Dr. Treffert tells us in his Introduction, The message of hope in this book is a welcome and refreshing one because in the past, too many times 'experts' had recommended institutional care." Dr. Shore knows this all too well. In his chapter he reflects on a time when a physician saw institutionalization as the best option. There were moments in all the contributors' lives that were impacted by events, people, circumstances or opportunities. They tell their heartfelt stories in the belief that these will lessen the burden on others, provide hope to readers, and help others on the spectrum pursue what they might now only dream about.

You will rise to rejoice with all the contributors when they reach the mountaintops and proudly tell you of their successes. But you'll also ride through the swampland of emotions and turmoil. Chapter by chapter you will read and recognize key factors that were important in the young and developing lives of these scholars. They share some of the deepest, even darkest secrets. You'll know the torment, get a sense of the anxieties and fears, and you'll become aware of the hyper-sensate world of autism where a simple touch of love and reassurance can feel like a blow to the body.

You'll see their frustrating sense of incompetence that competes with their other sense of brilliance. You'll witness their view of intolerance to society's complete misunderstanding of who they are, who they want to be, of who they can be. Dr. Paradiz concludes that in order for the world to better understand those on the spectrum, "We must do all we can to change attitudes. Contributors: Darold Treffert, MD.; Dawn Prince, Ph.D.; Stephen Shore, Ed.D.; Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D.; Valerie Paradiz, Ph.D.; Nick Walker, MA; Dena Gassner, LMSW; Temple Grandin, Ph.D. [Editor Lars Perner, Ph.D.; (2011) 182 pages; soft cover]

Reviews

"I LOVE THIS BOOK! I recommend it to all individuals on the spectrum, family members, teachers, therapists, and those interested in looking further into the autism spectrum. After 36 years of studying autism spectrum differences, I haven't found a recent book that has taught me more in a very short time. This book is a treasure!"

Susan J. Moreno, President, OASIS@MAAP, MAAP Services for Autism and Asperger Syndrome

The authors tell their story in their own voice and all are different. It's important to learn what people with Asperger's can do (not solely what they cannot do) and help them do it to the best of their ability. This book should be read by all who wish to further their understanding of Asperger's!

Peter E. Tanguay, M.D. Professor (Emeritus) of Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Louisville, KY and Consultant to the film Rain Man