Martian in the Playground

Illuminates what it means to be a person who has Aspergers Syndrome by providing a window into a unique and particular world. This book holds insights that take us beyond the standard guidance on how to manage autistic spectrum disorder. It challenges the way we might handle obsessional behaviour.

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A new edition of this book is available



WINNER OF TES/NASEN BEST ACADEMIC BOOK AWARD 2000





`It is to be hoped that teachers and others who deal with children and young people in group settings will read this book and realize that there is a positive as well as a negative side to autism. Whilst it is a huge burden for any parents to know that their child is different, if must help to know that that child can be happy. In trying to help children conform to a fairly arbitrary ′norm′, do we risk turning some with much to contribute, into misfits whose families and schools apologize for them rather than celebrating their very individual learning styles, personalities and potential? ′ - Jane Lovey, Cambridge University School of Education





`In her book Martian in the Playground, Clare Sainsbury gives a scholarly and insightful description of the experience of people with Asperger′s Syndrome. The accounts of their memories of school, both in the classroom and in social settings, should be read by all involved in education of students with an autistic disorder. This book will be if interest to all who are involved with Asperger′s Syndrome: parents, professional and the young people themselves′- Dr Jane Shields, Director NAS Earlybird Centre





`This is amazingly informative book that should be read by every parent/family of a child with Asperger′s Syndrome. It should also be included on the reading list of any teachers who have an Asperger′s pupil in their class…. I am deeply grateful to Clare Sainsbury for writing this book because now when I am forced to justify my son′s outrageous behaviour to members of my family, friends and acquaintances I can save my breadth and just hand them this wonderful volume′ - Grapevine





`An extremely perceptive account of the experiences that young people with Asperger′s Syndrome go through during their schooling′ - Education Psychology in Practice





`Written in a clear accessible style… a profoundly optimistic book… education manuals such as this one have an essential role to play in promoting inclusive practice, and as such it is highly recommended reading′ - Disability & Society








`This deceptively little book contains more truth and provides more insight into what it is like to have Asperger′s Syndrome than many weighty tome on the subject. It offers a view from the inside, but it is not yet another autobiography. Admirably and refreshingingly, the author has refrained from giving an account solely based on her own experiences. Instead she sets out observations from 25 different suffers, giving often astonishing and sometimes harrowing glimpses of what actually happens to a child with Asperger′s′ s Syndrome in the classroom, in the playground, in the lunch queue and at home′ - Child Psychology & Psychiatry


`This is an exceptional book which succeeds brilliantly in providing an insight into what life is like for a youngster with Asperger′s Syndrome′ - Special Children





`This is a wise and enabling book which is also a damn good read′- Peter Clough, University of Sheffield











This exceptional book aims to illuminate what it means to be a person who has Aspergers Syndrome by providing a window into a unique and particular world. Drawing on her own experience of schooling, and that of a network of friends and correspondents who share her way of thinking and responding, Clare Sainsbury reminds us of the unique potential for harm which education holds for those who do not fit.





This book holds insights that take us beyond the standard guidance on how to manage autistic spectrum disorder. It challenges the way we might handle obsessional behaviour.





It invites us to celebrate the pure passion of the intellect, which such obsessions can represent, and to recognise the delight which can be experienced by children who love to collect. It reminds us that many of the autistic mannerisms we might try to suppress actually help the child to think.