`Chris Mitchell was 20 when he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Both his academic success and the horrendous bullying he suffered highlight the mixed blessings of mainstream education for a child with Asperger syndrome. While his eventual success is heartwarming, from todayâ²s understanding of Asperger, the ignorance and hostility Mitchell faced throughout his early life are shockingâ² - TES Extra for Special Needs â²This autobiographical account of a young manâ²s discovery that Aspergerâ²s syndrome could explain his early problems and provide light at the end of the tunnel, is both insightful and inspiring. Parents of children with Aspergerâ²s syndrome and also older \"aspies\" will profit from Chrisâ²s hard won experienceâ² - Dyslexia Contact â²[This] is a straightforward read, full of concrete examples of how Aspergerâ²s syndrome affects the individual but at the same time acknowledging that every individual is different. Having experienced first-hand the vulnerability of the adolescent with Aspergerâ²s syndrome, desperate to make connections with those around him but constantly being knocked back, I was delighted to read about the friendships [Chris Mitchell] eventually establishes when he takes the brave decision to make contacts through the web and sets out on his travels. I would particularly recommend this book to those with little knowledge of Aspergerâ²s syndrome, especially for anyone involved in helping those with a diagnosis of Aspergerâ²s syndrome through further educationâ² - British Journal of Special Education `This book is a â²must-readâ² for any parents of children with Aspergers syndrome and also older aspies themselves. They will be able to relate to the slightly quirky writing style and profit from Chrisâ²s hard won experience. These children are so individualistic and often isolated from like minds, so the book will provide some solace that there are other people like themâ² - Judith Stansfield, Chair North Richmondshire Community Partnership SEN ICT Consultant NASEN ICT Group BDACC Reviews and Literature Editor `This book shows how one individual with very severe handicaps due to Aspergerâ²s Syndrome won through in the end and achieved despite such a poor beginning. This is a book which should be read by anyone who has been diagnosed with Aspergerâ²s Syndrome or feels he or she might have this conditionâ² - Dr L F Lowenstein, National Association Gifted Children Newsletter â²This is an unusual book in that it is written by a man where most autobiographical books about autism are written by women. It is both very readable and well-written, with a detached an honest account of his childhood, family life and life prior to diagnosis. He gets on well with his family, and they are happy that he has written this book, and happy with the book, despite some implied criticism of how they brought him up. Indeed, it comes across as less aggressive than some accounts, so it is particularly insightful for parents and other empathotypicals who might find more black-and-white descriptions of their mistakes hurtful. As with every book written by someone on the spectrum that I have seen, it is a short book, giving a snapshot of his difficulties and joys before and also after his diagnosis, giving highlights of specific problems and pleasures. Overall I think it would be a good book for someone who recognises himself in the author, or as a starting point for deepening your understanding of your brother, son or friend, or, if you are already interested in this condition, to broaden your understanding of the ways that it present itselfâ² - Asperger United â²[A]n especially uplifting read for a young person or adult newly diagnosed with Aspergerâ²s Syndrom. It also would help those unfamiliar with Aspergerâ²s Syndrome to understand the condition much betterâ² - REACH This gripping and at times astonishing story will be inspirational to all adults either facing Aspergerâ²s Syndrome personally or interacting with someone who has been diagnosed. In his own imitable style, Chris Mitchell describes his life before and after diagnosis with Aspergerâ²s Syndrome. We follow Chris through primary and secondary school, where his lack of social interaction and anger continually land him in trouble, and where he is bullied for being different. Only his excellent memory and specialist interests enable him to continue, and pass his GCSEs and a GNVQ in Media Studies. At university he is diagnosed with Aspergerâ²s Syndrome. Suddenly his life makes more sense, and his self-awareness means his self-confidence returns, resulting in world travel, a Masters qualification in Information and Library Management and finally, acceptance. Chris Mitchell is a Records Assistant at Durham County Record Office, and also does public speaking on the subject of Aspergerâ²s Syndrome.
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