Tony is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in Autism spectrum disorder. He is a best-selling author and his first book “Asperger’s Syndrome: A guide for parents and professionals” is based on his experiences helping parents and professionals through his workshops. This book is internationally acclaimed and is available in over twenty-five languages. Tony’s other books include “Exploring Feelings: Anxiety” and “Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety”. He has also contributed to several journals and as an expert has been invited to speak at conferences in Australia and internationally.

Can you tell us about the idea behind your book “The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome”?T: The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome was a sequel to my original book on Asperger’s syndrome, namely Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. This became the seminal book on Asperger’s syndrome and has sold many hundreds of thousands of copies, and has been translated into twenty-seven languages. The publishers, Jessica Kingsley Publishes, asked me to revise the book with new information which became The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome.

Who can benefit from reading this book?T: We no longer use the term, Asperger’s syndrome, and the term has been replaced by Autism Spectrum Disorder – Level 1. The book was written to be of benefit to families, professionals and autistic individuals. It is a compendium of information, not necessarily to be read from beginning to end, but a source of information on topics that range from diagnosis to learning profile and relationships.

What kind of research and expertise helped you to write this book?T: I read the research literature to construct The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome but found my greatest source of information was actually from those who have autism themselves. It was their expertise that became the basis of the book, often affirmed by research studies. The research was conducted by psychologists and other scientists interested in autism, but also my own research that was published in peer-reviewed journals. The research ranges from aspects of neurology to aging and autism.

What is your most memorable project and why?T: My most memorable project has probably been using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to reduce anxiety and depression in those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This refers to two subsequent books, Exploring Feelings: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to Manage Anxiety, published by Future Horizons, Web: www.fhautism.com and Exploring Depression, and Beating the Blues: A CBT Self-Help Guide to Understanding and Coping with Depression in Asperger’s Syndrome [ASD-Level 1] by myself and Michelle Garnett, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Web: www.jkp.com.

What are your suggestions for parents whose children are recently diagnosed with Autism?T: My suggestions for parents who have recently had their child diagnosed with autism are primarily to express and affirm your love for your child. This will encourage self-acceptance and self-esteem. I also suggest reading the literature on autism and identifying those aspects in the literature that may be relevant to your son or daughter. You are an expert in your child and have an honorary PhD in the study of your son or daughter. It is important that you identify those strategies and resources that may be appropriate for the unique profile of your child.