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Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence by Tony Attwood, Luke Jackson
aluna8's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting insight into an adolescent with aspergers life and thoughts.
hifianatomia's review against another edition
2.0
I am not one to write reviews though ill post just a short thought. I just want to say in the vast literature on Aspergers and ASD it is very refreshing to read something that is written from the perspective of someone that is actually afflicted rather than an outside observing. I also quite like that the reading experience was more stream of consciousness or even a monologue that I think is a lot like autistic thinking itself.
daisymills71's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
finnygen's review against another edition
3.0
Written by then-13-year old Luke Jackson with a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome diagnosis, this is less of a narrative than a conversational chapter-by-chapter guide and discussion to various topics that may be of interest to a young teen. The tone does make it an easy read with just enough information interspersed with descriptions of how the author experiences them.
However, this same writing style does make it difficult as a neurotypical adult reader to remain engaged -- constant reminders of "I am only thirteen!" becomes trite after the first few chapters. Accordingly, the juvenile audience is what he is aiming for which I suppose is fitting. For anyone well-versed in autism literature, this book is rather light on content. The majority of the links included in the back are no longer functional, and includes very little discussion of modern, evidence-based therapy techniques available.
That said, it can be useful as a quick and dirty introduction manual for kids, caregivers, and educators on a wide range of topics from sensory perception to friendships. Bully has also been given its own chapter, which is apt due to the prevalence particularly in school populations.
However, this same writing style does make it difficult as a neurotypical adult reader to remain engaged -- constant reminders of "I am only thirteen!" becomes trite after the first few chapters. Accordingly, the juvenile audience is what he is aiming for which I suppose is fitting. For anyone well-versed in autism literature, this book is rather light on content. The majority of the links included in the back are no longer functional, and includes very little discussion of modern, evidence-based therapy techniques available.
That said, it can be useful as a quick and dirty introduction manual for kids, caregivers, and educators on a wide range of topics from sensory perception to friendships. Bully has also been given its own chapter, which is apt due to the prevalence particularly in school populations.
amy_h_books's review against another edition
I wanted to read more about Aspergers/Autism as I was recently diagnosed with autism but I lost interest in it so hopefully I’ll be able to read it fully in the future. :(
pontificate's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
l0rdtim865's review against another edition
3.0
I found this book both interesting and easy to put down for a couple of days. It shows a good insight into how it feels to be a teenager and have AS.
bookbelle5_17's review against another edition
3.0
A non-fiction, own voices book about kids and adolescences with Asperger's syndrome, a syndrome that is a form of Autism. Luke Jackson wrote and had this book published when he was only 13, and this is about his experience with having AS. He gives tips to both those that have it, and the parents and teachers that are part of the their lives. He also shares stories, pictures, and photographs about his experience. This is a great starter read to understanding Asperger's and how to handle it. Having been written by a 13 year old this book is easy to read and understand. Luke gets straight to the point, and is also a unique character. He provides funny commentary on social norms and uses idioms throughout his book, explaining what they mean in the back. Basically, the book and writing style is personable. If you have any interest in AS whether you're connected to someone who has it or just want research for another reason, I would recommend starting with this book. It has an informative and positive outlook on the subject.
fangirljeanne's review against another edition
5.0
I would recommend this book to parents, teachers and especially Autistic kids, no matter where they are on the spectrum. Luke not only provides invaluable insight into how AS affects his life, but how Autism affects the lives of his two younger brothers. He also provides helpful, bullet point, lists on how to manage everything from sleeping, homework and even dating.
The title is quite apt, because this is truly a guide to handling many of the challenges teens with Autism face on a daily basis.
Additionally, I would recommend this book to any authors attempting to write fictional stories featuring Autistic characters. Luke breaks down a lot of stereotypes prevalent in pop culture today.
He is witty, optimistic and has a great deal insightful in to human social behavior. His sense of humor is charming and very relatable. I personally found his unique perspective on the subtly of language and contradictions in social expectations to be enlightening.
This book a fun, informative read. I really cannot recommend it enough.
The title is quite apt, because this is truly a guide to handling many of the challenges teens with Autism face on a daily basis.
Additionally, I would recommend this book to any authors attempting to write fictional stories featuring Autistic characters. Luke breaks down a lot of stereotypes prevalent in pop culture today.
He is witty, optimistic and has a great deal insightful in to human social behavior. His sense of humor is charming and very relatable. I personally found his unique perspective on the subtly of language and contradictions in social expectations to be enlightening.
This book a fun, informative read. I really cannot recommend it enough.
lovelyreads13's review against another edition
3.0
I bought this book for a project I was doing at University and wanted some background research into Aspergers Syndrome.
For my art project at university I illustrated The Curious Incident of The Dog in Night Time. The main character Christopher has aspergers syndrome.
I only later read Freaks Geeks and Aspergers Syndrome after I had finished university but I was really impressed with the material.
Luke is very insightful, I love his confidence. The book is easy to follow, it’s humorous and clever. I learned a lot about aspergers syndrome from the book. I don’t know anyone close to me with it, but I feel I have a little bit better understanding of what it means.
For my art project at university I illustrated The Curious Incident of The Dog in Night Time. The main character Christopher has aspergers syndrome.
I only later read Freaks Geeks and Aspergers Syndrome after I had finished university but I was really impressed with the material.
Luke is very insightful, I love his confidence. The book is easy to follow, it’s humorous and clever. I learned a lot about aspergers syndrome from the book. I don’t know anyone close to me with it, but I feel I have a little bit better understanding of what it means.