Born on the Wrong Planet [Paperback]

Erika Hammerschmidt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008

This story of the childhood and young adulthood of Erika Hammerschmidt, a young woman diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, takes the reader into a confusing and often tumultuous world, including the years of dating and ultimate marriage to John, a young man who is also on the spectrum. The author began compiling the many stories, poems and essays she penned during and after high school when she studied abroad and, ultimately, Born on the Wrong Planet came to be. Throughout this book, Erika s unique language skills and her fresh perspective on the world combine to make a delightful and enlightening read.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Erika takes us on a whirlwind ride, and in the process we witness the inner workings of a brilliant Aspie mind as she successfully - but not without trials and challenges - makes sense of her chaotic environment. From toddler to school age, to marriage and beyond, we are privileged to learn more about what it is to be human. --Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D., internationally known author and consultant on issues regarding the autism spectrum, executive director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Consulting

Erika's writing is as clear and beautiful as the orange roses she receives when John proposes. With astonishing honesty she recounts her struggles with Asperger's when no one understands her differentness. Believing that she must have been born on the wrong planet, she explains her feelings: 'When I think of myself as an alien, it is a way of putting a name to the struggles of those years.' Eminently readable, Erika's candor will tug at your heart. Her transparent writing captures the bewildering experiences of autism as she comes full circle to self-acceptance. --Ruth Elaine Hane, adult diagnosed with high-functioning autism, member of the Autism Society of America Board of Directors, contributor to Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum

What struck me in reading Born on the Wrong Planet was the author's sensory sensitivities and the often debilitating effect they had on her day-to-day life. Although my own sensory issues are not as severe, I can relate to Erika's challenges. Parents, teachers, and others need to understand the role of sensory integration issues in the daily lives of many of us on the spectrum and how they play out in unexpected behaviors and sensitivities. --Temple Grandin, Ph.D., author of Thinking in Pictures and Other Reports from My Life with Autism

Erika's writing is as clear and beautiful as the orange roses she receives when John proposes. With astonishing honesty she recounts her struggles with Asperger's when no one understands her differentness. Believing that she must have been born on the wrong planet, she explains her feelings: 'When I think of myself as an alien, it is a way of putting a name to the struggles of those years.' Eminently readable, Erika's candor will tug at your heart. Her transparent writing captures the bewildering experiences of autism as she comes full circle to self-acceptance. --Ruth Elaine Hane, adult diagnosed with high-functioning autism, member of the Autism Society of America Board of Directors, contributor to Ask and Tell: Self-Advocacy and Disclosure for People on the Autism Spectrum

Erika takes us on a whirlwind ride, and in the process we witness the inner workings of a brilliant Aspie mind as she successfully - but not without trials and challenges - makes sense of her chaotic environment. From toddler to school age, to marriage and beyond, we are privileged to learn more about what it is to be human. --Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D., internationally known author and consultant on issues regarding the autism spectrum, executive director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Consulting

About the Author

Erika Hammerschmidt was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and Tourette Syndrome at the age of 11. She has faced her challenges with the help of family members, friends, teachers, and her extraordinary skills in language. In 2004 she graduated from Augsburg College with majors in German and Spanish and a minor in studio arts. Shortly afterwards, she married John Ricker, another Augsburg College student on the autism spectrum. They live in Richfield, Minnesota. Besides studying languages, Erika enjoys science fiction, drawing, painting, making jewelry, and keeping pets and plants. She and John have adopted and helped rehabilitate a parrot named Rain Man, who was found running loose in the street and had severe behavior problems for many years. John and Erika give speeches to schools and support groups. They plan some day to write a book together about their many different experiences as a couple on the autism spectrum.

Product Details

• Paperback: 198 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company; Revised edition edition (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934575208
• ISBN-13: 978-1934575208
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #682,286 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating look at Asperger's, from the inside, February 24, 2005

By 

Rebekah L. Sprecher (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Born on the Wrong Planet (Paperback)

This is a quick read, and a fascinating book. It's a look at the world from the inside of a person with Asperger's Syndrome, Tourette's, and OCD. I found the book to be a real eye-opener, as I have a child who has PDD and may experience some of the same things as the author.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aspergers Syndrome can drive a wedge between one and society..., June 15, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Born on the Wrong Planet (Paperback)

Aspergers Syndrome can drive a wedge between one and society... "Born on the Wrong Planet" thinks it can be enough that it may seem that the sufferer is not of this world and it's strange ways and customs. Author Erika Hammerschmidt speaks of her difficulties overcoming what many people find so easily overcome in their lives, but is an uphill battle due to her Aspergers and Tourettes syndromes. An inspirational tale, "Born on the Wrong Planet" is the perfect gift for any intermediate reader of a young age trying to cope with their own Aspergers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One for the Girls!! An Alien Journey with Priceless Insight!, May 25, 2008

By 

Joanna Keating-Velasco "Joanna" (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Born on the Wrong Planet (Paperback)

Erika Hammerschmidt provides a wonderful autobiography which enables us to journey onto her "planet of Asperger Syndrome" to better understand what it feels like to live on the autism spectrum. This unique and wonderful insight about Asperger Syndrome is priceless. I would highly recommend this book for parents and educators of individuals (of all ages) on the autism spectrum especially those with Asperger Syndrome. I also think that the book provides a wonderful journey for others on the spectrum to read to see that they are not alone on this journey. By offering us this insight, Erika has opened doors of understanding for all of us as we interact together on this planet.

Thank you Erika!

Joanna L. Keating-Velasco, Author, A Is for Autism F Is for Friend: A Kid's Book for Making Friends with a Child Who Has Autism