First published 2013
John Elder Robison addresses the struggles parents face when their teenagers and young adults have difficulty forming connections with peers. His approach centers on structured lessons that break down social interactions into manageable components. The book targets families dealing with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and similar conditions that create social obstacles. Robison provides concrete rules for conversation skills, from initiating discussions to graceful exits. He covers digital communication protocols, conflict resolution techniques, and strategies for recovering from social setbacks. Each chapter includes role-playing scenarios and practical assignments that transfer skills from home practice to real-world environments like school and work. The book tackles challenging situations including verbal harassment, online bullying, reputation repair, and physical threats. Parents receive guidance on presenting these lessons effectively to their children, with clear frameworks for addressing peer rejection and expanding social circles.
Genres: psychology, mental-health, self-help, social-issues, non-fiction, health, parenting, academic
Vibes: intimate, practical, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-focused, self-improvement
384 pages · Kindle Edition · Jossey-Bass