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News Release

Last modified: Monday, December 19, 2011

Book provides advice, strategies for partners of people with Asperger syndrome

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 19, 2011

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Adults with Asperger syndrome often have difficulties establishing long-term relationships due to the defining characteristics of the syndrome. A new book, "The Partner's Guide to Asperger Syndrome," draws on the personal experiences of the authors to provide non-spectrum partners with tried-and-tested strategies and advice on how to overcome these barriers and achieve meaningful relationships.

Indiana University's Marci Wheeler and co-authors Susan Moreno and Kealah Parkinson explore the key differences that may affect these relationships, such as communication, social skills and sensory issues.

Published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, "The Partner's Guide" includes more than 100 interviews and chapters on coping with stress and meltdowns, parenting, positive Asperger syndrome qualities and how to use them to their full advantage in relationships, as well as advice on how non-spectrum partners can ensure that their own needs are met.

Wheeler holds a master's degree in social work and has worked at the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community since 1983. She has served at a field instructor and adjunct faculty member in the School of Social Work at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

Moreno is the founder and president of MAAP Services Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides information and advice to parents, educators and health care professionals about all aspects of autism spectrum disorders. Parkinson specializes in fostering communication skills in clients with developmental disorders.

The Indiana Resource Center for Autism is part of the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University Bloomington. Both receive support from the Office of the Vice Provost for Research, which is dedicated to supporting ongoing faculty research and creative activity, developing new multidisciplinary initiatives and maximizing the potential of faculty to accomplish path-breaking work.

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