Edited by Luke Beardon and Dean Worton
This book is introduced by Luke Beardon who is a senior lecturer in autism. In the introduction he wisely differentiates between inherited mental health problems and those caused by prolonged stress and inappropriate environments. It is an anthology of short accounts by adults who are on the spectrum, talking about their mental health experiences. Throughout there is a strong appeal to accept Aspergers as a healthy difference rather than something to be changed and cured.
I found this book hard to put down and in fact read it in one sitting, only pausing to replenish my tea mug. Each account is introduced by Luke Beardon, summarizing and highlighting the important themes. He ensures that any points made are not then over generalised by the reader, making certain that they understand what works for one may not necessarily be helpful to others. I enjoyed every account and found many to be both painful, informative and sometimes seriously funny with an enormous amount of self-deprecating humour and exceptional awareness of their own differences. Many of the contributors offered their own solutions, either revealed as part of their story or laid out in bullet points. The accounts are well written, each with their own style and character, all having needlessly suffered through the ignorance of those around them. A recurring theme is that trying to make someone on the spectrum into a neuro-typical person is harmful and damaging. One of the contributors likened it to trying to make a gay person straight or a left handed person right handed. Historically it was the norm to try and change people and we all know how damaging, pointless and ignorant, not to mention arrogant, such authoritarian beliefs can be. Some of the accounts are sharp, acerbic and political and in almost all cases I find myself in full agreement. The system and the individuals who make up the system come off badly and often deservedly so. Systems that breed individuals who take no personal responsibility, who employ people with an unwillingness or inability to think independently or to go against authority and the politically correct dogmas, are seen as potentially harmful.
It is an interesting read in its own right simply as a human interest book but is a must for anyone dealing with Aspergers professionally or personally, particularly mental health professionals. Anyone on the spectrum would probably relate to most of the accounts and feel comforted to hear their own experiences mirrored, particularly those with anxiety and depression. I also feel that it has much to offer all professionals who work with or may encounter those on the spectrum, helping them to understand why someone may react in a particular way.
This book is a gem and has much to teach us all however experienced we might feel ourselves to be, in an easy to assimilate format. All the accounts are well-written and all have a purpose. Buy it, enjoy it and pass it on, particularly to mental health professionals.
If, after reading this review you decide to read this book I'd love to know what you think! Please leave your comments below...
Anna van der Post
October 2011
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