Johnson (board member, Autism Research Institute) and Van Rensselaer (a therapist working with alcoholics in recovery) have compiled first person accounts by parents and other family members of adults with autism, with a few from medical professionals in the field. The 36 chapters discuss challenges in institutional treatment, medication, school and work, emerging sexuality in adults with autism, physical activity, and others specific to life after childhood. These anecdotes are intended for similar families as well as professionals working with autism.

Foreword. Stephen M. Edelson, PhD, Director of the Autism Research Institute, USA. 1. Helen Landalf. Helen Landalf, daughter of Dr Bernard Rimland. 2. Joan H. Goble, M.D. Joan H. Goble, pediatric opthamologist. 3. Jean and Michael Curtin. Jean, mother of Michael and Michael Curtin, writer. 4. Katie Dolan. Katie Dolan, activist, president of Seattle ASA. 5. John Henley. John Henley, father of Sean. 6. Gerda McCarthy. Gerda McCarthy, Director-founder, International Autistic Research Organization/Autism Research Ltd. 7. Toby Arenberg. Toby Arenberg,Co-founder, Jay Nolan Community Services. 8. Raymond Gallup. Raymond Gallup, Co-founder and Director, Vaccine Autoimmune Project. 9. Julie Gallup. Julie Gallup, daughter of Ray. 10. Clara Claiborne Park. Clara Claiborne Park, author. 11. Carol Croke. Carol Croke, Co-founder, The Autism Society of Oregon. 12. Matthew DeLuca. Matthew DeLuca, father of Peter. 13. Jinny and Bill Kemmel. Jinny and Bill Kemmel, parents of Bill. 14. Elaine Woodruff. Elaine Woodruff, mother of Kristina Woodruff, artist with autism. 15. Ann Laferty-Snowhook. Ann Laferty-Snowhook, Co-founder, Jay Nolan Community Service. 16. Jordan Snowhook. Jordan Snowhook, son of Ann. 17. Elizabeth Snowhook. Elizabeth Snowhook, daughter of Ann.18. Kim Oakley. Kim Oakley, writer. 19. Irina Lobkovitz. Irina Lobkovitz, mother of Henry. 20. Kristin Zhivago. Kristin Zhivago, mother of Michael. 21. Sue Swezey. Sue Swezey, Co-founder, San Francisco Bay Area Chapter, Autism Society of America. 22. Edith P. Gray. Edith P. Gray, mother of Michael. 23. Beth Sposato. Beth Sposato, editor, `The A Book: A Collection of Writings from ASA ADVOCATE, 1979-89'. 24. Sharon Lettick Crotzer. Sharon Lettick Crotzer, daughter of Amy Lettick, Founder of Benhaven 25. Ruth C. Sullivan. Ruth C. Sullivan, PhD, founder of Autism Services Center and first president of ASA. 26. Toshiko Lyons. Toshiko Lyons, mother of Edmund. 27. Sally Graham. Sally Graham, mother of Edward. 28. Lawrence Stream. Lawrence Stream, doctor and father of LW. 29. Maxine Richards. Maxine Richards, mother of Randy. 30. Arlene J. Paster. Arlene Paster, Co-founder, Jay Nolan Community Services 31. Mary Laird Flanagan. Mary Laird Flanagan, former president, ASA Long Island. 32. Dr. and Mrs. William K. Henry. Rev William K. Henry, Ed.D., and Jan Henry, wife and mother of Andrew. 33. Francine M. Bernstein. Francine H. Bernstein, founder of the BLARE House Program. 34. Dorothy Beavers. Dr Dorothy Beavers, author of Autism; Nightmare Without End. 35. Jim Cockey. Jim Cockney, composer. 36. Audrey Flack. Audrey Flack, artist.