I am writing a book that hopefully will open up peoples eyes

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I am currently writing a book about Asperger Syndrome. Now, this has been done countless times before but how many of those books are actually written by someone who has the diagnosis himself? Few to none. And most of them are just a collection of poems or artistic expressions which is fine for its purpose, but does not really contribute in making a radical change in peoples lives.

I believe that the cold academia presented by so called professionals do not contribute positively to the lives of those having to cope with the difficulties the diagnosis provide. There is so much more to our perception than what can be observed from a third person perspective. These scientific observations are actually quite autistic in nature as they fail to see the whole picture. It can only be seen from one point of view, the observer, while the most important point of view is not represented. The main objective of my book is to put into words the perception of autistic individuals and how they process information and communicate. How they interpret social cues so radically different from the average person. As of yet, the book contains my own personal observations and experiences, but it can not be representative without proving that there are other autistic individuals who perceive the world the same way as I do. I believe there is as much similarity as difference inbetween autists. We are just as different as other people, and the level of function from one individual to another is fascinating to say the least. But I believe there can be a deduction of general problems that can apply to most cases and therefore, some templates for solutions can be derived that hopefully can apply to the average autist.

To cut a long story short and to cram much into few words: I am seeking experiences, stories and contributions from other people who is officially diagnosed. Any personal experience or insight is appreciated. You will be credited, or remain anonymously; according to your wish.

I could go on about my background and why I am writing this book, but that would turn a neat forum post into a book of its own. I am curious to hear if there is any interest in such a book, and if anyone feels like contributing. Thank you!

Hello Revenant---Last night I wrote out part of a preface to a book I have been wanting to write. I am 44 years old and diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. For some reason, I find this idea of a book challenging for me, but I am really pushing myself to pursue it. As you stated, there are virtually no books on AS written by people with AS. I want my story to be known.

I have some thoughts. Have you ever thought about a collaboration? This may not work for either of us, but who knows? The way I see my book is a story of my life with emphasis on the AS traits and how it has affected me in the world. Your angle seems more to do with the theory of mind. Perhaps these two objectives could be brought together in one book. I don't know---it's just early morning thinking on my part---and I don't mean to intrude.

I am currently a Gifted Intervention Specialist at a public high school, and I taught English for nineteen years. I have also taught on the university level. I have currently been involved in a revisit of my childhood and have outlined vast amounts of experiences in my life. I am an autistic savant---in music. I perform in a music ministry around local area churches. I play multiple musical instruments. I have carefully analyzed my life and have found AS to be a definition of who I am.

Anyway, do you have any connections on how to find a publisher? I find the idea of "knocking on the door" of a publisher to be rather intimidating, though I will do it. I have not published anything before. If it is meant for us to pursue seperate books, then perhaps we can "cheer" each other on as we endeavor to create our masterpieces. I am willing to help with what I can.

I wish I had the time or space here to pour forth volumes..... Please feel free to peruse my previous posts and glean what you will.

I've read about 13 books on AS, and every volume I have read states that AS children need to grow up in a cocoon and have their hand held throught adolescence, yet, they can transition seamlessly to the working world and maintain employment without issue. I don't know if these are attempts to soothe squeamish parents but please do make it clear just how tough it is for AS adults to hold a job as it is for an AS child to function in school. My personal feeling is that an AS adult can only maintain a professional career for which he has a degree; Working an entry level job with emphasis on social cognition such as fast-food or retail will only result in failure. Interacting with the insensitive, "other half" class of co-workers you typically find in blue-collar/minimum wage jobs will lead to losing battles with other employees and thus termination.

I probably have 1000 vignettes of experiences in the military, school, workplaces, home-life, and whatnot. I was not DXed until age 22 and I had it quite rough being held to the social standard of my normal peers. Currently, I attempt to isolate myself as much as possible.

glider18, I believe we have very similar intentions! My book will be a fusion of biographical elements, that is examples from my own life and experiences along with commentary on how to handle the problems that arise. I present solutions, examples and perceptions as they become relevant to the current topic in the book. In that way, it is very unconventionally structured, but presenting a possible solution or advice just after the example makes for a much more tidy way to help the reader find solutions that he or she can apply to similar experiences of their own.

I might have to think about the collaboration idea. I have already come a long way with this book, and it might opt for radical changes that would require much re-structuration and rewriting. I have found that I work in a way that shapes the blueprint of the book along the way. That is, there might suddenly arise a certain problem that I want to cover in the book. What I do is write a separate paragraph on that and then I bring it into context later. In that way, I can work while inspiration is fresh and capture ideas before I forget them. Sometimes I have to make radical changes and leave certain elements out, othertimes it flows perfectly.
The main intention of presenting insight from others is to prove the diversity of function in individuals with Asperger Syndrome. My observations alone are not representative as they stem only from a single source: me. You see, I believe the whole concept of a diagnosis limits a persons ambitions. If you tell someone that they are a dog long enough, they will, after enough hypnosis, start barking and acting like one. Much the same happens in the Asperger academia. One is diagnosed, and then told which problems he has. This limits what he can achieve. It makes him settle for less than he can be. Because the doctors say so, it has to be true. Because the doctors wouldn't lie would they?
I am not saying that they are crooks or anything like that, but the way that they work is inadequate. Observing from a third person perspective can not define something that applies to so many people of different function. In essence, the books objective is to prove that with willpower, a person with Asperger Syndrome can reach as far as a Neurotypical person. He just has to work a little harder to attain the same goals.

