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Finding Kansas
As a mental health professional who has specialized in the field of autistic-spectrum disorders for nearly twenty years, the only apt comparison I can make of Aarons writings is the effect of Temple Grandins first book, Emergence. Her personal account of the experience of autism was a revelation. It shattered many myths and previously accepted facts about autism. Her book permanently changed the previously limited understanding of autistic disorders. I believe Aarons writings have the same potential regarding Aspergers Disorder. He reveals depths of emotion, social comprehension, nuances of cognition and perception, and especially the potential for something close to recovery. I believe its potential benefits are invaluable and capable of changing lives. In the course of this personal odyssey, however, he becomes much more than a clinical study of Aspergers, for his personal queries eventually pose the same strenuous questions about the human experience that have challenged philosophers since What is the meaning of our lives and actions? How do we reconcile our experience with that of others? Where does the Truth lie? What is Love? Does freedom equal love? Dr. Mark Cameron, PhD St. Louis, MO What Aaron has written provides a unique and unusual look into the cognitive processes involved in someone with Asperger's Syndrome. Understanding these ideas and emotions are essential to provide a better understanding to Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Asperger's Syndrome. This will provide a unique contribution to scientific research as well as better awareness and understanding of people with this disorder. Dr. Alycia Halladay Princeton, NJ
396 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 5, 2017
Oh man, this book helped me understand quite a few things about Aspergers that I didn’t know and helped me pinpoint some of the things I’ve noticed about a close relation who lives with this syndrome. Very enlightening and a little sad. But knowing more can only help!
March 30, 2012
A very accessibly-written account and it maintains a certain charm for a necessarily personal tale by way of never failing to feel very genuine in the emotions expressed.
The foundation of my disappointment in the book, however, is that it's largely dull and at least to this reader, lacking in the echelon and depth of insight attributed to it in its introduction and publisher's praise. Accessible writing need not be amateurish--this isn't to say the book is badly written per se, but it's indeed a collection of informal, personal essays and it never lets you forget that. Small yet frequent stylistic tics toward the insecure and repetitive statement become increasingly taxing as the book wears on.
But I'd be ready to forgive the mediocre writing if the book paid off in its chief promise: to 'unlock' what it is to experience AS/ASD to those outside of the condition. To me it simply failed in this regard, with a notable exception I'm more than happy to mention.
First, I'm ready to admit my own bias here--from my own life experience and what I've passingly read about autism / AS / ASD, it looks to genuinely be one of the most over-diagnosed conditions on offer, rivaling ADD. A very recent report in America shows the diagnosis rate skyrocketing due, in the opinion of several citations in the report, to an ever-broadening scope of diagnostic criteria--to the degree that within roughly the next two years, the diagnostic criteria is being overhauled. Considering over-diagnosis and the boringly, emphatically annoying American tendency to both seek out labels and uniqueness (particularly by parents for their children) and the way in which diagnosis of such conditions can be tempting explanations for various idiosyncrasies--i.e., shortcuts to understanding and empathy without doing the heavy lifting or worrying something more troubling is at work--so much of this grows tiresome. Thinking on the notion that normalcy in most regards is a myth, don't we all fall somewhere on the autism spectrum, almost all of us well short of the 'healthy' extreme? If so, what's to truly unlock? Is it so mysterious?
Much of the book felt this way to me. With some jarring exceptions (I'm getting there, I promise) the vast majority of this book felt exceedingly normal to me. An intelligent kid that feels more comfortable talking to adults than this peers, is socially awkward, gets bored by mundane teenage jobs, and has trouble getting over his first loves. There's no rich, unique, compelling, insightful, nuanced experience here at all. If you want to sell a compelling book using such commonplace material, you'd better be leaning heavily on some other aspect of the writing to be very charged, and Likens doesn't pass either, here.
All of this is coming around to the point that I'm not saying nor have I ever thought autism / et al. to be a myth -- over-diagnosed doesn't mean the condition isn't legitimately expressed in some patients. I think AS is a very real and very excruciatingly strange experience to behold, and I absolutely believe Likens himself is a very genuine victim to it. The depth of the lack of empathy Likens expresses seems staggering at its most acute, and I wish he had whatever we might say is missing from the writing here to explore that depth in a more profound and vivid manner. He does hit on such elements, but only in passing. His discourse on the way 'first' may work in ASDs to frame future impressions and encounters was interesting, and the reaction of professionals and ASD sufferers to this concept might prove illuminating, I'd be glad if it did considering the way this portion of the book stands out in relation to the rest.
