Coming Out Asperger: Diagnosis, Disclosure and Self-Confidence

This is one of those academic style books, that has a variety of papers/articles, though it doesn't seem to be aimed at an academic audience. Being fairly academic myself, I appreciate the format because it enables me to get a variety of opinions and perspectives on this issue.

Of course, the majority of viewpoints seem to be starting from the worst-possible outcome as a result of disclosure and there doesn't seem to be terribly much attention paid to the middle-ground. I think that the ones who say that it's best to deal with disclosure on a one-on-one basis are probably right. The difference between 'hard' and 'soft' disclosure doesn't really make much sense to me, but I do agree that different degrees of disclosure are appropriate in differing settings and cases.

On the whole, this is a useful book, though it does tend to focus more on disclosure in situations where it becomes a necessity rather than a choice.

Look Me In The Eye

This is a fascinating biography of a man born long before Asperger's Syndrome was a recognised diagnosis. An interesting look at his individual quirks and skills. Robison is a highly skilled engineer. He designed the flaming guitars for KISS. Now he has a diagnosis and understands himself better.

I don't really have much to say. This is an account that speaks for itself. If you have any interest, you should read this book.

Thinking in Pictures: My Life with Autism

Temple Grandin is just about the most famous autistic person on the planet. This book talks about the way she sees the world and how that affects her life. She talks about the ways in which being autistic has helped her and hindered her. Most importantly, she talks about autism as a way of being, rather than a disease to be feared and cured. Autism cannot be cured and, in fact, does not need to be cured, a point that Grandin makes perfectly clear. Her life may be very different and not something that neurotypicals (non-autistics) would wish for, but it suits her. It makes her happy. She lives a satisfying, fulfilling life.

Anyone with an interest in the autism spectrum or the ways in which the mind can work should read this book.

Atypical: Life with Asperger's in 20 1/3 Chapters

Our whirlwind trip of the States is almost over. We begin the trip home tomorrow and presumably I will resume my blogging activities.

Jesse Saperstein was born in the same year as me. Around the same time, Asperger's Syndrome (AS) became recognised as a legitimate form of high-functioning autism. Previously, people with AS slipped through the cracks and were generally considered to have personality disorders. Usually, the individual was too high-functioning to be considered disabled, but too disabled to be considered 'normal'. Jesse was diagnosed at the age of fourteen. This book tells the story of his struggles growing up, the changes a diagnosis caused him and the obstacles he still faces.

Highly recommended.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Christopher is a young autistic gentleman. He likes dogs and is distressed when he finds his neighbour's dog dead. He decides to solve the mystery and write a book about it at the same time. This is his book. Along the way he has to do things that he doesn't like doing - for example, talking to strangers (and I really don't blame him, strangers are weird). Then, a few things happen and he finds out that his father lied to him. About something big. And if there is one thing that he does not like it's lies. So then Christopher has to be extremely brave and not only talk to people he doesn't know, but go to places he doesn't know where there are too many people and some of them might touch him.

It's beautifully written and exceedingly clear on how he sees things. His logic is wonderful, though the story is rather sad. This is highly recommended.