A new book by an Australian parent and Asperger Syndrome expert offers fresh hope to families dealing with the pain of having a child with the diagnosis.

A new book by an Australian parent and Asperger Syndrome expert offers fresh hope to families dealing with the pain of having a child with the diagnosis.

Author and professional counsellor Sally Thibault from www.davidsgift.com.au shares her familys journey through the despair and confusion of her sons Aspergers Syndrome diagnosis in 1997 to his graduation from University in 2010.

Hindsight is always 20/20 and now that our son is an adult I can see that the strategies and ideas we put in place that often went against medical opinion have been the lynch pin to his success today, said Mrs Thibault

But the success and happiness our family experiences today, is far removed from the initial pain and despair of when our son was first diagnosed.

Aspergers Syndrome makes up part of the Autism Spectrum and can be so confusing for parents as they are surrounded by the judgements of others.

It doesnt have to be that way, there is hope and a light at the end of the tunnel for parents and also for their children.

In the book Sally Thibault gives practical strategies for parents which include:



o Working with the school system: How to create a collaborative partnership with teachers and counsellors s for children with Aspergers.

o Her personal story: Coping with Aspergers in the family.

o Aspergers is not an illness: There is no proof that any medication is a cure.

o Aspergers and Anxiety: How to manage stress for children living with Aspergers without medication.

Currently the rates of diagnosis in Australia are 1:110 children an in the USA, 1:66 children.

Mrs Thibault said that despite the increase in the diagnosis rates and awareness of Autism and Aspergers, the school system hasnt kept pace with the needs of these children.

This is why parents need to seek out their own solutions, she said.

Sally Thibault has also written another book on the topic  Aspergers Bullying and School.

Both Davids Gift, Aspergers Life and Love and Aspergers Bullying and School are available through www.davidsgift.com.au