All the World's a Stage: Unmasking Asperger's Syndrome*. PDF Download

Author: David Serpa
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781092414180
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 416

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Book Description
Is it possible that you, your child, or someone you love might have Asperger's Syndrome? Do they call it "Asperger's Syndrome" or is it, technically, "Autism Spectrum Disorder"? I'm going to give you my guide, some tools, and some positive practices for living a fulfilled life as an Autistic Adult and give you some tips on how to recognize autism in yourself or others. Autism is nothing to be ashamed of. If this book has been suggested to you, understand I have accomplished a great deal in my life because of this "faulty-wiring" in my brain. I am quite proud of these tendencies I have to over-work while not needing much sleep or food. I feel superhuman with my ability to dive deeply into my special interests and I don't feel the need for validation from the crowd. I also tend to struggle with personal relationships, co-workers, and daily tasks that others take for granted. I went undiagnosed and misunderstood for 33 years not knowing I was autistic. The awareness I now have gives me the perspective I have needed my whole life to say "I am different and that is okay." I struggle with things others find easy and find I am gifted in ways that others struggle. Now I know that my "executive functioning skills" differ from other people and that "sensory processing disorder" is what keeps me overwhelmed in loud restaurants or in family get-togethers. This understanding lets me know I am different, not wrong. This gives me the opportunity to be understood. Something I have craved my entire life. I have been told in a complementary tone; "You don't look autistic." To which I want to respond with a snarky quip but instead I ask "what does autism look like to you?" My guess is that autism looks like a eight-to-twelve year old Caucasian boy rocking on a carpet. While part of this might be true, this is only who has been diagnosed in the current system with old broken rules helping us to navigate the murky waters of understanding. After all, what happens to all those weird kids when they grow up? Do they suddenly stop being autistic?I am a writer, a USMC Veteran, and a Realtor. I have a family line of intelligent and introverted "odd-ducks" which I trace back to my grandpa, also a veteran. A quiet man, who worked for years in his home office, after retiring from IBM in the Silicon Valley. His home is where my mom brought me up with him and my grandmother who described me, lovingly, as such a "curious little guy". This book was written for the undiagnosed, or recently diagnosed adult, hoping to add a little order into the disorder. I wanted to have some fun, so I won't quote the DSM... not even on accident. I will, however, quote TED talks, YouTube Videos, and blogs.This shouldn't feel like a depressing sludge through the mush, if it does I didn't do my job. This should feel like coming home without all the stress of actually having to go home! Thousands and thousands of years of humans have evolved to make you. How could you possibly be a mistake? My wife loves me like crazy and I love her. She is neurotypical and I am autistic. I would have had a terribly difficult time getting to know me, these past few years, without her love and patience. I am understood. What more could an Aspie ask for? I still don't understand all of these weird human beings I live here with, completely, or their primal relationships, but I enjoy them more and more every day that I am lucky enough to get to know them a little better while spending my time here on earth. I wish for you love and understanding and maybe a good laugh or two! Welcome home.