Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Second Edition [Paperback]

Stephen M. Shore (Author), Temple Grandin (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 31, 2003

This honest, courageous book, written by a person with high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome, offers so much more than the traditional autobiography. Drawing on personal and professional experience, Stephen Shore combines three voices to create a touching and, at the same time, highly informative book for professionals as well as individuals who have Asperger Syndrome. Get a unique perspective on AS across the years!

Editorial Reviews

Review

His openness is refreshing and his use of music to contact and relate to himself and other "Aspies" is remarkable. -- John Ratey, M.D., associate clinical professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School

Stephen understands AS from the inside, and has taken on the valuable role of guide to the outsider. -- Simon Baron: Cohen, professor of developmental psychopathology, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge

You'll marvel at the courage, persistence and intelligence that continue to guide his quest to cope with a complex...world. --Arnold Miller, director, Language and Cognitive Development Center, Waban, Massachusetts

About the Author

Stephen Shore was diagnosed with "atypical development with strong autistic tendencies" and was viewed as "too sick" to be treated on an outpatient basis and recommended for institutionalization. Nonverbal until four, and with much help from his parents, teachers, and others, Stephen Shore is now completing his doctoral degree in special education at Boston University with a focus on helping people on the autism spectrum develop their capacities to the fullest extent possible.

Product Details

• Paperback: 242 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company; 2 edition (January 31, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931282196
• ISBN-13: 978-1931282192
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,898 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What It's Like On "The Inside", December 17, 2003

By 

Jeffrey Sherman (Ojai, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Second Edition (Paperback)

As the father of a seven year old son who resides at the light end of the Autism Spectrum, I found Stephens book to be one of the very best I have read by someone who resides on The Spectrum themselves. It is also notable as one of the few autobiographical books by a male. Quite simply put, Stephen's forthrightness is wonderfully disarming. And his very unique ability (especially for someone actually on The Spectrum) to relate not only how the world appears to him but also how that reality fits into the one we nuero-typicals live in, shows an oversight I don't encounter in most typical adults. His positive example is nothing short of a godsend. Beyond giving us hope for our sons, daughters and loved ones who reside with Stephen in this very fascinating place, Stephen's book helps to unravel the mysteries we strive to understand every day. And that Stephen has achieved what he has thus far and has dedicated his life to furthering knowledge about and advocating for the individual on The Spectrum is testimony to this wonderful mans character (and to the loving devotion of his mother, his wife and his mentors!). I only hope my son strives to be half the man Stephen Shore has shown himself to be by this book. If you've just had The "Autism Bomb" fall on you - that is to say, just gotten the diagnosis, you owe it to yourself (and your loved one) to pick up this great book and start thinking positively now at the beginning of your journey, about your gifted child.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Insider's Look At Living With Aspergers, June 18, 2001

By 

Liane Gentry Skye, (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome (Paperback)

Stephen Shore has written an unusual and worthy addition to the world of literature regarding Asperger's Syndrome.

Shore's work explores aspergers from three different viewpoints: as that of a clinician working with individuals with autism spectrum disorders, as an adult who himself has aspergers, and as an adult remembering the challenges aspergers has presented him with over the course of his lifetime.

As the parent of two boys with Autism Spectrum Disorders, I was delighted with Shore's explanations of why my children feel the need to do some of the things they do, and what purpose those behaviors serve in their lives.

In this reader's opinion, Beyond the Wall is an invaluable guide to anyone who knows someone with aspergers and autism. Shore's writing is right up there with Temple Grandin's, and should be included as a valuable reference book in anyone's collection of books about autism/aspergers.

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stephen: THANKS FOR GIVING US A VIEW OF AUTISM!! A+!, April 3, 2003

By 

Lisa Ackerman (Newport Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome (Paperback)

All I can write is "WOW"! The author Stephen Shore takes you through an amazing journey - his life. I have over 85 books on autism and this is definately my favorite for providing some possible insight on what my autistic son Jeff may be feeling. Not only is the insight amazing and explainations easy to understand - but he gives so much hope. There are few books I have read where I truly laughed, cried, and celebrated his ups and downs (corny but absolutely true.)
The authors words have helped me better understand and communicate to my son and for that I am grateful.
Stephen has an amazing ability to communicate and provide humor at the scariest thing I have ever seen - autism - is truly a gift to all parents and friends of autistic. Please do your self a favor and read this book. It is a must for everyone's collection.