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r00tb33r
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05 Jun 2016, 7:44 pm

Despite the fact that I'm not all that interested in autism, I will need to read some literature (and take some notes from it) before I visit whichever specialist I choose (hopefully competent in adult autism).

Can you guys suggest a short reading list for me? Tonight is a good night to order some books.

Thanks.



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05 Jun 2016, 7:48 pm

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome by Tony Attwood.



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05 Jun 2016, 8:45 pm

Look Me in the Eye! by John Robison was quite interesting, however it's a memoir and not research based. I've also read Neurotribes by Steve Silberman, but the book has many flaws (bias, underrepresentation of "low-functioning" autistics) and the author has made some disparaging comments about autistic people in the past, so be aware of that while reading. It's intriguing though, and I enjoyed it despite the faults.


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r00tb33r
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05 Jun 2016, 11:23 pm

I picked up The Complete Guide and Neurotribes... Should have them in a couple of days.

Also, I probably just spooked my parents. I accidentally placed one of the books in the wrong Amazon cart... When I went back to remove it I discovered they were buying things around the same time and pushed the book to the wish list... Meaning they saw it.

I might be having a difficult conversation tomorrow. I suppose I would be having it eventually either way...



untilwereturn
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06 Jun 2016, 8:47 am

ArtisticSockCollector87 wrote:
Look Me in the Eye! by John Robison was quite interesting, however it's a memoir and not research based. I've also read Neurotribes by Steve Silberman, but the book has many flaws (bias, underrepresentation of "low-functioning" autistics) and the author has made some disparaging comments about autistic people in the past, so be aware of that while reading. It's intriguing though, and I enjoyed it despite the faults.


I'm still in the process of reading Silberman's book. I know he has written about autism in the past, but I wasn't aware that he had made disparaging comments in the past. Can you provide some examples where he's done so?



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06 Jun 2016, 8:49 am

You should read Temple Grandin's various works.

That might stoke your interest in autism.



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06 Jun 2016, 9:44 am

As has been mentioned, Tony Attwood's book is good, arguably the best available second hand perspective. Beyond that, the following two first hand accounts are very good:
http://www.afieldguidetoearthlings.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Through-Eyes-Alie ... 1853027103



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13 Jun 2016, 4:16 pm

I've read both and to me they were quite well researched.


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13 Jun 2016, 4:41 pm

If you're into fiction, there is a book on Amazon called "Commoner the Vagabond" by Robin Ray. It's about a guy with Asperger's who gets into a lot of trouble because of it.


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13 Jun 2016, 9:38 pm

I have to say, Tony Attwood's book is going down heavy for me, like swallowing razors. Did you all read the chapter on friendship? It's chapter 3. Under stage 4 Tony Attwood basically says "You're screwed, you not gonna have any normal friendships", suggesting animals for friends, Internet friends, or moving to another country altogether. Gee, thanks, Tony.

It's like
Stage 1: OK
Stage 2: OK
Stage 3: OK
Stage 4: Fuggetaboutit.

redrobin62 wrote:
If you're into fiction, there is a book on Amazon called "Commoner the Vagabond" by Robin Ray. It's about a guy with Asperger's who gets into a lot of trouble because of it.

I just might check it out. Thanks!



r00tb33r
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17 Jun 2016, 5:51 am

Tony Attwood's book is upsetting me. It's hard to read because it makes me revisit painful situations. The chapter on theory of mind and the following chapter on emotions have been most upsetting so far. I'm pacing a lot and progressing very slowly. I have difficulty gathering my thoughts to take notes for when I go see the specialist because I'm distressed. :cry:

A storm knocked out power so I'm posting this from my phone. Also neighbor's tree fell and crushed my car... :cry:
Neighbor is away on vacation. :cry:



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17 Jun 2016, 7:06 am

On the suggestions in this thread I've started reading Attwood's book today.

I had avoided books previously, for fear of seeing a 'stereotypical' view of someone with autism, and becoming confused, but so far this book seems to be very well written taking a range of possibilities into account and showing how people vary considerably.

I'm enjoying it and I'm learning some useful things, but it is emotional reading already.