Asperger's Teens

March 15, 2015
Grades 9-12 High-school students who have been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome will find this a welcome tool to add to their support resources. Eight chapters present tightly focused tips, with explanations of why and how to employ them, on such topics as getting along with teachers, keeping abreast of school projects, dating, and taking steps toward independence. Each chapter opens with a brief, nonthreatening self-evaluation quiz that pinpoints areas for growth. The skills Grossberg recommends developing would be beneficial to any high-schooler, which makes this a good choice for empathy-engendering discussions that include students both with and without Asperger's. The straightforward tone and achievable tips make this guide approachable for a wide range of readers. Paired with Beverly Brenna's Printz Honor Book The White Bicycle (2012), this could also provide older teens with good examples of independent, autonomous role models as they move from high school to college and beyond. Both teachers and counseling staff would be well served to have this title in the library collection.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)