Sorry if this has already been posted, but I haven't seen it put up before.
Send in the Idiots: Stories from the Other Side of Autism
Google book link: http://books.google.com/books?id=r3E4Bb ... &q&f=false
Unfortunately, this edition doesn't appear to have the foreword that my copy has
Anywho, I loved this book. Essentially, it follows the stories of several people living with Autism. It offers a fresh perspective of the whole issue, and rather than tell you what to think about Autism and Aspergers, it offers a discussion on the issue, mixing science with philosophy. It shows both those that have succeeded in society, and those who struggle and have failed. The best part though would be that Nazeer's eventual conclusions avoid both extremes that we see on here (best example would be the "cure" argument) - that ASD is purely a disability, versus the view that it's a gift and all sunshine, daisies and unicorns frolicking in the grass.
The only downside I found was in the discussion, where Nazeer included a few quotes/anecdotes from others (on the disability side) which really offended me. At several stages I had to put the book down because I was getting too upset to read it properly.
As for what I've gotten out of the book, I've had my stance on ASD changed. I have Aspergers, and used to be in the "unicorns frolicking" crowd, but recently had my poor communication skills make a hash of a relationship. Immediately swung around to the other side (Pathetic, I know). Reading this made me consider a lot about myself, and I ended up realising that I was using my ASD as a crutch, as an excuse for all my problems. I've ended up coming to a more reasoned standpoint as a result - that my Aspergers simply is, with its strengths and weaknesses. I cannot separate who I am from it, but that I am not defined solely by it. (I'm not sure that it's the same conclusion that Nazeer came to, but I guess that doesn't really matter)
Anyway, enough about me. If you're trying to work out what you think about ASD, or if you want a fresh perspective on it, then I strongly recommend this book. Actually, I recommend it regardless, it's a brilliant piece of literature on ASD.
13 Jan 2011, 6:50 am
