Book Description

"Out of Mind - Out of Sight: Parenting with a Partner with Asperger Syndrome (ASD)," takes an honest look at the unique issues that come up when you're co-parenting with an Asperger partner. It's a tough assignment because for the Aspie (ASD) parent so many of the interactions within the family circle, that require empathy, are literally out of mind - out of sight. This is essential reading for the Neuro-Typical (NT) parent to learn more about Asperger Syndrome and find a way to co-parent, co-exist and even thrive within the Asperger/NT family unit. Author Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D, is a licensed psychologist with more than 33 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, and a parent of a daughter with AS. This book is a follow-up to her first book to explore Asperger relationships, Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going over the Edge? Practical Steps to Saving You and Your Relationship, which garnered worldwide attention due to its unforgivingly realistic portrayal of loving someone with Asperger's. Once again, in this new book readers will find it is not a quirky, upbeat human-interest story on Asperger Syndrome. Instead, Dr. Marshack doesn't pull back from revealing the harsh realities that a Neuro-Typical (NT) faces in parenting with someone who doesn't fully understand them or their children. However, she also provides hope and practical solutions on how to co-parent more successfully. How is an NT parent supposed to share the multi-dimensional work of parenting with a spouse who has no concept of the empathic glue that holds the parent/child relationship (and the parent/parent relationship) together? There are no shortcuts and no easy answers, but the question is explored in all its multi-faceted complexities. In the first part of the book, Dr. Marshack introduces the reader to the daily life of AS/NT co-parenting. There is no analysis, just raw emotional experiences that will resonate with readers who are living this life. Next, readers will be compelled to shed some of their preconceived notions as Dr. Marshack explains the science behind these troubling relationship as well as state of the art theories on Asperger Syndrome (ASD). At the end of the book Dr. Marshack provides specific techniques to help readers implement the changes they want and need to make to revive their marriage and their parenting as well as reclaim their personal freedom.