This page currently contains Wenn's older books but is being updated. More recent releases are linked on the Homepage.
Lawson, W. (2015). Older Adults and Autism Spectrum Conditions: An Introduction and Guide Jessica Kinglsey Publishers London
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Temple Grandin offers the world yet another great work, an inspiring and informative book that offers both hope and encouragement. In these pages, Temple presents the personal success stories of fourteen unique individuals that illustrate the extraordinary potential of those on the autism spectrum.
One of Temple's primary missions is to help people with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and ADHD tap into their hidden abilities. Temple chose these contributors from a wide variety of different skill sets to show how it can be done. Each individual tells their own story in their own words about their lives, relationships, and eventual careers. The contributors also share how they dealt with issues they confronted while growing up, such as bullying, making eye contact, and honing social skills. Different...Not Less shows how, with work, each of the contributors: Found invaluable mentors, Learned skills necessary for employment when young, Became successfully employed, Developed self-confidence, Faced the challenges of forming and maintaining relationships(and sometimes) Raised families
(Source: Amazon)
Lawson, W. in Grandin, T. (2020). Different Not Less: Inspiring Stories of Achievement and Successful Employment from Adults with Autism, Asperger's, and ADHD (Revised & Updated). Future Horizons: Arlington, TX Release date 3 November 2020
Buy here.
Click here to show/hide description
Temple Grandin offers the world yet another great work, an inspiring and informative book that offers both hope and encouragement. In these pages, Temple presents the personal success stories of fourteen unique individuals that illustrate the extraordinary potential of those on the autism spectrum.
One of Temple's primary missions is to help people with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, and ADHD tap into their hidden abilities. Temple chose these contributors from a wide variety of different skill sets to show how it can be done. Each individual tells their own story in their own words about their lives, relationships, and eventual careers. The contributors also share how they dealt with issues they confronted while growing up, such as bullying, making eye contact, and honing social skills. Different...Not Less shows how, with work, each of the contributors: Found invaluable mentors, Learned skills necessary for employment when young, Became successfully employed, Developed self-confidence, Faced the challenges of forming and maintaining relationships(and sometimes) Raised families
(Source: Amazon)
Lawson, W. in Beardon, L. & Worton, D. (Ed.) (2017) Love, partnership or singleton on the autism spectrum. JKP: London
Where to buy: AUS - UK - US
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In an immensely varied and thoughtful collection of true life reflections on love, marriage and the single life, 26 authors with autism share their experiences and knowledge about successful (and unsuccessful) relationships. Digging deep into the many and varying ways in which autism affects feelings and relationships with others, these honest and intelligent testimonies give the insider's perspective on love on the spectrum. Whether you're a serial dater, hopelessly romantic or happily single, these perceptive and often funny explorations shows how to make good choices, surmount bad ones, and live a good life.
(Source: Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
Lawson, W. & Lawson, B. M. (2017) Transitioning together: One couple's journey of gender and identity discovery. JKP: London.
Where to buy: AUS - UK - US
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This is the story of a long-lasting relationship, surviving against the odds. It is the story of Wenn and Beatrice Lawson, born almost twelve years apart in different countries with different cultures, who were both assigned female at birth. After nineteen years of marriage and four children, Wenn entered a same-sex relationship with Beatrice. Little did Beatrice know that twenty-two years later, Wenn would transition from female to male. This unique and honest memoir tells the story of Wenn's transition and Beatrice's journey alongside him.
Co-written by Wenn and Beatrice, who are both on the autism spectrum, this book offers a rare insight into an older couple's experience of transition, with particular emphasis on how Beatrice really felt about the changes. Without holding back, they tell the true story of the conflicts, challenges and growing celebration and joy that can arise from transitioning together as a couple.
(Source: Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
Wyle, P., Lawson, W. & Beardon, L. (2016) (Ed's) Nine degrees of Autism: A Developmental Model for the Alignment and Reconciliation of Hidden Neurological Conditions. Routledge: London
Where to buy: AUS - UK - US
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The Nine Degrees of Autism presents a much-needed positive tool for understanding the developmental process of autism, and to facilitate the improved mental health and well-being of individuals on the spectrum. The ground-breaking model charts nine distinct stages of development - from pre-identification, to learning to live with changes in self-image following a late diagnosis, through to self-acceptance and wellbeing. Using the model as a framework each chapter focuses on a particular stage of the process. Experts provide personal insights into the environmental and societal challenges faced by individuals with autism, and dispel a number of popular misconceptions.
The positive developmental model described in this book will encourage people on the Spectrum to accept themselves by focusing on their gifts rather than weaknesses, and to avoid identifying with negative medical classifications. The developmental process which the authors describe is also applicable to other 'hidden' neurological conditions such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Aphasia, and ADHD.
The book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the real nature and experience of autism and will also be essential reading for a range of professionals seeking to work more effectively with individuals on the spectrum.
(Source: Routledge Publishers)
Lawson, W. (2015) Older adults and autism spectrum conditions: An introduction and guide. JKP: London.
Where to buy: AUS - UK - US
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The first book to look seriously at the practical issues facing older adults with autism spectrum conditions (ASC), Wenn Lawson's groundbreaking handbook offers support, advice, and sensible ways in which to look at the issues.
