Product Description
Girls with Asperger’s Syndrome are less frequently diagnosed than boys, and even once symptoms have been recognised, help is often not readily available. The image of coping well presented by AS females of any age can often mask difficulties, deficits, challenges, and loneliness. This is a must-have handbook written by an Aspergirl for Aspergirls, young and old. Rudy Simone guides you through every aspect of both personal and professional life, from early recollecti… More >>
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I’ve got to be completely honest here as writing as the parent of a girl on the autism spectrum. Just because you have Aspergers Syndrome, it doesn’t mean that you have to give yourself a weird nickname (like Elfina), worship “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, go to Renaissance festivals, or be insistent that you have psychic powers. It also doesn’t doom you to a lifetime of unemployment, solitude and hanging out on chat rooms to get social interaction.
I’m all for empowering girls on the spectrum and giving them the tools and self-esteem needed to succeed in life. But you don’t need to make up fake superhero names like Aspergirl (which reminds me of Aspergum – anyone remember that?). There are real issues for women on the spectrum and I’d rather have seen those addressed without all of the garbage getting in the way of the message.
Rating: 2 / 5
Aspergirls is not an entirely helpful book, as it focuses largely on the author’s own experiences without paying heed to the diverse lives and abilities of women with aspergers. Though the book includes case studies and first-person testimonials from teens and women with Aspergers, it seems like the author is more concerned with her own life than helping others. Her suggestions seem far too general for real-world application, and the writing itself is unimpressive. I would not recommend this book.
Rating: 2 / 5
There is a lot of really good information in this book, but I have to say that I found the anti-medical bent annoying. I can understand mentioning diets, yoga, etc. for completeness, but the repetitive mentions felt like I was constantly being beaten over the head with them. Despite the annoyance of that, so much of the rest of the book is so RIGHT ON!!!!
BTW, I’d like to see a lot more on this topic, and suggestions are welcomed.
PS–With regards to the numerous anecdotes about digestive disorders, breakfast doesn’t cause lunch, regardless that they go together. In this case, my suspicion is that the stress of being an Aspie may cause SOME digestive problems, like IBS, rather than the other way around.
Rating: 4 / 5
Rudy Simone’s “Aspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome” is a wonderful starting point for all Aspergirls, whether you’re an Aspergirl yourself or you have an Apergirl in your life. This thoughtfully-written guide examines the oft-overlooked Aspergirl, who’s been clinically ignored in favor of male Aspies (traditional figures put the boy-girl ratio at 4:1, but that is rapidly changing as 1 in 100 children are believed to be on the autism spectrum). Because Aspergirls may be better at socializing in small doses and tend to be a little more expressive than their male counterparts, they may be able to “pass” as neurotypical (NT) and not receive a proper AS diagnosis other than being “shy” or “difficult.”
Simone has interviewed numerous Aspergirls regarding their experiences in all walks of life, from surviving schoolyard bullies, PTSD, and selective mutism to college, dating, motherhood and employment. She also discusses the Asperger’s “is it a gift or a disability?” debate. Each chapter ends with “Advice to Aspergirls” and “Advice to Parents,” a thoughtful touch that includes the whole family in the discussion. The book wraps up with advice from Aspergirls to Aspergirls (inspirational bullet points such as the title of this review) and the cleverly-titled “Give Your Aspergirl some B.A.L.L.S.: Belief, Acceptance, Love, Like, and Support.” Appendix A also features a handy chart of female Asperger traits and main female / male differences in Asperger’s. There is a small list of references and resources, and I was surprised not to see any of Tony Attwood’s books listed (although he’s mentioned by name several times). Simone frequently promotes her own books 22 Things a Woman Must Know: If She Loves a Man With Asperger’s Syndrome and Asperger’s on the Job: Must-have Advice for People with Asperger’s or High Functioning Autism, and their Employers, Educators, and Advocates in nearly every chapter.
Simone and the various interviewees put Aspie sensations into words that NTs can understand; this is in itself a feat, since our first language isn’t words, but images and sensations (see Thinking in Pictures (Expanded, Tie-in Edition): My Life with Autism (Vintage)). Simone discusses triggers (fluorescent lights, loud noises, scratchy fabrics) and meltdowns in detail, both internally and externally. In the chapter on stimming, she introduces the term “soothing,” which has fewer negative connotations.
There are several chapters devoted to depression, medication, abuse and PTSD. I was particularly interested in Chapter 19, Stomach Issues and Autism. I’ve had digestive issues my whole life, and never previously connected AS with digestive disorders. At times, the book went into New Age-y territory, with suggestions on herbal supplements and discussions on psychic sensitivity, reiki, and chi, along with several popular AS diets, including gluten-free and casein-free (see: A User Guide to the GF/CF Diet for Autism, Asperger Syndrome and AD/HD for more information).
When I was younger, Aspergers wasn’t ever mentioned and hadn’t gained the widespread recognition that it currently has. I sincerely wish that this book had been available throughout my rocky adolescence; hopefully, “Aspergirls” will smooth the path for today’s young Aspergirls. If you’re the parent of an Aspergirl, some of the stories in this book are on the lower-functioning end of the Aspergers scale; don’t automatically assume that your daughter will exhibit *all* of these symptoms. Every Aspergirl is different. Just be proud of your smart, funny, and talented daughter. Or if you’re an Aspergirl yourself…Aspergrrrrrl power!
Rating: 4 / 5
As a parent of daughters with Asperger Syndrome, I highly recommend Rudy Simone’s “Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome”. The book includes many interviews with girls and women coping with this invisible disability. It brings to the fore the many facets of Asperger, and I was again struck by the tremendous variation in symptoms and manifestations from one individual to the next. The book is an excellent resource for girls, parents, grandparents, teachers, school administrators, nurses, friends, social workers, and mental health professionals. Virtually anyone who knows someone with this disorder would benefit from a deeper understanding of the many challenges and unique qualities Asperger Syndrome may present.
Rating: 5 / 5