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.

Promotional Information

An inspiring book about the link between AS and alcohol abuse

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. Sarah Hendrickx works as a freelance trainer and consultant in autistic spectrum conditions through her own consultancy, Hendrickx Associates. She provides professional training, Expert Witness and employment consultancy to organisations and coaching to individuals, families and couples. She is the author of several books on Asperger syndrome published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers as well as the co-author of Asperger Syndrome - A Love Story written with her partner Keith, who has been diagnosed with AS.

Reviews

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