Am I Still Autistic? How a Low-Functioning, Slightly Retarded Toddler Became the CEO of a Multi-Million Dollar Corporation

by John Hall

Autism does not have to be a life sentence. Dr. John Hall knows. As a toddler, he lived in his own private world, flipping light switches, flushing toilets, banging pans, avoiding eye contact, and babbling unintelligibly. Today, he is CEO of a national education management firm based in Southern California. Defying his initial "slightly retarded, low-functioning autistic" diagnosis, he pushed his way through elementary and high school, put himself through college, earned an MBA, and earned a doctorate! His confusing, frustrating, often heart-wrenching, sometimes comical journey from disabled to triumphant will inspire every teacher, therapist, parent, and family member who lives with, loves, or works with a special-needs child. Am I Still Autistic? offers a unique inside perspective on life in the special, secluded world of autism, and how love, support, and persistence can help make even the most unlikely candidate for success turn their life around.

170 pages, Hardcover

First published June 8, 2011

About the author

Librarian note: This profile contains multiple authors.

Reviews

[D. Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

A very sweet story of a positive social outcome for one person with autism.
Some overlooked areas of development sadden me personally however, overall, I would assume that this read will bring hope to many families and persons with autistim as a part of their daily lives.

[Nikki W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my level of expectations for my autistic son. His behavior has been declining lately and after reading this I now believe it is because we've set the bar too low. He's a very smart kid and needs the challenges. I am going to stop hovering from now on, let him deal with the consequences of how he chooses to interact with the world. I don't have the stomach to watch him endure the kind of situations Dr. Hall experienced growing up, but I will no longer be too quick to interfere, especially in the ones I can anticipate.

[Emily Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing on so many levels!! Must Read. A quick read that gives hope to parents that have a child on the spectrum. You ache when you read about his experiences with his Mother (as a child) it gives an inside look into what your child might actually be thinking/feeling when they can't communicate with you. An exceptional book and remarkable story filled with Hope!!

[Sha-ri Clark]

Loved it !

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into the mind of those that are on the autism spectrum!

[Jeri Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. John Hall brings a unique, personal, well-articulated perspective to the already considerable bounty of autism reads. It's a quick read and a true gem.