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Be Different

Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian with Practical Advice for Aspergians, Misfits, Families & Teachers

Audiobook (Includes supplementary content)
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
“I believe those of us with Asperger’s are here for a reason, and we have much to offer. This book will help you bring out those gifts.”
 
In his bestselling memoir, Look Me in the Eye, John Elder Robison described growing up with Asperger’s syndrome at a time when the diagnosis didn’t exist. He was intelligent but socially isolated; his talents won him jobs with toy makers and rock bands but did little to endear him to authority figures and classmates, who were put off by his inclination to blurt out non sequiturs and avoid eye contact.
By the time he was diagnosed at age forty, John had already developed a myriad of coping strategies that helped him achieve a seemingly normal, even highly successful, life. In Be Different, Robison shares a new batch of endearing stories
about his childhood, adolescence, and young adult years, giving the reader a rare window into the Aspergian mind.
In each story, he offers practical advice—for Aspergians and indeed for anyone who feels “different”—on how to improve the weak communication and social skills that keep so many people from taking full advantage of their often remarkable gifts. With his trademark honesty and unapologetic eccentricity, Robison addresses questions like:
• How to read others and follow their behaviors when in uncertain social situations
• Why manners matter
• How to harness your powers of concentration to master difficult skills
• How to deal with bullies
• When to make an effort to fit in, and when to embrace eccentricity
• How to identify special gifts and use them to your advantage
Every person, Aspergian or not, has something unique to offer the world, and every person has the capacity to create strong, loving bonds with their friends and family. Be Different will help readers and those they love find their path to success.
Includes a bonus PDF with additional reading and resources
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    • AudioFile Magazine
      John Elder Robison didn't learn why he was different until he was 40 years old, when he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. By then, he was already a successful businessman with a family and a history of mechanical wizardry, including the designing of exploding guitars for the band KISS. Here Robison delivers his own practical advice for anyone who is different: deal with bullies, learn socially acceptable manners, and open yourself up to be chosen for a friend. Robison's voice is loud, a bit raspy, and almost aggressive, but his tone is also heartfelt and positive. His performance fits together to achieve his mission. His message is that being different allows for a unique contribution to the world; what may be considered weird in adolescence can be eccentric and valuable in adulthood. A.B. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

Languages

  • English

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