The Girl with the Curly Hair - Asperger's and Me

by Alis Rowe

My family have known me my entire life. They have been by my side at the doctor’s. They have brought me out of shutdowns. They have supported me through depression. Yet, despite being a part of all of these things, they still don’t really know what it’s like being me, having Asperger’s Syndrome. So I wrote this book.

The hardest thing about having Asperger’s Syndrome is that it can seem like an invisible condition. Females in particular, can be expert at masking their symptoms. Tomorrow I will get up and leave the house, go into work and get on with things, my challenges totally oblivious to the people around me. The next day will be the same. And the day after. I hope this book will build the bridge between people with Asperger’s Syndrome and the rest of the world. Most people with Asperger’s Syndrome are able and willing to work and live a “normal” life, with the right support and adjustment. The main problem is that most people are just unaware of how they can help. So, let us begin our journey into the wearing but wonderful world that is Asperger’s Syndrome.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Psychology, Disability, Memoir, Mental Health, Aspergers

224 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 8, 2013

Reviews

[Christopher Whalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned quite a lot from this book and I recommend it to anyone who has friends or family with autism / ASD / Asperger's Syndrome (AS), which I learned are all the same thing. I read it because a friend recommended it to me for a family member. It helped me understand that, although I share some traits with AS people, I don't think I am AS. There is a big overlap with depression, anxiety, introversion, and social awkwardness. Everyone is different and everyone with AS has it on their own special way. The book can be a bit repetitive at times, but the author is aware of that and decided to keep it that way because it reflects what her life with AS is really like. It also has a few typos and doesn't seem to have been professionally copyedited or typeset for Kindle. The book includes a number of diagrams, which are really difficult to read on a monochrome Kindle. I had to zoom in to read it clearly due to the font and coloured backgrounds. It was slightly more legible on the Kindle iPhone app.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book directly from Alis at Autism Con, an event in London last weekend. I spoke to Alis about me doing a research project about girls and women with autism in a college environment. Alis suggested this book to me and I was not disappointed. I found her colloquial style very readable and engaging. Her book is divided into easily approachable chapters and the diagrams are helpful in understanding visually what is being explained. I can honestly say I devoured this book, enjoying reading it and thinking about it while at work with students with autism. I will use this book to inform my future study, I enjoyed it immensely and will recommend it to others with an interest in women and autism as well as trying to understand those with Aspergers Syndrome.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being diagnosed with ASD, I’ve been reading books from other females on the autistic spectrum, and Alis’ book has helped me immensely to feel happier in myself and to understand more about myself as well as what ASD is. :)

[Paige Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no interest in weightlifting.

This book touches a little on some subjects not always written about in books about AS, though most is a repeat for those who have done a significant amount of research on the subject. This book is probably more for those just beginning to learn about Autism and like the author has said family or loved ones wishing to know more.

Of course it is significant to read from the perspective of a female with autism.

[Nicola Polhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful

Really enjoyed this book. I have two AS children one boy and one girl. They present very differently and I found this book fantastic as it gave me a deeper understanding of my daughter having already learned about AS in boys I really needed to read this. Thank you so much Alis.

[Koist Spence · Rating 3 out of 5]

**books I need to read for work**
Neurodev girls are so often forgotten about, most of the literature surrounding ASD/ADHD is centred around boys. Alis’ guide to understanding ND girls through her own experience of having “Aspergers” is charming, thorough and at times hilarious. This should be required reading for anyone working with ND girlypops.

[Alison Nurton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

My first book on the subject of autism and I feel like the penny has dropped on so many things that have been happening with my daughter. Written with such honesty and much appreciated, thank you.

[Kristin Boot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alis has a habit of being overly repetitive but her book was a great read regardless.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and being able to share portions with my granddaughter. I regret purchasing through Kindle as the visuals were more difficult to see. A great way for youth to know they are not alone.

[ALISON M PARK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Very good, gave a clear understanding of what to expect from a teenage girl with AS, can't wait to read more from Alis Rowe

[Lynne Foster-Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little bit repetitive towards the end but related to a lot of it.

[Jodie Vivienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book!
Loved reading it.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I have learnt so much. A brilliant read for AS and NTs alike.

[miss r d m stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clear, visual explanations. Found this book so useful.

[Euan Tulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book for understanding those on the spectrum

Really helped me to start to understand what my daughter was feeling & thinking to start to help her after a shutdown

[Lucie Allan · Rating 5 out of 5]

insightful

Brilliant book and very insightful, interesting and well written. Thank you Alis for allowing us into your world and explaining it so well.

[Sharon Forskitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book if you want to know about Autism first hand.

[Natalie :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me lots

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a lot of repetition but really interesting to have a warts and all perspective of how the world looks from someone with Aspergers - thank you author for sharing.

[Nicholas Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting but limited. This book follows one persons story through from childhood to early adulthood. The book is packed with interesting insights, views of the world from someone with aspergers. Where it is restrictive is that it very much is one person's view delivered as though this were the common experience of all those with autism/aspergers. This would have been a more interesting read if it had other voices that highlighted the spectrum nature of the condition and the huge diversity. An interesting read in lots of ways but should be read alongside other books such as neurotribes. Recommended.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is excellent for the pre-teen / teenager set. I'd hoped to glean some useful perspectives but a lot of this I managed to figure out myself over the years and wished something like this was available when I was younger but in the 80s this wasn't a "thing" girls "got", it was a boys thing so I may never have been exposed to it. I think she has a few ebooks out on different subjects so definitely a beneficial tool for the younger demographic

[Bette Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational book for anyone who wants to find out more about aspergers. This book was a huge help understanding more about the condition and how to help a family member, wish I knew about this series a few years ago.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could find myself really relating to what Alis had to say. Great book.

[Roselavenders · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being diagnosed with ASD, I’ve been reading books from other females on the autistic spectrum, and Alis’ book has helped me immensely to feel happier in myself and to understand more about myself as well as what ASD is. :)