Customer Reviews

Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum

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This book is the answer to every person on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) spectrum's prayer. People with Asperger's are empowered with knowledge of what this neurobiological condition entails and how to act as their own advocates. For people on the a/A spectrum, please make this book your best friend. It will certainly pave the way down the Long & Winding Road to social acceptance.

Tacit Social Codes & Rules are often ambiguous and confusing to those on the a/A spectrum. This book does an excellent job of demystifying those rules. Another road block people with Asperger's face is being misinterpreted -- what seems clear and direct and perfectly a propos to somebody on the spectrum sometimes comes over as a social faux pas. George Harrison explained this aspect very well in his 1966 classic, "I Want to Tell You," with the lyric "but if I seem to act unkind, it's only me, it's not my mind. That is confusing things."

One of the major challenges people with Asperger's contend with is determining whether or not to disclose this diagnosis and if so, to whom. This book helps clarify many of those questions and serves as a link to communicating with the neurotypical (NT) population.

I love this book!

This is a one-of-a-kind resource that educators (and so many others) will find very helpful. The subject of disclosure (how, when, where, who) is not commonly covered in other texts on autism and disability-- even though it is so important. Educators and other support people will learn so much from the voices of these individuals on the spectrum. My favorite chapter is Stephen Shore's (author of Beyond the Wall) piece on how students with disabilities can participate in their own educational programs- it is such a practical AND a thoughtful chapter. Shore gives dozens of great examples of how even the youngest child can serve as an agent in his/her own life and education. Thumbs WAY up on this unique and helpful text!

There are so many places where one can go for advice on Asperger Syndrome etc. A host of them are not actually advice for the autistic himself, but are really meant for their parents, teachers, or psychologists. While those people need solid information, its a breath of fresh air to find a book written to the autistic community and by members of the autistic community. For instance, this book has the most succinct and nuanced discussion of the community advocacy issues that I've found. I'm very glad I purchased this book and am sure I will refer back to it from time to time through my life.

I would recommend this book to any autistic person, family, or friends of autistic people. who has to navigate any form of the neurologically typical society. This book explains information that autistic people need to know about, school, work, and even social life. More importantly, this book is good for building relationships with those who are allies of the neurodiversity movement. With enough people reading books like this one, maybe autistic people can actually be seen and heard. The author has both the real world experience as well as the credentials to write this book.

I purchased this book for my twin daughters who have Asperger's Syndrome. They are bullied at their high school by their peers and sadly, by some of the adults there as well.
The book was touted as a handbook to "help" kids advocate for themselves. My daughters reported to me that it was a joke, and very cliche.
Don't waste your money.