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Psst … What does that mean? A son and mom writing team has the answers for young men on the autism spectrum

The teenage years are simultaneously shared by teens and their parents. In Asperger Download: A Guide to Help Teenage Males with Asperger Syndrome Trouble-Shoot Life's Challenges, Damian Santomauro and his mother, Josie, share their dual experiences by defining major terms that teenage males encounter during their journey into manhood. Damian was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of five. Now he's in college and ready to share his experiences with teens who are experiencing what he lived through.

Asperger Download is a helpful resource for adolescents and young adults that takes defining terms like acne and zits to the next level. First Damien defines the term in a voice that other AS teens can relate to. Then Josie describes the term or concept from a parent's point of view.

Asperger Download is particularly relevant and authentic, because Damien has used his personal experiences to create his own reflections on each and every one of the definitions in the book. It is proof that with a little understanding and preparation, navigating through the teenage years can be a smoother ride. Asperger Download: A Guide to Help Teenage Males with Asperger Syndrome Trouble-Shoot Life's Challenges is appropriate for teenage males ages 11-16.

Excerpt: GOSSIP - Whispering, rumor, scandalous talk Gossip is small talk, rumors and stuff. It's not nice to gossip about people, though I have to admit that I do it sometimes; most people do. At my school, I do more listening than passing it on. I have to remember not to think that it is all true. People did a little gossip about me when someone typed my name in Google and found information on Asperger and me. People were like "What? What's this?" and there was a little talking going around; nothing big. I just ignored it. o Damian To know the difference between gossip and non-gossip, ask yourself, "Would I say this to the person's face?" If you wouldn't, but you would say it to somebody else, then it's probably gossip. For example, I complain to a friend, "Damian is so annoying; his room is always untidy and so messy." Because this is something that I always tell Damian anyhow, to his face, it isn't gossip. But if I said to a friend, ''Damian is such a pain; I wish he'd move out," and this is something I wouldn't say to Damian's face, then it is gossip. You may be very literal and truly believe what people tell you. It is quite common for persons with Asperger Syndrome to be very black and white in their thinking. When in doubt, ask a good friend or an adult to help you sort things out. o Josie KISSING - When one person's lips touch another person's lips Kissing is something people like to do when they have feelings for each other. It is basically when people press their lips together. More can be done in kissing, such as the use of tongue. The feelings that are present when people kiss can be different every time. It can be a love feeling (see Love), or it can be a feeling of lust, which is more sexual than love. I suggest that if you want to kiss a girl, you prepare yourself and go over the situation first in your mind. If you and the person you want to kiss are together as a dating couple, then it is probably appropriate. If you are not together, it is inappropriate to kiss if the person doesn't feel the same way. You can never just go up to someone and kiss without warning, because not only is that scary to the person you kissed, it is also socially unacceptable. In fact, it can be illegal because it can be seen as harassment. o Damian Very good advice, Damian. If you want to learn more or practice kissing, watch movies - and see lots of different types of kissing - soft, hard, quick, long, and so on. Don't be too nervous or stressed out when you are going to kiss; just relax, and it will come naturally to you. There are different types of kissing, from a kiss on the cheek for your grandmother to a romantic kiss for your girlfriend. Ultimately, if you don't want to do it, don't! o Josie

Reviews:

"From A to Z, Damian, a person with Asperger Syndrome, and his mother team up to present the "straight scoop" on some of the most perplexing aspects of successful transition to adulthood for those of us with Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism. Thank you for providing a lucid and clear window into our world for people who support those on the autism spectrum."

"Asperger Download is a thoroughly enlightening guide to teenage life on the autism spectrum. This mother-and-son team is blessed with insights and explanatory powers that most of us can only envy from afar. A treat to read and an essential guide for any teenager - Asperger's or otherwise."

"I highly recommend Asperger Download to anyone who cares for or works with a teenager with Asperger Syndrome, as well as to teenagers themselves. The book uniquely provides the dual perspectives of a teenager with Asperger Syndrome and his mother. Josie and Damian have successfully navigated many of the challenges of AS, while celebrating its innumerable gifts. They discuss with great wisdom and knowledge a wealth of important and highly relevant topics, giving insight and strategies to help cope with the teenage years and beyond."

"Asperger Download is an invaluable resource for teens with AS written by a teenager with Asperger Syndrome with clarifying comments by his mother. Damian shares his experiences and offers definitions and advice to his peers on topics relevant to the teen with Asperger Syndrome. It's a wonderfully user-friendly compendium of "everything you always wanted to know about …" for teenagers with AS. Exceptionally well organized (dictionary style) and comprehensive, the book covers topics such as acne, stress, swearing and hygiene in a clear and straightforward manner. This is truly a welcome addition to existing resources for teenagers with AS."

"Asperger Download is a concise, informative read! Teens with Asperger Syndrome will benefit from the insights on life, challenges and social rules, delivered within a direct, no-nonsense writing style by a teenager who 'has been there.'"

"Well done, Josie and Damian! This book addresses key topics relevant to aspie teenage boys from A-Z, explaining them in a very honest, yet sensitive and tactful manner. As the mother of an aspie teenage boy, I immediately saw the relevance of the topics selected, and am certain my son and other boys will gain from reading this book."