What Is the AAPC?

The AAPC began publishing in 1999.

Founded in 1999, the Autism Asperger Publishing Company (AAPC) is a U.S. based publishing company, which aims to be a key source for advice on autism, Asperger's syndrome and related developmental disorders. The AAPC are independent publishers, whose output is aimed at both medical professionals and the parents and caregivers of autism and Asperger's syndrome sufferers.

Company Ethos

Publications aim to offer practical advice.

The AAPC focus on providing contemporary, practical advice to parents, medical practioners and teachers on an array of conditions associated with autism and Asperger's syndrome. Publications aim to be practical rather than technical, and in turn accessible to a wide variety of readers in need of assistance. To highlight the company's reputation, the AAPC is continually seeking out partnerships with advocacy groups to further the company's growth and profitability.

Affiliations

Conferences form a key part of the AAPC's corporate strategy.

In addition to it's primary role as a publisher, the AAPC also host conferences across the U.S. to promote its publications and to increase awareness for Asperger and autism-related conditions. The the AAPC's website states that it has long-standing partnerships with two U.S. organizations: the Asperger Syndrome Coalition of the United States (ASCUS) and MAAP (More Advanced Individuals with Autism, Asperger Syndrome and Pervasive Development Disorder). The AAPC also markets their products via the Internet and utilize a colorful logo, which relates to the sensory issues many sufferers of autism and Asperger syndrome experience.

Trends

Diagnoses of Asperger's syndrome and autism are on the increase.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the diagnoses of Asperger's syndrome and conditions related to autism. The causes of such an increase are not yet clearly deciphered, but it seems likely that genetic and environmental factors have each had an influence. The AAPC envision this pattern will continue and have already seen demand for their publications increase as schools seek to provide a more supportive learning environment.

Demography

The U.S. leads the way in diagnosis levels and intervention strategies worldwide.

According to AAPC's website, the company believes the recent drive in demand for publications related to Asperger's syndrome and conditions on the autism spectrum is not only due to the demands of teachers and parents, but also individual sufferers, who are becoming increasingly adept at identifying and fulfilling their own developmental needs. The U.S. is leading the way in this regard, recording significantly higher levels of diagnosis and intervention when compared to regions of Europe and Japan.

Types of Publications

AAPC publications aim to appeal to both students and caregivers.

There are three distinct forms of publications issued by the AAPC. The first kind focuses on medical research into the causes of the disorders and are likely to appeal only to medical practitioners or those undertaking advance studies at a university. Secondly, the AAPC publish books which elucidate the diagnosis of Asperger's and autism-related conditions and outline the precise developmental characteristics of each affliction.

The AAPC Niche

The AAPC's specialist focus is on publications related to strategies of intervention.

The final type of publication issued by the AAPC, and an area which they consider to be their niche, are those related to intervention. The audience for this kind of book tends to be wider as they can appeal to both parents and professionals, each of whom require effective strategies in developmental fields relating to Asperger's syndrome and autism, such as speech-language pathology and occupational therapy. Most publications in this sphere tend to be geared towards the needs of young children, but the AAPC aims to redress this balance in future years by tackling developmental frailties in adults relating to such issues as employment and the forming of adult relationships.

References

• Autism Asperger Publishing Company: About Us