Autism and Asperger Syndrome (The Facts)

Autism and Asperger Syndrome is a welcome update of its predecessor, the singularly named Autism which was first published by Simon Baron-Cohen in 1993.

 

The expanded title of this new edition speaks volumes about just how far the field has moved forward since publication of the first book. As Professor Baron-Cohen points out in his acknowledgements, Asperger Syndrome was not even officially recognised as a diagnosable disease until 1994, yet in just two decades the prevalence of it and other autistic spectrum conditions has increased an estimated 25-fold.

 

Today, as many as one per cent of all babies born will be diagnosed with an autism spectrum condition - enough to scare even the most rationally-minded reader. However, as is typical of his approach to the entire book, Baron-Cohen thoroughly and impartially outlines the potential reasons for this supposed leap in numbers, which it turns out are largely explained by changes in the diagnostic classifications and better recognition of the disease by health professionals.

 

This book is designed as an introduction and summary of autism and Asperger disorders for parents, teachers, clinicians and others who need to know. It starts with very useful example case descriptions of two children, one with 'classical' autism and one with Asperger Syndrome, which really highlights the similarities and differences between the two conditions. Baron-Cohen takes pains to show the boys' behaviours in a balanced light; both the disadvantages and advantages of their condition.

 

This approach of addressing autism spectrum conditions in a relatively positive light where possible is a theme which runs throughout the book, and though he makes no bones about just how severe and disabling these conditions can be, Baron-Cohen often points out that even those with low-functioning autistic spectrum conditions can have abilities and talents which surpass those of the 'neurotypical' person.