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Look Me In The Eye: I cannot tell you how much I loved reading this book. I laughed, I cried, and, most importantly, I saw the world through the eyes of someone living with Aspgerger's. And that view was beautiful.
John's very honest and very candid memoir touched me personally in so many ways. First, I recognized myself and my childhood on several pages. It's difficult being raised by parents with addiction and mental health issues but to have Asperger's and live with those things too? It must have been so difficult for him. Next, it helped me look at the world from Jaimie's eyes in yet another way.
John was never diagnosed with Asperger's as a child. He grew up knowing he was...different...but not knowing why. HE knew how to do things...why didn't everyone else? He learned 'social smarts' by watching people around him; he picked up on the fact that the way the thought about people, situations and events in his world were very different from than the way others did; and he learned how to tap into his 'gifts' as a way to make his mark in the world, as it were. Jaimie hasn't been diagnosed with Asperger's either but I know there's something there. Although not quite along the same lines as John, she has similar ways of thinking, of dealing with things around her and viewing the world.
This is absolutely a 'must read' for so many reasons. It gives us a very honest depiction of what it's like living with Aspergers---no veils, no jargon, no prettying things up so we 'understand' just the bare view. We move through life with John as he experiences each high and low. It helps caregivers of these children justify what they see and live with every day. It gives them a voice as if to say, "See? THIS is what's 'going on' with my child. Please try seeing things through his eyes." It makes it 'real'.
Thank you so much to John for writing this book and sharing it with the world And thank you to his brother for giving him the gentle encouragement he needed to get started. This is a very important book. And I'm grateful to have experienced it.
Asperger's and Girls (Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Tony Attwood, Catherine Faherty, et al): Because the majority of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders are boys and men, the voices of girls on the spectrum have been practically inaudible — until now. At long last, here is a book that provides women on the autism spectrum the opportunity to tell the world about their experiences, good and bad. Their candid reflections will warm your heart while giving you a backstage pass to another realm. Leading professionals in the field punctuate this masterpiece with fascinating articles that offer insightful advice. Finally, autism literature isn’t just a “man’s world.”
Asperger's Syndrome--A Guide For Parents and Professionals (DVD) Dr. Tony Attwood: Dr. Tony Attwood is a Clinical Psychologist who has specialized in autism for over 20 years. He is a practicing clinical psychologist with special interest in early diagnosis, severe challenging behavior and Asperger's Syndrome. As he covers the theory of mind of those with this challenge, he broadens our understanding of these unique individuals. This presentation was given to audiences in Nashville, Atlanta, Detroit and Seattle. In all cities, attendees were unanimous in their appreciation for the quality of his ideas. 3 Hours
Asperger's--What Does It Mean To Me...(Catherine Faherty): This workbook gives children and teens with high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome an opportunity to understand themselves and their diagnosis. Explaining that autism is "another way of thinking and being," it offers activities that help children understand learning styles, sensory experiences, artistic talent, other people, communication, the school environment, friends, and feelings. In each of these areas, introductory material is addressed to the parent, teacher, or therapist explaining how they can help structure the child's experience in order to promote understanding and positive interaction. Special binding allows for easy photcopying for classroom use.
