Older Adults and Autism Spectrum Conditions: An Introduction and Guide

by Dr Wenn Lawson, Carol Povey (Foreword by)

Overview

The first book to look seriously at the practical issues facing older adults with autism spectrum conditions (ASC), Wenn Lawson's groundbreaking handbook offers support, advice, and sensible ways in which to look at the issues.

Informed by current research, interviews with older people diagnosed with ASC and his own experience, the author covers a multitude of issues including dealing with transitions and changes to routine, communicating an individual's particular needs and wishes to care home staff, the social and financial impact of retirement, mental health, and sensory and physical changes and challenges.

Older people with ASC and their family and friends, as well as the professionals supporting them, will find this an indispensable and accessible book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857008138
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	08/21/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Dr Wenn B. Lawson PhD, CPsychol is a lecturer and author. Since being diagnosed with autism in 1994, Wenn is passionately committed to campaigning for the rights of people on the autism spectrum. In 2008 Wenn was awarded fourth place in the 'Victorian Australian of the Year' awards.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements. Taking the road well-travelled. Introduction. Ageing and ASC: The definition of autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and ageing. 1. Ageing in ASC: Stress Support needs due to memory changes and changes in daily living. 2. Ageing in ASC and building appropriate communication strategies. 3. Ageing in ASC: Working with personality. 4. Ageing in ASC: supporting seniors to identify their own feelings, thoughts and actions. 5. Ageing in ASC: Support for seniors in transition. 6. Ageing in ASC: preparing our future, ameliorating/avoiding loneliness. 7. Ageing in ASC: Dual diagnosis and Mental Health. 8. Ageing in ASC: Ageing comfortably. Creativity and Spirituality.

Editorial Reviews

Wenn Lawson is a gifted investigative writer, who masterfully weaves research with narratives and pragmatism. This is a talent particularly well used in Older Adults and Autism Spectrum Conditions. Thanks goes to Lawson for providing a comprehensive and very handy book that eases the concerns and uncertainties that typically circle aging and autism.

Liane Holliday Willey

We need a map for the uncharted territory of aging and autism. Parents, professionals and especially those who have an Autism Spectrum Condition, will now be able to navigate through this territory, absorbing the clear explanations, rationale and wise advice, and be better prepared for the future.

Tony Attwood

A visionary, intelligent and compassionate book. Wenn Lawson's understanding of autism is firmly based on a lifetime of personal experience on the spectrum and years of academic scholarship. His book should be on the shelf of anyone interested in ageing, autism and the distinctive needs of each one of us. There is a long way yet to go in this field - Dr Lawson once again clearly and thoughtfully points us in the right direction. Future generations will look back and say, "He was a pioneer."

Paul Jennings