We also cannot forget the titular theme of the book, which is Likens' own exploration of the comfort zone he discovered for himself early on in life in the form of observing and taking part in auto racing. There doesn't seem to be terribly much here that is revelatory to the ASD experience at large, but it remains an intriguing area to experience by proxy. Likens does some fulfilling work here exploring the very tangible ways that systems of closure and restriction work to liberate himself and many others on the autism spectrum. It indeed seems to speak to the root mechanic of the disorder which is, simply and broadly considered, being overwhelmed by choice in complex situations. No surprise that social situations are almost always emphasized in regards to AS, as the nuanced and complex variables of human interaction have always been one of the fundamental mazes of the human experience. I enjoyed Likens' discussion of the ways in which game systems work incredibly well in this regard.
Overall, there are aspects of this book that undeniably shed light on the very intimate struggles of the true ASD experience, but these moments felt disappointingly like diamonds in the rough. A stern editor's touch, I feel, would've slimmed the present material (and associated stylistic crutches, most notably the constant, needless repetition) far enough back to demand a more complicated contemplation on some of the book's more intriguing moments. It promises to unlock the door but only offers a glimpse through the keyhole.
The foundation of my disappointment in the book, however, is that it's largely dull and at least to this reader, lacking in the echelon and depth of insight attributed to it in its introduction and publisher's praise. Accessible writing need not be amateurish--this isn't to say the book is badly written per se, but it's indeed a collection of informal, personal essays and it never lets you forget that. Small yet frequent stylistic tics toward the insecure and repetitive statement become increasingly taxing as the book wears on.
But I'd be ready to forgive the mediocre writing if the book paid off in its chief promise: to 'unlock' what it is to experience AS/ASD to those outside of the condition. To me it simply failed in this regard, with a notable exception I'm more than happy to mention.
First, I'm ready to admit my own bias here--from my own life experience and what I've passingly read about autism / AS / ASD, it looks to genuinely be one of the most over-diagnosed conditions on offer, rivaling ADD. A very recent report in America shows the diagnosis rate skyrocketing due, in the opinion of several citations in the report, to an ever-broadening scope of diagnostic criteria--to the degree that within roughly the next two years, the diagnostic criteria is being overhauled. Considering over-diagnosis and the boringly, emphatically annoying American tendency to both seek out labels and uniqueness (particularly by parents for their children) and the way in which diagnosis of such conditions can be tempting explanations for various idiosyncrasies--i.e., shortcuts to understanding and empathy without doing the heavy lifting or worrying something more troubling is at work--so much of this grows tiresome. Thinking on the notion that normalcy in most regards is a myth, don't we all fall somewhere on the autism spectrum, almost all of us well short of the 'healthy' extreme? If so, what's to truly unlock? Is it so mysterious?
Much of the book felt this way to me. With some jarring exceptions (I'm getting there, I promise) the vast majority of this book felt exceedingly normal to me. An intelligent kid that feels more comfortable talking to adults than this peers, is socially awkward, gets bored by mundane teenage jobs, and has trouble getting over his first loves. There's no rich, unique, compelling, insightful, nuanced experience here at all. If you want to sell a compelling book using such commonplace material, you'd better be leaning heavily on some other aspect of the writing to be very charged, and Likens doesn't pass either, here.
All of this is coming around to the point that I'm not saying nor have I ever thought autism / et al. to be a myth -- over-diagnosed doesn't mean the condition isn't legitimately expressed in some patients. I think AS is a very real and very excruciatingly strange experience to behold, and I absolutely believe Likens himself is a very genuine victim to it. The depth of the lack of empathy Likens expresses seems staggering at its most acute, and I wish he had whatever we might say is missing from the writing here to explore that depth in a more profound and vivid manner. He does hit on such elements, but only in passing. His discourse on the way 'first' may work in ASDs to frame future impressions and encounters was interesting, and the reaction of professionals and ASD sufferers to this concept might prove illuminating, I'd be glad if it did considering the way this portion of the book stands out in relation to the rest.
