"That's Not Right!": My life living with Asperger's

by Alex Manners

Alex Manners was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in 2007 when he was ten years old. By the age of 22 he had written That’s Not My Life Living with Asperger’s after successfully completing his education, despite it having been a shocking rollercoaster of experiences ranging from good … to terrible.
This book gives Asperger’s people, their parents, families, friends, teachers plus anyone else affected, an invaluable insight into UK education’s shortcomings where this group of students is concerned.
It documents how the Manners family fought to overcome the ignorance and misunderstandings in the system, and offers practical, usable advice for anyone else in similar circumstances.
When he was very young the world around Alex seemed confusing and not much made sense. Alex’s way of expressing that was by saying, “That’s not right!” – hence the title for this book. With hindsight, his parents believe this was the first sign of his Asperger’s. But since that time Alex has been putting more “things right” than the vast majority of neurotypical youngsters of the same age.
As Alex says, “Having Asperger’s has had its challenges.” But he believes it makes him who he is today and will be the catalyst that enables him to achieve his dreams and ambitions. In this book, Alex shares some delightful stories about his journey so far.
He astounds readers with his entrepreneurial skills and huge talents that have taken him onto a number of broadcast television appearances, his own radio show, lectures and talks to some of the best-known blue chip companies and organisations in the UK, a campaign to raise awareness of autism in football, and much more.
“Whatever your circumstances are,” says Alex, “never let them define you. Instead, be positive, work hard and you will discover that you can achieve anything. As Walt Disney said, ‘All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them.’”

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2019

Reviews

[Hilra Vinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an extremely honest firsthand account of being neurodivergent in the neuronormative world. Alex shares his joys and challenges with his autism, and how his family situation allowed him to become the self-advocate and advocate he is. Many young people face similar challenges, with varying degrees of family support. Alex tells beautiful stories from his lovely upbringing supported by both his parents, grandparents and extended family. With all that, it was still difficult to be heard by school. Which makes me think of the many young people facing such barriers on top of poverty or without parents. Many professionals blame parents or poor conditions for what they see as ‘bad behaviour’. Alex is a pure and clear example of a polite well-educated child and then young adult, displaying the same reactions to injustice, unfairness and lack of understanding from teachers. This book is the best teacher gift parents could give to their children’s teachers. Perhaps, if teachers follow Alex’s story, if they hear his voice through his truth, appreciate his colours not only through his clothes but his perseverance and hopes, perhaps, only perhaps, they will see the children in front of them differently and start listening.
If you are a headteacher, maybe you could make sure ALL your teachers have to read this book before the new academic year starts. That would be a great start, believe me.
TEACHERS, READ THIS BOOK!

[Oscar Maquito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Manners is an advocate for people with Asperger's Syndrome, raising awareness about the condition, the challenges it presents, and offering guidance on everyday life and behavior. He published his book Growing Up with Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide to Self-Understanding for Teens and Young Adults to help other individuals with Asperger's understand and manage their challenges. His book gives advice on issues like communication, relationships, sensory sensitivities, obsessions and routines, change of environment, and feelings of isolation. His writing reflects his own journey of understanding his own condition and provides insight into the daily lives of those affected since he is now a successful oriented person to raise awareness against Autism.

However, he is a huge fan of football but I never been a fan of those because I usually have a small.knowledge of it because I'm a no a huge fan of sports in my whole life as is, and he is good oritneting the physical awareness as he is for childhood, the good points are only into his hands for many tgings he like about his childohood dreams, but great job for him anyways....

[Sean Flatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

As a dyslexic man I could somehow related myself to some of the symptoms that Alex suffered at school as I did. But it's a good book an an eye opener to understanding what Asperger is and how to adapt and approach with anyone who has Asperger. Thanks

[Ria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting read but kept jumping into seemingly random points so often that I got confused a few times about the point being made.

[Sue Eaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a teacher of children and young people on the autistic spectrum for many years I was intrigued by how things have progressed over the years since my retirement. Unfortunately, nothing much seems to have changed. Alex tells vividly what it is like to be a child on the spectrum living and learning among the neuro typical. Parents still have to fight for the appropriate resources for their child and the children themselves labour to be understood in a world where hidden differences are not always acknowledged.
Well done, Alex and family for persevering. Of course, they had help. Not all of his education was a struggle but if a person on the spectrum has the right type of intervention there is no telling where it can lead. Alex has taken life by the horns and is making it a success. His book is a must read for any parent or young person with autism concerned about the future.