of self-destruction and exacerbate existing problems.

BILD

This book provides an overview of the very under-researched subject of autism and alcohol abuse.

National Autism Society

We both highly recommend this very readable and thoughtful book to all health and social care professionals - it is a gift to prefessionals and carers who want to understand and to work more effectively.

Professional Social Work