We also cannot forget the titular theme of the book, which is Likens' own exploration of the comfort zone he discovered for himself early on in life in the form of observing and taking part in auto racing. There doesn't seem to be terribly much here that is revelatory to the ASD experience at large, but it remains an intriguing area to experience by proxy. Likens does some fulfilling work here exploring the very tangible ways that systems of closure and restriction work to liberate himself and many others on the autism spectrum. It indeed seems to speak to the root mechanic of the disorder which is, simply and broadly considered, being overwhelmed by choice in complex situations. No surprise that social situations are almost always emphasized in regards to AS, as the nuanced and complex variables of human interaction have always been one of the fundamental mazes of the human experience. I enjoyed Likens' discussion of the ways in which game systems work incredibly well in this regard.
Overall, there are aspects of this book that undeniably shed light on the very intimate struggles of the true ASD experience, but these moments felt disappointingly like diamonds in the rough. A stern editor's touch, I feel, would've slimmed the present material (and associated stylistic crutches, most notably the constant, needless repetition) far enough back to demand a more complicated contemplation on some of the book's more intriguing moments. It promises to unlock the door but only offers a glimpse through the keyhole.
February 15, 2016
Finding Kansas is a series of essays by a young man named Aaron Likens. Aaron's essays are about living his life with Asperger's. Anytime someone is willing to put their life out in front of the public for close examination, I think it brave. When someone shares their experiences to help others in similar situations, I believe it noble. My son has Asperger's, so I had/have a vested interest in reading Finding Kansas. I have struggled with the clinical education and parenting books on Asperger's. So far, I have benefited most (from a parenting perspective), from the memoirs of those with first hand experience. There were times I found this book tough to follow, which only attests to the fact that those with Asperger's do not think less, in fact mostly, they think more-but they definitely think and process differently. The essay that the book is titled for, Finding Kansas, details how vitally important and mind boggling-ly complex expectations, prior knowledge, scheduling, and comfort zone are to someone with High Functioning Autism. Aaron makes the comparison, that if someone's abilities were only disabled/hindered outside of the state of Kansas, it would follow that their life's ambition would be to stay inside Kansas state lines. Much as if life were an anxiety riddled, terrifying place full of complex, innumerable unpredictabilities when you left your pre discovered comfort zone-it seems logical, that you would do everything in your power...to remain sheltered safely inside your comfort zone cocoon (your Kansas) at all costs. Even if doing so, meant you missed out on the wanderlust adventure waiting for you...just over the Kansas border.
January 31, 2015
What began as an exercise for Aaron Likens to work through daunting thoughts and experiences would eventually become this powerful collection of essays about understanding Asperger Syndrome. Finding Kansas captures Aaron's introspective journey from awkward early teens to roller coaster 20s and onward to an empowering future.
Aaron's open self-examination and raw emotion really struck a chord with me. I've only recently begun to learn about Asperger Syndrome and notice its effect in my life and those around me, and his story has helped me be more aware, understanding, and adaptive to others whose social behaviors, anxiety, and priorities differ from my own. I recommend this book to anyone, whether you're interested in the autism spectrum or just curious about life in someone else's mind.
Aaron's open self-examination and raw emotion really struck a chord with me. I've only recently begun to learn about Asperger Syndrome and notice its effect in my life and those around me, and his story has helped me be more aware, understanding, and adaptive to others whose social behaviors, anxiety, and priorities differ from my own. I recommend this book to anyone, whether you're interested in the autism spectrum or just curious about life in someone else's mind.
June 23, 2020
Written by a man with Aspergers its a unique perspective of this syndrome. Short chapters and running dialogue give a broad view of his life. Profoundly raw Aaron expresses an emptiness at not knowing what love really is and wondering if his way of viewing love is the right way and everyone else is wrong. This unique journey allows you to walk in someone else's shoes and experience life from their vantage point.
December 26, 2012
This book has the ability to change the lives of those who read it. Whether you have autism or Asperger's Syndrome or know someone who does, you will be transformed. Aaron's ability to share his perspective, give words to emotions and feelings, and describe constructs for theories and ways to think about the symptoms of the diagnosis, help to truly enlighten us.
November 20, 2016
Interesująca, ale polski podtytuł na wyrost.
June 11, 2017
This book took me forever to finish. I was busy, but it didn't grip my attention to the point where I just had to read it. I wish I had not read the introduction to this book, it way oversold it and I think that is where some of my disappointment came from.
