Publisher's Synopsis
Do you want to help a person with autism? Are you in a relationship with an autistic spouse, and want to find new ways to help them out? Maybe you're trying to keep your family together, and want them to 'get on' with things in a 'normal' way without Autism getting in the way? Or perhaps you're wanting to develop a stronger bond with your spouse, children and the rest of your family? Look no further!
Your spouse has autism, and you wouldn't trade him or her for the world. But your family life is facing problems that other people just don't seem to understand. You have read books on strengthening and rebuilding your marriage, but they don't seem to really connect with your problems. They don't understand that your spouse can be emotionally distant and unable to show affection to you and your family. They don't understand that your spouse can be socially awkward. You want to truly connect with your spouse, but find that autism gets in the way.
If this paragraph describes you and your relationship, then this book is definitely for you. It takes a careful and sensitive look at some of the challenges affecting people with autism and how those challenges can and will affect your family life.
- This book begins by exploring what autism is and what autism is not, including a look at some of the benefits of the autistic mind. People with autism are capable of remarkable thought processes and problem-solving abilities. Recognizing these benefits and fostering them is important so that you can see the unique capabilities of your spouse every day.
- This book explores how autism can affect relationships and family life. Although many people with autism prefer a solitary lifestyle, some are very high functioning and can live independent lives and want to have meaningful relationships. However, the diagnosis of autism will affect those relationships. One must recognize what behaviors are caused by the diagnosis of autism rather than by malice or ill intentions towards another person.
- This book then discusses the issues associated with autism. All these issues might be a common theme in your relationship, including communication, expectations, hurtful behavior, and parenting. Each of these challenges is followed with tried and tested strategies and questions designed to help you become more aware of your own self, your partner, and your family life
Annie Jackson has been married to a man who has autism for over 10 years. During what she describes as these 'wonderful, spontaneous, quirky and liberating' years, she has helped Tim, her autistic husband, overcome what Annie likes to describe as his 'different personality', refusing to label her husband with what she castigates as 'black and white' medical labels. When she is not enjoying her relationship, she a mother to her and Tim's two beautiful and healthy children. With years of experience under her belt, she is certainly the woman to speak to about the tribulations that autism may bring to your family.
