I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism [Paperback]

Elaine Marie Larson (Author), Vivian Strand (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Discover the unique characteristics and abilities of children with Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism from A to Z. This book, laid out in an A-to-Z format, celebrates the extraordinary gifts and unique perspectives that children with ASD possess. Each page of this playful alphabet book presents one of the children s many talents and abilities. The kid-friendly illustrations and clever text create a positive portrayal of children with ASD.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I memorized this book because 'K' is for Kaede and 'I am a Knowledgeable Kid.' That means I'm smart! -- Kaede Sakai, kindergarten student, Central Linn Elementary School

On cherished and rare occasions, I read a book that leaves me speechless and in awe--this is that book. -- Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., internationally known speaker and writer on autism spectrum disorders

What a wonderful way to introduce ASD to a newly diagnosed child or to encourage dialogue with siblings and friends. --Elisa Gagnon, author, "Power Cards: Using Special Interests to Motivate Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome and Autism," co-author, "This is Asperger Syndrome"

About the Author

Elaine Marie Larson is a former preschool, elementary, and adult English-as-a-Second-Language teacher. She wrote "I Am Utterly Unique" to help her young grandson, who has Asperger Syndrome, grow in self-awareness of his many capabilities. Elaine has also written "Up and Down," a book on gravity, and her stories have been included in two anthologies, "Christmas Programs for Children" and "Rainy Day, Sunny Day Activity Book." In addition, she has sold poetry and essays to "The Saturday Evening Post," "Birds and Bloom," and a variety of other adult and children’s magazines, including "Highlights for Children." A lifelong resident of Minnesota, Elaine Larson lives with her husband in the Minneapolis area. Her four grandchildren are often the inspiration for her stories and poems.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 56 pages
• Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company; illustrated edition edition (June 6, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931282897
• ISBN-13: 978-1931282895
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Celebrate the Autism Experience!, June 16, 2006

By 

BeatleBangs1964 (United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism (Paperback)

This is the kind of book that deserves a place of honor. I want more books like this.

All too many cooks try to spoil the broth, in this case neurotypicals (NT) trying to "repair" people on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) spectrum. What is so terrible about being on the spectrum? Granted, the social difficulties are the worst part of it. When you consider the original way of thinking and the wonderful gifts of abstraction, then why try to force people with autism to fit a Procrustean bed of complied responses to appease the NT population? The world is for everybody and not just the NT population and this book does an exemplary job of stressing this point.

I love the way this book emphasizes the originality people with autism have; I love the way this author appears to be totally accepting and not trying to fix anyone.

The Byrds' 1965 classic, "All I Really Want to Do" seems so a propos; the lyrics "I ain't looking for you to see like me, feel like me or be like me." How about applying that fair minded approach to the a/A world? Instead of making people with autism continue trying to appease the NT world, just accept that there is no need to make others "see like, feel like or be like" what and who they are not.

This book is not limited to children; many adults will love it, especially those on the spectrum and/or those who have children who are on the spectrum. It makes me want to do a parody of the dreadfully inane "If You're Happy And You Know It" which I have never liked, by saying, "If You're Autistic And You Know It, Celebrate!" That's right, celebrate! Do an individual dance and just be true to yourself. Beat on a different drum and play a unique and individual tune.

Being able to give one's honest opinion instead of echoing the prevailing sentiment to appease others ("giving the desired response," as Donna Williams so aptly says in her books about autism) is empowering; it is the key to self respect.

I wish I had this book when I was a child. It is a giant step towards teaching acceptance and in enjoying one's own individual quirks; perks and creativity.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and Educational, June 15, 2006

By 

Kristi A. Sakai (Oregon) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism (Paperback)

Our family finds this book incredibly touching and engaging. So often when we discuss kids with Asperger Syndrome it is about the things that are "wrong", problem behaviors that adults are seeking to fix. Rarely do we sit down and see the beauty of our kids on the spectrum. This book does just that. It highlights the charming quirks and interesting qualities many of them have. In addition, the pictures are fabulous! They are charming and colorful with a hint of humor. My personal favorite simply must be the pizza puzzle.

After reading this book together, for the first time my daughter felt proud to have Asperger Syndrome. She identified with the kids in it and laughed with delight at the pictures of things she loves. At age six she has memorized it and recites if often as she comes across objects that remind her of it. Just this morning as petting the cats she said once again, "K for kitty!"

This book is such a delight! We all have so much to learn from these amazing individuals and this book conveys it in a way that is easy to understand. I highly recommend it for building self-esteem in children who have Asperger Syndrome, for increasing awareness in the classroom or daycare and even for teaching adults in a simple way about our kids on the spectrum.

-Mother of three children with Asperger Syndrome and author of
Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Especially recommended for families with Asperger Syndrome children., October 7, 2006

By 

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

This review is from: I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism (Paperback)

Written by Elaine Marie Larson and illustrated by Vivian Strand, I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating The Strengths Of Children With Asperger Syndrome And High-Functioning Autism is a very special alphabet book with each letter of the alphabet corresponds to a positive quality or a strength found among children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. From A for "I am an Animal Lover" to L for "I like to Learn" to T for "I Tell the Truth", the alphabet, phrases and simple color pictures offer an overall message of positive self-esteem. Especially recommended for families with Asperger Syndrome children.