The book is basically short essays written by a person with Asperger's Syndrome, describing what Asberger's Syndrome is to him and how it affects all the different aspects of his life. I think anyone who has any social awkwardness should be able to relate to many of the problems that he describes, but that they are much more extreme for him. Aaron's two big obsessions are car racing (he grew up in Indianapolis) and video games. Since I basically loathe both of these subjects, parts of this book just seemed really long to me. It's a good read to get an inside look into a disorder I don't necessarily know much about though, and I'm glad I read it.
The book is basically short essays written by a person with Asperger's Syndrome, describing what Asberger's Syndrome is to him and how it affects all the different aspects of his life. I think anyone who has any social awkwardness should be able to relate to many of the problems that he describes, but that they are much more extreme for him. Aaron's two big obsessions are car racing (he grew up in Indianapolis) and video games. Since I basically loathe both of these subjects, parts of this book just seemed really long to me. It's a good read to get an inside look into a disorder I don't necessarily know much about though, and I'm glad I read it.
January 27, 2023
I really liked this book. It is good insight into his world and struggles, as well as achievements. If I didn't have a child on the spectrum, I might have given it 5 stars. Having a child on the spectrum makes it easier to feel like when you are reading this, you either already understand what he is saying or it is probably only his unique experience. If you have met one person on the spectrum, you have met one person on the spectrum. It is a super great insight but doesn't apply to every Aspie. Toward the end of the book, it felt like it was repeating the same information and understanding of how it affects him, and I started losing interest. It is worth the read, but it isn't a "can't put it down" kind of read.
July 10, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book about Asperger's Syndrome. I felt like that I could really relate to the author in certain areas that he was struggling with. He did a very great job writing this book and he did a wonderful job writing about the certain events that have happened in this life. I really recommend that other people that have Asperger's syndrome/Autism and the people that don't have autism should really read this book as it's helpful to others that may be going through the same experiences that Aaron went through. I have learned some new things in this book by reading it. Aaron has made it easier for me to understand what it's like living with Asperger's Syndrome/Autism.
January 17, 2017
A very personal and insightful glimpse in to the mind of one man who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. As I have a son with Asperger's, I try to read as much as I can to enhance my understanding of how Asperger's affects him. Although no two people are the same, I found many of Aaron's views helpful in understanding some of the issues shared by those with Asperger's. An interesting read that made me shed more than a few tears. I wish the Author well and may he spend his future in Kansas. x
January 30, 2018
After reading, I feel that this novel does an excellent job telling the story of someone diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. It gives insight into how people affected by this disorder view the world in a different way than the majority of others. It also very effectively makes readers who could possibly be on the autism spectrum feel comfortable in its portrayal of another person with possibly similar experiences.
Though the novel does not tell a defined chronological story, it still does exceptionally well with keeping the reader entertained and interested in the writing. The use of specific experiences that Likens finds important helps to show what sticks out in the mind of the author even after many years since the event. The author does an excellent job with getting his point and thoughts across in nearly all parts of the book, making it easy to understand even for somebody with no experience regarding the autism spectrum.
Though the novel does not tell a defined chronological story, it still does exceptionally well with keeping the reader entertained and interested in the writing. The use of specific experiences that Likens finds important helps to show what sticks out in the mind of the author even after many years since the event. The author does an excellent job with getting his point and thoughts across in nearly all parts of the book, making it easy to understand even for somebody with no experience regarding the autism spectrum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2018
I saw Aaron speak in person and I think that helped add a lot of context to the book for me. I do think reading it helped me to understand what Aaron's life is like. Unfourtunalty, since autism is so unique in how it affects people I wasn't able to draw as many parallels to my son as I had hoped. I don't believe that diminishes in anyway what Aaron has done here though. Thank you for your writings.
December 22, 2020
The writing was largely structureless/not great, but that's what I enjoyed about the book. It enabled me to connect with Aaron as a fellow Aspie; felt like I was reading his journal. Thoroughly enjoyed. I felt very understood :)
March 6, 2021
A very well written book that provides wonderful insight.
April 10, 2024
It was for my class but I really enjoyed it. Shows a great perspective on Asperger’s
May 8, 2024
Excellent book for anyone with or who has a loved one on the spectrum. Thank you Aaron. I'm looking forward to reading his new book!
April 26, 2012
Aaron Likens has done remarkable things but first he started out as a seriously annoying disruptive kid. He hated school; most kids do, but Aaron HATED school. He was bored, mostly, but also not functioning on the same level as his peers. By the time he was six, Aaron couldn’t play monopoly with his dad because he always won. Always.
