Customer Reviews

Your Life is Not a Label: A Guide to Living Fully with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The autism-Aspergers continuum is quite long. This book is not helpful for people on the higher-functioning half of the spectrum. It contains information about getting and keeping entry level jobs, how to deal with the police, suggestions for making money by dumpster diving, etc. Some people may need this information, but potential buyers should be aware that the book addresses problems of children, of teens and of adults who have been unable to extablish themselves in life. It is not helpful to adults with Aspergers who hold or have retired from a professional level job, who generally function at an adequate level and are looking for ways to refine their interpersonal skills.

It's been said that those of us on the autistic spectrum have a special sense of humor--and I will add, a special wisdom, too. In this book, Jerry combines a tremendous amount of practical advice (which he has likened to "a Chilton's Repair Manual")with an incredible and devious sense of humor, adding amazing insight all the way through. Hopefully, Jerry's with and language use will not be lost on those of you "off" the spectrum.

Jerry tackles the most personal and complicated issues along with the seemingly mundane ones, such as how to take a bus. He manages to make the whole reading highly enjoyable, and provides everyone with new insight on life. Even if you have no interest in autism, this is a must read!

When I picked up Jerry's book I had a hard time putting it down. I am a parent of an adolescent with AS and have been "winging it" for most of his life. No books for parents were ever written on the subject until 1999. I've relied on my own parenting experience of neurotypical children and professional autism journals to figure out what to do. Now that I'm preparing my child to be "launched" into college, having a life handbook that he can rely on is very important. Jerry's book is very concrete with common sense information, and an attitude about life that I hope my own son will adopt. I can recommend this book to any person on the spectrum, and also to parents of children age 11 to adulthood. Sometimes when you are feeling most challenged as a parent of an AS preteen or teen, it is very helpful to remind you where you are heading!

Newport's book is worth reading but unrealistic. He is extremely high-functioning for someone with Asperger Syndrome. Unfortunately, many folks with Asperger Syndrome have other psychiatric disorders as well (requiring medication), and the book does not address this. Also, there are many people with Asperger Syndrome that are not as high functioning and have problems that are much more severe than Newport's case. One problem with this book is that there is a section in which Newport dismisses depression as essentially making excuses for feeling depressed. Apparently Newport has not heard of major unipolar depression and does not realize how disabling that condition can be. "Aspies" can have a difficult time holding jobs as well. On the positive side, Newport does have many points that makes his book worth reading. The reader should be aware, however, that many cases of Asperger Syndrome are not like his. Newport is able to drive and hold a job, and he received a college degree. Not all "Aspies" can accomplish such feats, especially those individuals with other psychiatric disabilities.

This is a positive book about how to live a full life with Asperger syndrome, covering both the practical and emotional aspects of independent living... encouraging people to take responsibility and not make excuses. While I think it contains a lot of useful advice and much truth that people need to hear, I suspect that for many of the people who would benefit from hearing it the most these strong words would sting like vinegar. When you are a person with low self-esteem and learnt helplessness sometimes having someone tell you to love yourself and not give up is difficult to take. If you are ready to hear it though, this book is a refreshing and empowering read.

Jerry's book fills in a badly needed gap in the Autism and Asperger literature. His down-home common sense descriptions and recommendations for living a fulfilling life and navigating the world hits a home run as a great resource to both our peers on the autism spectrum as well as others that are part of our community. The "glass is never full or but it's never empty" chapter is the most poignant and touching part of the book. (...)

This is a much needed work that addresses the needs of adults with autism. It covers areas such as finances and relationships and the author never loses his sense of humor. I love his quick wit and many times I found myself laughing over some clever phrase or original description.

For any adult on the spectrum, make this book your best friend when you need a quick consultation. This book is very helpful in navigating in NT (neurotypical) territory. A must read for all!

This book is very informative if you have autism or Asperger's Syndrome (which I do), and Jerry really gets to the point of what he's talking about. I even like the interview chapters where you get to hear about his wife's expereinces as a child who doesn't fit in because of an undiagnosed condition. I recommend this to individuals with either of these disorders, or people who know/live/work with such people. You won't be disappointed in reading this, as I wasn't.

The description of this book sounded interesting and I like to read autobiographical books about people living with AS. This book, however, was not at all what I was hoping for, and I ended up returning it. It was way too basic for me. It might be good for someone just learning how to live with autism but I did not need the basic information provided such as how to cross streets and how to drive through a town.

I liked what Jerry wrote about his life. In some ways, his life sounded like mine (I am ASD too)! I agree with him on p. 277 where he mentioned money can not buy the best things in life. In that chapter he took time to thank his parents, teachers, and coaches who influence him. People do turn out the way they are because of who influenced them as children. Outside of my mother, the people who influenced me were preachers who had children of their own but they took an interest in me and helped Mom raise (my Dad had no active part in my life). Parents should realize it is the time you give to your children that matters not the money spent on them! I agree with him on his chapter that stress is our enemy! His 4 points on p. 3 are all good except for the first one: "You are your own best friend, but you are sometimes your worst enemy." That is a contradictory statement. The truth is you are your worst enemy not your best friend. Most of the problems I have is because I want to have my way all the time! Everyone does need to take responsibility for his/her actions. Only I can live my life, and I need to be me not is popular "to be normal". His chaper on "Rain in Your Brain" where he talks about the "savant" skill that some ASD people have is helpful. I have noticed that I myself have a good memory, think musically often, and have impressed people with "Name that Weekday game" (people tell their birthdate and I tell them not weekday)! He is right on p. 104 about ASD people not driving--concentration--I can not handle it!