Informed by current research, interviews with older people diagnosed with ASC and his own experience, the author covers a multitude of issues including dealing with transitions and changes to routine, communicating an individual's particular needs and wishes to care home staff, the social and financial impact of retirement, mental health, and sensory and physical changes and challenges.
Older people with ASC and their family and friends, as well as the professionals supporting them, will find this an indispensable and accessible book.
(Source: Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
Lawson, W. (2010) The passionate mind: How people with autism learn. JKP: London
Where to buy: AUS - UK - US
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In entirely accessible terms, Wenn Lawson lays out his groundbreaking theory of Single Attention and Associated Cognition in Autism (SAACA), an approach that explains autism in terms of the unique learning style of individuals on the autism spectrum.
He shows that whereas neurotypical people can easily shift their attention from one interest to another, those on the autism spectrum tend to focus on a single theme at any one time. This leads to a deep, intense attention. Wenn describes practical outcomes for individuals, families, educators and employers. He shows that when this unique learning style is understood, valued and accommodated, individuals on the autism spectrum can be empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
This is an essential read for anyone with a personal or professional interest in autism, including individuals on the spectrum and their families, educators, clinical practitioners, researchers, occupational therapists, and other professionals.
(Source: Jessica Kingsley Publihers)
Lawson, W. in Santomauro, S. (2012) (Ed) Autism All-Stars: How We Use Our Autism and Asperger Traits to Shine in Life. JKP: London
Where to buy: AUS - UK - US
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Looking at the positive influences, great talents and unique thought processes of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, this book is a celebration of those who have used their autism to shine in life.
Writers from all over the world at different stages in their careers, and from very different backgrounds, share their experiences of creating a successful life on the autism spectrum. Each explains how it is possible to draw on autistic strengths not just to make your way in the world, overcoming challenges and obstacles, but also to make your life a real success. Education, the world of work, and relationships are the focus of the first part of the book, which then goes on to look at exceptional creativity, and the use of special interests.
The autobiographical stories in this book are full of wisdom and humour, and will be an inspiration for anyone with high-functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome, their family and friends, and the professionals who work alongside them.
(Source: Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
Lawson, W. (2008) Concepts of normality: The autistic and typical spectrum. JKP: London
Where to buy: AUS - UK - US
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For those with autism, understanding 'normal' can be a difficult task. For those without autism, the perception of 'normal' can lead to unrealistic expectations of self and others. This book explores how individuals and society understand 'normal', in order to help demystify and make accessible a full range of human experience.
Wenn Lawson outlines the theory behind the current thinking and beliefs of Western society that have led to the building of a culture that fails to be inclusive. He describes what a wider concept of 'normal' means and how to access it, whether it's in social interaction, friendships, feelings, thoughts and desires or various other aspects of 'normality'. Practical advice is offered on a range of situations, including how to find your role within the family, how to integrate `difference' into everyday society, and how to converse and connect with others.
Accessible and relevant to people both on and off the autism spectrum, this book offers a fresh look at what it means to be `normal'.
(Source: Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
Lawson, W. (2008) in Edmonds, G. & Beardon, L. (2008) Asperger Syndrome and Social Relationships: Adults Speak Out. JKP: London
Where to buy: AUS - UK - US
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Social interaction among neurotypical people is complex and in many ways illogical. To the person with Asperger Syndrome it is also woefully unintuitive. In this book, adults with AS discuss social relationships, offer support for others with AS and provide necessary insights into AS perspectives for those working and interacting with them.
(Source: Jessica Kingsley Publishers)
Murray, D., & Lawson, W. (2007). Inclusion through technology for autistic children. In R. Cigman (ed.), Included Or Excluded?: The Challenge of the Mainstream for Some SEN Children, pp. 151-157. Routledge: London. ISBN: 0-203-96606-6.
Where to buy: Routledge
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In a pamphlet published in 2005 Mary Warnock expressed concerns about some of the concepts that she had helped to introduce in the field of special education almost three decades earlier. She argued that the role of special schools was unclear and the pursuit of inclusion had become too ideological.
This highly topical book suggests that distinctions should be made between kinds of special needs and the possibility addressed that some SEN children might be happier and more effective as learners within non-mainstream settings. Her call for a government review to investigate these problems raised its media profile, fuelling the debate. This book pulls together contributions from all sides of the argument.
An essential read for anyone involved in special education as well as the philosophy and ethics of education this book truly breaks new ground.
(Source: Routledge Publishers)
Lawson, W. (2007) Solving the mystery of a particular dilemma: Home, school & family (Jesse Book 1). W. Lawson (Self-pubs)
Where to buy: eBook
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This intriguing and challenging story is an important and relevant read for any young person interested in the mysteries of family life and daily dilemmas. Jessie, our heroine, is an autistic youngster who learns to cope with the challenges of change; changes to family through the birth of her sister and her Father's illness, as well as changes to her home and school life. Jessie also uncovers the mysteries to being 'social' and finds a way to build the types of friendship that seemed so out of reach. Children on the autistic spectrum need books that they can relate to and that they can find themselves in.
'There just aren't very many books written with us in mind and it's really important that kids with autism and Asperger's have a role model they can identify with'.
Lawson, W. (2007) Solving the mystery of a particular dilemma: Friends (Jesse Book 2). W. Lawson (Self-pubs)
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