As you might notice, I really love to write and I could go on all day. So the main intention behind presenting other peoples stories is to provide as many perspectives as possible. Feel free to ask more questions!

I am not saying that there are no challenges for people like us. Believe me, I have had my hardships. I have lived in isolation too, just because someone told me that there were certain things I couldn't do. But people with AS are so radically different, which is the beauty of all this: You can not tell anyone what their possibilities are because there is no way of knowing. It is a spectrum disorder of such a diversity that little dots and paragraphs on a paper can never describe anyones potential or limits.

I am struggling with social issues, but I have gained a tremendeous mastery of those situations after discarding all the limiting academia that was imposed upon me by those who observed and diagnosed me. They told me I had no motor skills. It was written literally on my diagnostic papers. And today I play multiple instruments and go snowboarding in the winter. What is that for motor skills! They told me I have a narrow area of interests and difficulty engaging in social activites, making friends etc. Well, to this date I have had two meaningful long-term romantical relationships. There have been issues and clashes, but then again I have worked tremendeously with myself. It is a tough battle, but if you keep struggling hard enough you will reap the rewards.

I do receive funny looks and reactions for the way I am. But the more uncomfortable you are about yourself, the more uncomfortable others feel about you. If you feel comfortable about yourself, despite your awkwardness and show that these little quirks are parts of your personality, people will notice. I have actually rehearsed facial expressions and body language in front of the mirror; no kidding. Yes, I have to concentrate more than the average person and it may seem artificial at times. But it works better than walking with your head down and letting people stamp on you. That is the essence and mission of this book: to show the inadequacy of the acedemia and how it limits people. And it is through examples and perception from the Asperger point of view that I am going to prove that it is very possible to function so well that you are nearly indistinguishable from the average person. Nearly, not completely.

From my experiences I have to disagree with that quote. The diagnosis has been a blessing for me. I have succeeded because of it. Students at the public school where I teach have succeeded because of a diagnosis. No one has told any of us that we have limits. Autism is viewed in awe around here. And people associate us with intelligence around here. We even have a classic autism boy in the junior high that is on the school's football team, track team, and a drummer in the band. The students respect him highly. His diagnosis is not kept a secret. My diagnosis is not kept a secret---and I am a teacher here. I am respected the same as I have always been. No one beats us down. There are others here who are open about their diagnosis---no problem. Have the therapists/doctors/clinicians/etc. beat us down---No!

I do agree that seperate books would be best. It would be too difficult to merge our ideas together. We have similarities in our beliefs---and we have disagreements. But that could have made an interesting collaboration---kind of like two movie critics authoring the same book who don't agree on the elements of a film. There have been books written on AS/autism by individuals with it, but has there ever been a book written by two diagnosed autistics?---let alone two who do not agree on all of autism's aspects. That would be interesting.

I am very pleased to hear about the acceptance that autism receives in your environment! That is a wonderful step in the right direction. If only society as a whole could be based upon such a belief, then writing books would be redundant.
Of course, I am not denying the necessity of a diagnosis. It is the way that it is presented that upsets me. At least in my country, organizations dealing with Asperger Syndrome functions more like a tea party, or a socialization event for the parents than a space for discussion. There is no outcome from those meetings, no change. My mother has attended a few of those meetings. She is very supportive, although I am a 21 year old adult. The both of us have the very same impression of these meetings. We would like to see something done, results, instead of coffee, cookies and chattery. Is that not the purpose of such a group? I might be wrong.

After I was diagnosed, which was in the most difficult period of my life, I was just released to go back to life like nothing was changed. I was not offered any support group or anything like that by the doctors who diagnosed me. That is how it works over here. If they can testify to another successful diagnosis in their books, that just boosts their reputation as an effective institution. But to offer continuous support to the diagnosed individuals after they are released? I am yet to see that. At least in my country.

With this in mind, it pleases me to hear about the situation in your school and the respect they have for people with autism.

And yes, our views differ slightly. But there is nothing that prevents us from collaborating after all. We can still provide ideas, insight and discussion although we are writing separate books. After all, we are on the same mission.

Very good points there Revenant. I appreciate that. I am curious as to what country you live in. I am from the USA and live in the state of Ohio.

I'm from Norway.

Revenant,
good luck with it!
books on ASD experiences written by people with some sort of ASD are a lot more common than think,even if just use WP as an example-quite a few members have had books published [one member had a film made about his].
Am guess the reason ones written by medical people get popular is because they are official,and based on official evidence,whereas the books people with ASD write tend to be about their experiences,they train all sorts of people.

Am also writing a book..very slowly on own experiences with classic autism,after being encouraged by WPers and managers of learning disability services and own LD nurse-after they unknowingly were given the link to the blog am write.
Releasing it digitally over bit torrent,rather than a official book,as that would require being great with language.

Best of luck with your book, Kingdomofrats!

A book's gotta have a catchy title or nobody's gonna get around to reading it.

How about "The Joy of Celibacy," or maybe "All The Friends I Can Lift With One Hand."

If it's about aspie careers, you could call it, "The Seven Habits Of Unemployed People."

Or maybe you could focus on aspie social life and call it, "Silent Night."

Haha, thank you CanyonWind for a good laugh