Asperger Syndrome: Strategies for Solving the Puzzle (2005). By Vicki Lord Larson, PhD & Nancy J. Kaufman, PhD, Thinking Publications (http://www.ThinkingPublications.com), Eau Claire, WI. $45/ US, $77/CAN. Reviewed by Christy M. Lampley, Cordova, TN.

The book, Asperger Syndrome: Strategies for Solving the Social Puzzle, contains 199 pages of assessment and intervention material broken down into seven chapters that include thorough case studies and a glossary or important terms.  Throughout the book, various checklists, and charts are referenced that can be printed from the accompanying CD-ROM. This valuable resource is ideal for regular and special education teachers and SLPs in the school system to use in the often difficult assessment and intervention processes of students with asperger syndrome. Information is also provided throughout the material for educators and SLPs to educate parents who have children with asperger syndrome.

Although this book addresses the history, assessment, and characteristics of AS, the authors state that their goal is for this material to be used for intervention. Specific chapters are targeted toward intervention. These include step-by-step tips that can be incorporated into everyday routines to provide the student with AS a feeling of success in their day. Each chapter begins with specific goals for the readers as well as discussion points at the end of each chapter. Six of the seven chapters include case studies in which the reader can apply the information from the chapter to a specific child. Background information of the child is provided along with a section of questions of reflection, example IEP goals, and interventions to achieve those goals.

Critiques

I found this product to be extremely useful throughout the review period. I especially appreciated the practical step-by-step therapy tips. These can be reviewed and immediately incorporated into therapy sessions. This book is easy reading and the chapter break downs allow the reader to find what is specifically needed instead of sifting through an overwhelming amount of information. The references to the CD-ROM throughout the book tell you the exact information that is available for printing. I feel the price of this material is a small investment for the usefulness, in that the  reader is able to read the information and then immediately print off the suggested forms.

I would give this product an A+ in that the authors presented easy to understand information in a format that allows the reader to actually use the information gained immediately in order to provide students the tools they need to succeed in communicating with others.