"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.
About the Author: Kathy J. Marshack, Ph.D., P.S., is a licensed psychologist with more than 33 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist and business coach. Dr. Marshack's first book on Asperger Syndrome, Going Over the Edge? Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome, was published in 2009. After its release, she was overwhelmed by the response of readers from around the world, who felt alone and misunderstood navigating innately complex relationships with loved ones with Asperger Syndrome. In response, Dr. Marshack organized the international Meetup group, Asperger Syndrome: Partners & Family of Adults with ASD, which gives members the opportunity to offer support via the online forum or in-person meetings. She also blogs regularly about Asperger relationships and plans to offer webinars, so that more people can get the education and support they need. In addition to working with those who have Asperger Syndrome, Dr. Marshack helps clients with a wide range of issues. Her expertise includes: depression, marital counseling, high-conflict divorce, codependency and adoptive family issues. She is also considered a national expert on families in business, having authored a "Families in Business" column and the book, Entrepreneurial Couples: Making It at Work and at Home. Dr. Marshack and her books have been featured in articles in dozens of publications, including the Boston Globe, Kiplinger's, The New York Times, The San Francisco Examiner, Smart Money Magazine, Inc. Magazine, USA Today and Business Week. She is frequently profiled by national and local media - such as CNN, The Lifetime Channel and National Public Radio. She was also a contributor to the nationally acclaimed book, Sixty Things to Do When You Turn Sixty. Dr. Marshack's credentials include a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Portland State University in Oregon, a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Hawaii in Hawaii, and a Doctorate in Psychology from the Fielding Institute in California. She is a Certified Practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming, Ericksonian Hypnosis, Thought Field Therapy and NET (Neuro-Emotional Technique). She resides by the beautiful Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington and has an office there as well as a satellite office in Portland, Oregon.