Taken to counseling he was compared to….wait for it…..the Unabomber or possibly a serial killer. Thankfully that didn’t happen because we would have missed out the wonderful various of life that Aaron gives us in FINDING KANSAS. Aaron has autism in the form as Asperger’s Syndrome. “Asperger's syndrome, also called Asperger's disorder, is a type of pervasive development disorder (PDD). PDDs are a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate, and to use imagination.” Thank you Wiki!
He wasn’t diagnosed until he was in his early twenties and his father did us all a favor by getting him a journal and encouraging him to write down his thoughts. They make up this book. Usually I don’t do short stories but this isn’t – it’s a compilation of thoughts, reminiscing girls, jobs, Life and auto racing
You soon learn that auto racing IS Kansas. A place of joy and comfort where Aaron is completely in control and where he excels. Aaron loves racing like most of us loves our kids; and that is also part of the Asperger’s: he can remember events down to the last drop of water but he cannot remember the people he was with. Racing is when he feels he is meant to be. Too bad the Powers That Be don’t agree.
A great story written by an amazing individual. A Must Read for those with Aspergers in the families and a Must Read for all the rest of us because it will completely change your frame of reference.
Taken to counseling he was compared to….wait for it…..the Unabomber or possibly a serial killer. Thankfully that didn’t happen because we would have missed out the wonderful various of life that Aaron gives us in FINDING KANSAS. Aaron has autism in the form as Asperger’s Syndrome. “Asperger's syndrome, also called Asperger's disorder, is a type of pervasive development disorder (PDD). PDDs are a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate, and to use imagination.” Thank you Wiki!
He wasn’t diagnosed until he was in his early twenties and his father did us all a favor by getting him a journal and encouraging him to write down his thoughts. They make up this book. Usually I don’t do short stories but this isn’t – it’s a compilation of thoughts, reminiscing girls, jobs, Life and auto racing
You soon learn that auto racing IS Kansas. A place of joy and comfort where Aaron is completely in control and where he excels. Aaron loves racing like most of us loves our kids; and that is also part of the Asperger’s: he can remember events down to the last drop of water but he cannot remember the people he was with. Racing is when he feels he is meant to be. Too bad the Powers That Be don’t agree.
A great story written by an amazing individual. A Must Read for those with Aspergers in the families and a Must Read for all the rest of us because it will completely change your frame of reference.
July 20, 2012
Aaron Likens gives a glimpse into his life and for readers allows us to understand at a deeply personal level what is going on in his mind. The fact that he has Asperger's Syndrome and is able to write his thoughts down is both fascinating and helpful. I found myself agreeing with many of his conclusions about love and loss. What I found most interesting was the idea that his memory and attachment to things is like a prison that he is unable to break free of.
Also, while incredibly sad to read, I was struck by his writing about wanting to convey things but not having the words to do so... "On the outside I appear to be emotionless, like in a coma, but on the inside I am very conscious of what is going on and the scream is deafening and consumes my thoughts." [page 71]
I found this extremely helpful to read and hopefully keep in mind as I interact not just with individuals who have Asperger's or Autism but with all people. For what I found most interesting is that this is a story of the human experience; love, loss, disappointment, and revelation.
Also, while incredibly sad to read, I was struck by his writing about wanting to convey things but not having the words to do so... "On the outside I appear to be emotionless, like in a coma, but on the inside I am very conscious of what is going on and the scream is deafening and consumes my thoughts." [page 71]
I found this extremely helpful to read and hopefully keep in mind as I interact not just with individuals who have Asperger's or Autism but with all people. For what I found most interesting is that this is a story of the human experience; love, loss, disappointment, and revelation.
March 7, 2015
1. I loved the part of his dad waving the checkered flag when he came home from his first trip by himself.
2. Aaron came to my hometown of Doniphan, so I got to see him speak. He was captivating, animated, funny, and made so much sense. He was all of these great things while running a very high fever.
3. The chapter about Amsterdam made me cry. My cat is so important to me, too. I've never had to put one down, but three of them have gone missing, so I know that loss.
4. I work with children and teens every day at the library, so I thought it was important to read this book, and I wasn't disappointed.
5. When Aaron spoke he made the statement, "When you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism," meaning everyone with autism is different in their behaviors. I thought that was a very important statement.
