Suggestions and solutions for dealing with the everyday frustrations of children with AS when things don't go their way!

Why do I have to go to school before the show that I am watching is over? Why do I have to wear shoes and a jacket when I go outside? Rules like these can be really frustrating - but they don't have to be!

Why do I have to? looks at a set of everyday situations that provide challenges for children at home, with their friends, and at school. Laurie Leventhal-Belfer empathizes with children's wish to do things their way, explains clearly why their way does not work, and provides a list of practical suggestions for how to cope with these challenges and avoid feelings of frustration. This is the ideal book for children who have difficulty coping with the expectations of daily living, as well as for their parents and the professionals who work with them.

"This is a useful self-help guide that tackles a wide range of issues... some of the strategies involve a lot of personal initiation... Although, this book is not explicitly aimed at children on the autism spectrum, it certainly tackles issues particular to this population. The author clearly has experience in this area.. she is founder and director of The Friends Program, the therapeutic group project for children with Asperger's in the US... it is certainly a resource that educational psychologists could use in their work with service users. It also be recommended as reading for some children, teachers and parents who are having particular issues with dealing with rules and need a logical explanation and some guidance. It is accessible and easy to read with amusing picture to add interest and most of all, there is a positive ethos underpinning this book, which helps reassure children that they are not alone in their frustrations and there are ways to help." - Debate - British Psychological Society