Asperger Dictionary of Everyday Expressions

Product Description

This revised and expanded edition adds over 300 new expressions that help unlock the meaning of everyday expressions. Both informative and entertaining, the book addresses an important aspect of social communication for people with Asperger Syndrome, who use direct, precise language and 'take things literally'. This dictionary aims to dispel any confusion that arises from the misinterpretation of language. It provides explanations of over 5000 idiomatic expressions and a useful guide to their politeness level. Each expression is accompanied by a clear explanation of its meaning and when and how it might be used. The expressions are taken from British and American English, with some Australian expressions included as well. Although the book is primarily intended for people with Asperger Syndrome, it will be useful for anyone who finds problems understanding idiomatic and colloquial English. An essential resource and an informative read, this dictionary will assist in a wide range of situations.
Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #112635 in Books
* Published on: 2007-02-15
* Original language: English
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Paperback
* 256 pages

Editorial Reviews

Review
"'This is a truly inspirational book and teaching tool and a very successful dictionary for all. It should be on the bookshelves of every inclusive classroom, house and office'. - Good Autism Practice 'A useful addition to the reference library of parents and professionals working with children and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders'. - The National Association for Gifted Children '...illustrates just how complex the English language is... A brilliant idea if you're not sure what an expression means or which one to use.' - Autism West Midlands"

About the Author
Ian Stuart-Hamilton is Professor of Developmental Psychology and Faculty Head of Research at University of Glamorgan, Wales. He has extensive research experience in Lifespan Psychology. His previous books have been critically praised and have been translated into over ten languages.
Customer Reviews

Could Be Quite Useful For Understanding Social Cues, But Seems Almost the Same As a Typical Collection of Colloquialisms3

I didn't really expect that the dictionaries for people with Asperger Syndrome(AS) would be published. But I don't believe the dictionary will guarantee 100% to catch the social lives of people with AS. Of course, I do see the author's intention; to help Aspies(people with Asperger Syndrome) cope more smoothly with their society. And I know it can be quite useful to remember the idiomatic and pragmatic expressions shown in this dictionary when it comes to making conversations more lively. However, that's not everything for Aspies, because overuse of those idioms makes communication more unnatural, awkward, and even confusing. Therefore, to understand the idioms is one thing; to overuse them quite another. Of course, I agree with moderate use of them, though.
After all, I could have given 5 stars to this book with more specific examples. For Aspies and Non-native speakers of English, it might be better to deal with What Did You Say? What Do You Mean?: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Metaphors written by Jude Welton.

A terrific book5
Maybe a little over complex, but great collection of metaphorical and idiomatic expressions, amazing how complex language is becoming!

Any library will find it an excellent language reference.5
Not just for Asperger sufferers is this dictionary of everyday expressions, a reference tool which has been revised and expanded to include some 5000 expressions to reveal the meaning of everyday idiomatic expressions. People with Asperger Syndrome have difficulties with social communication: here entries are clearly explained, cover British and American English alike, and clarifies phrases commonly used - and confused - in social situations. Any library will find it an excellent language reference.