6. I hope Aaron finds some of the answers he seeks.
7. I learned a lot about video games and racing...
2. Aaron came to my hometown of Doniphan, so I got to see him speak. He was captivating, animated, funny, and made so much sense. He was all of these great things while running a very high fever.
3. The chapter about Amsterdam made me cry. My cat is so important to me, too. I've never had to put one down, but three of them have gone missing, so I know that loss.
4. I work with children and teens every day at the library, so I thought it was important to read this book, and I wasn't disappointed.
5. When Aaron spoke he made the statement, "When you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism," meaning everyone with autism is different in their behaviors. I thought that was a very important statement.
6. I hope Aaron finds some of the answers he seeks.
7. I learned a lot about video games and racing...
December 2, 2012
The author was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 2004 at the age of 21 and took up writing essays to avoid having to talk to those who diagnosed him. Parts are easy reading, others aren't. I almost stopped reading 25 pages into the book when he talked about Greg Moore dying during an IRL race and I was thinking that if he can't the race series correct I might not want to read the remainder of the book. Earlier in the book there was mention of him trying for a ride in the Champ Car feeder series so he knows the difference between the series.
January 31, 2013
This book is truly eye opening, even if you have a lot of experience with those on the Autism Spectrum. There is nothing like reading it from a person who actually is on the Spectrum and can express their feelings and experiences from the inside. Finding Kansas is a great resource for parents and professionals who struggle daily to decode this unique disorder. Aaron writes about his journey to adulthood, living with Aspergers and divulges his feelings, concerns, trials, outlook on interactions, and so much more in this wonderful book.
March 5, 2015
Personally I liked the book the Aaron lead us through a wonderful journey of life living with Asperger`s . the journey is a bit tough and most definitely hard. I loved the fact that the is not a novel neither a biography he presented his idea on paper more like articles. I believe it was quite a brave act of him to open up to the world in order to raise awareness about this syndrome, I loved the fact that he expressed his feelings and try to somehow analyze his situation. it was interesting to read his theories. A recommendation to those who like psych analyzing booksa
July 19, 2012
It was an amazing book from the view point of an older child into young adulthood when he finds out he has Aspergers. He writes a journal about how he thinks and feels about situations that happen in his life and realizes all the "quirkiness" is most likely due to his Asperger's. Now he can view situations from a new perspective. Some funny situations, some a bit sad, but great for anyone who knows someone with Aspergers Syndrome.
October 16, 2012
This book has been a great insight to the minds of so many affected by Asperger's Syndrome! I give a copy of this book to many of my clients' parents striving to understand the world from their children's eyes. Aaron leaves no mystery as to how he interprets his world. He clearly illustrates that he is no less, no more inflicted than any of his peers, he is meerly different and embraces his differences as a strength and super power.
June 26, 2012
The book provides a great view into what it's like to live with Autism/Aspergers Syndrome. There is no theory. It presents stories and real experiences of what life is like.
I don't read many books because so many are long winded and drawn out. This book is not. I could not put it down once I started reading, and enjoyed every bit of insight I got from it.
I don't read many books because so many are long winded and drawn out. This book is not. I could not put it down once I started reading, and enjoyed every bit of insight I got from it.
August 4, 2012
An interesting look at Asperger's from someone who has it. The writing is a little choppy as each chapter is a separate "essay" of sorts, but the information is invaluable when it comes to understanding Asperger's Syndrome. It's amazing to read Aaron Likens' true feelings about how he sees the world, and I know I'll think back to this book as I continue to learn about autism.
February 23, 2013
I heard about this book on a radio show over the summer and picked it up since my oldest has Asperger's and I thought it might help me understand him, especially as he grows up. There were sections in this book where I set it down, picked it up, reread it and then confessed to myself that "this was my son."
For anyone with Asperger's in their lives, I would recommend this book.
For anyone with Asperger's in their lives, I would recommend this book.
October 11, 2015
Quick, easy read. As an aspergian myself I could relate to much of what he talked about and thought that most of his theories (game theory, etc) made a lot of sense. I dog eared about 20 pages where he did an especially good job of explaining how he thinks and how this affects his reactions to others.
April 12, 2011
From page one this book drew me in...it is written by an adult with Asperger's syndrome...added intrigue for me is that his life takes place in St. Louis and his father is an LC_MS pastor.
His narrative style is unique and captivating.
His narrative style is unique and captivating.
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