Autism, Advocates, and Law Enforcement Professionals

Coming Out Asperger Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidence

Jessica Kingsley Publishers Paperback, ISBN: 978-1-84310-240-3
2005, 280 pages, $19.95 + S&H
Edited by Dinah Murray
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Coming Out Asperger explores the complexity of diagnosis for Asperger Syndrome, the drawbacks and benefits of disclosing a diagnosis of a “hidden disability,” and how this impinges on self-esteem. The contributors include some of the best-known and most exciting writers in the field of Asperger Syndrome (AS) today, and include individuals on the autism spectrum, parents and professionals. The broad range of the chapters, which draw on anecdotal, professional and research-based evidence, make this book a comprehensive and highly original consideration of the implications of an AS diagnosis.

The ever-difficult question of who to tell and when once a diagnosis has been confirmed is discussed in great depth. Liane Holliday Willey and Stephen Shore examine the dynamics of disclosure, its risks and the possible effect on self-confidence. Jacqui Jackson looks at how a diagnosis impacts upon family life. Tony Attwood provides a clinician’s view of diagnosing adults, and Lynne Moxon, Wendy Lawson, Dora Georgiou and Jane Meyerding discuss adult issues surrounding disclosure, including how to deal with relationships and sexuality, and disclosure in the workplace, as well as social and disability issues.

A unique and fascinating insight into the important issue of diagnosis disclosure, this book is an essential guide for people with AS, parents, teachers, professionals and all those who have ever felt confused about revealing a personal issue.

Dennis Debbaudt wrote the chapter Disclosing to the Authorities.

Asperger Syndrome in Adolescence Living with the Ups, the Downs, and Things in Between

Paperback, ISBN # 1-84310-742-2
2003, 336 pages, $19.95 + S&H
Edited by Liane Holliday Willey
Forward by Luke Jackson
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Childhood and adult experiences of individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS) are becoming increasingly well documented, yet the crucial formative teenage years have, so far, been neglected. Adolescence is a difficult time for any teenager, but when you have Asperger Syndrome this already emotionally complex time of life becomes all the more challenging. This book aims to make the transition from child to adult as smooth as possible, and is an essential survival guide to adolescence.

Dennis Debbaudt wrote the Safety chapter for this book.

Embracing Autism: Connecting and Communicating with Children in the Autism Spectrum

Jossey-Bass Hardcover, ISBN: 978-0-7879-9586-7
March 2008, 208 pages, $24.95 + S&H
Edited by Robert Parish
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“The voices here confirm what I’ve always suspected: everyone is part of one large continuum, and the approaches and insights recounted here can help any parent, any educator, any person deal with any child—or, for that matter, any other person—more effectively and with more compassion. I only wish I’d encountered earlier this cadre of experienced and caring individuals whose humor and resourcefulness represent clearly how best to love and nurture a child.”—Cynthia Nitz Ris, J.D., Ph.D., University of Cincinnati

Through sensitive, sometimes humorous, experienced-based writing from teachers, clinicians, and parent activists in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community, this book will help educators and others to better understand the world inhabited by ASD children. The stories contained in the book will inspire and inform readers who are working day-to-day with children in the autism spectrum, providing valuable insights into what makes these kids tick and useful information on how they communicate, learn, and succeed.

Robert Parish (Cincinnati, OH) is an award-winning journalist with four nationally broadcast public TV documentaries about Autism Spectrum Disorders to his credit, as well as more than 100 digital video projects about ASD for the educational market.

Dennis and Gay Debbaudt wrote the chapter North of the Border.

Autism, Advocates, and Law Enforcement Professionals Recognizing and Reducing Risk Situations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Jessica Kingsley Publishers, ISBN: 978-1-85302-980-6
2001, 144 pages, $19.95 + S&H
By Dennis Debbaudt
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Individuals with developmental disorders are seven times more likely than other people to come into contact with police and their responses to encounters with the law may not always be socially appropriate. How can the needs and responses of people with autism spectrum disorders be reconciled with the duties of the police to serve and protect the community? In this book, private investigator and autism advocate Dennis Debbaudt provides essential information for both groups. He explains how typical manifestations of autism spectrum disorders, such as running away, unsteadiness, impulsive behavior or failure to respond, may be misunderstood by law enforcement professionals, with serious consequences. For individuals with ASDs, he offers advice on how to behave in encounters with police and other law enforcement professionals. Aimed at raising awareness and facilitating communication between people with autism and law enforcement professionals, this much-needed book will be a valuable resource for both communities.