Useful contacts, websites and publications for partners

Contacts

For general information on autism spectrum disorders, contact our Autism Helpline (open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm).

Autism Helpline
The National Autistic Society
393 City Road
London EC1V 1NG

The Autism Helpline has a database of counsellors who work with partners and individuals with Asperger syndrome. The Helpline also has information called Help for partners - some frequently asked questions.

Other contacts

Relate have trained counsellors dealing with relationships where a person with Asperger syndrome is involved. Contact Relate to see if there is a counsellor in your area on 0845 456 1310 or contact the NAS Autism Helpline on 0808 800 4104.

Mailing lists/newsletters

• Aut-partners
  A discussion/support list for partners of people with an autism spectrum disorder. 
• FAAAS (Families of Adults Affected by Asperger Syndrome)
  A discussion list which deals specifically with issues concerning the partners, family members and friends of people with Asperger syndrome. Select 'Bulletin Board' on the website.
• Autism/Asperger Syndrome Marriage Support
  This group is for married people who BOTH have either autism or Asperger syndrome. 

Websites

• Asperger Marriage
  Aims to provide a positive message about Asperger syndrome within marriage and to show that it is possible to maintain a functional and successful relationship.
• AspergersAndOtherHalf
  A web-based forum and support grooup where neurotypical partners and spouses of people with Asperger syndrome can connect with people in similar situations, who understand the realities of living with a partner on the spectrum.
• ASPIRES
  An online resource for spouses and family members of adults diagnosed or suspected to be on the autism spectrum. Includes information and support about relationships.

Books

The following publications give information about Asperger syndrome and have proved helpful to some partners.

Aston, M. (2009). The Asperger couple's workbook: practical advice and activities for couples and counsellors. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 9781843102533, 144pp.
Offers practical advice on verbal and non-verbal communication, sexual issues, socialising and parenting skills, where one partner has Asperger syndrome.
Available from Amazon or other booksellers: www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Attwood, T. (2008). The complete guide to Asperger's syndrome.  London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 9781843106692, 400pp.
An extremely useful book full of practical ideas on Asperger syndrome.
Available from Amazon or other booksellers: www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Bentley, K. (20074). Alone together: making an Asperger marriage work. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 9781843105374, 128pp.
Personal account by the wife of a man with Asperger syndrome.
Available from Amazon or other booksellers: www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Hendrickx, S. and Newton, K. (2007). Asperger syndrome: a love story. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 9781843105404. 141pp.
Personal account by a couple where the male partner has Asperger syndrome.
Available from Amazon or other booksellers: www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Hendrickx, S. (20085). Love, sex and long-term relationships: what people with Asperger syndrome really really want. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 9781843106050, 148pp.
Explores the issues of how to establish or conduct sexual relationships.
Available from Amazon or other booksellers: www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop 

Jacobs, B. (2006). Loving Mr Spock: the story of a different kind of love. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1843104725, 240pp.
The story of a man with Asperger syndrome, written by the woman who loved him.
Available from Amazon or other booksellers: www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Marshack, K. J. (2009). Life with a partner or spouse with Asperger syndrome: going over the edge?: practical steps to saving you and your relationship. Shawnee Mission, Kansas: Autism Asperger Publishing, 9781934575475, 176pp.
Discusses the impact that a partner with Asperger syndrome can have on relationships, focusing on how the other partner can have a fulfilling life.
Available from Amazon or other booksellers: www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Slater-Walker, G. and C. (2002). An Asperger marriage. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1843100177, 160pp.
The first book to discuss a successful marriage where one partner has Asperger syndrome, giving practical advise to other couples in similar situations.
Available from Amazon or other booksellers: www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Stanford, A. (2003). Asperger syndrome and long-term relationships. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 1843107341, 288pp.
Explores behaviour of individuals with Asperger syndrome in relationships in detail, offering strategies for better communication and relief of tensions.
Available from Amazon or other booksellers: www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Weston, L. (2010). Connecting with your Asperger partner: negotiating the maze of intimacy. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 9781849051309, 176pp.
Provides strategies for relating to and communicating  with a partner with Asperger syndrome.
Available from Amazon or other booksellers: www.autism.org.uk/amazonshop

Information from the NAS

Benson, S. (2005). Partners – some frequently asked questions. London: The National Autistic Society.
Available from the NAS website at www.autism.org.uk/22520