Intimacy and Asperger Syndrome – Can They Coexist?

April 16, 2009 - PRLog -- Vancouver, WA – Asperger Syndrome is a form of autism that has captured the attention of the media because of the inexplainable increase in diagnoses among children. But, what happens when children with Asperger Syndrome grow up? Can they have meaningful, intimate relationships? The answer to these questions can be found in Dr. Kathy Marshack’s new book: “Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going over the Edge? Practical Steps to Saving You and Your Relationship” published by Autism Asperger Publishing Company.

Interest in the subject of intimacy and Asperger Syndrome is growing, but the answers are scarce. In fact, so little is written on the subject of adult Asperger Syndrome (AS) relationships that Dr. Marshack received hundreds of emails from desperate people around the world – primarily women married to men with AS – after posting just one chapter of her book on her website. She was also interviewed for an article in USA Today entitled, “A long shadow is lifted on Asperger’s in adults” published on July 23, 2007.

Dr. Marshack explains the dramatic and emotional response to her book, “Thousands of people in a relationship with someone with Asperger Syndrome are suffering in silence. Most adults with Asperger Syndrome are undiagnosed so someone’s smart, financially successful husband could have AS, yet they’re undiagnosed and can pass for normal, except at home.”

When there’s a lack of understanding, these relationships often become strained. Worse yet, conflicts can escalate to damaging proportions, involving divorce, domestic violence and depression. Marshack dives right into these sensitive issues and shows readers how to take control of their lives and grow away from dysfunctional behavior and dysfunctional relationships.

As a psychologist, Dr. Marshack shares poignant true stories – based on her own life as well as the lives of her clients. The book focuses on how partners/spouses of someone with AS can take back his or her life and find true meaning and happiness. The forward is written by Dr. Stephen Shore, internationally known author, consultant, and presenter on issues related to the autism spectrum who candidly shares insights from his own marriage. In addition, each chapter closes with a series of “Lessons Learned” that recap the main points of the chapter and offer new ways to look at these very unique challenges.

This book is meant for the many who suffer in silence and, with increased awareness and understanding can make a difference in the happiness of many couples and families throughout the world. To learn more visit http://www.kmarshack.com/publications/as/index.html.

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Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. She has more than 30 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist and business coach. Dr. Marshack has written two previous books, a variety of articles and a family business column, and is a contributor to the nationally acclaimed Sixty Things to Do When You Turn Sixty. She has been profiled by national and local media, such as CNN, the Lifetime Channel, USA Today, and National Public Radio. Learn more by visiting http://www.kmarshack.com.