In recent years, a new genre of book has emerged from those with autism. These books explain to the general public how to deal with autistic folk, specifically themselves, better. After decades of mistreatment, this group seeks to raise their voice for better social conditions. I’m not exactly sure how to classify these books because they’re half-memoir, half-psychology. They aren’t exactly rigorous science, but they are very reality-based.
To this list, Casey “Remrov” Vormer adds his story about his personal perspective on this condition increasingly in our collective consciousness. He grew up in the Netherlands, was diagnosed late at age 21, and later emigrated to Canada. After having some trouble finding employment, he now works as an artist and has won awards for his products. Incidentally, this book is quite colorful, demonstrative of his interest in graphic design.
Vormer here describes his own story and always provides tips on how people could deal with him – and others in the autism community – better. Of course, this is just one person’s voice, but if there’s 80% overlap with the next person with autism you meet, then the learning curve is lessened. He also provides chapters on dealing with school, work, and friendships. He emphasizes the very real benefits of having those with autism in your life, whether personally or professionally.
I read this book with the hope of understanding co-workers better. I feel that this book achieved that aim. It can apply to readers with autistic people in their lives – and that’s almost all of us today. Either because of increased awareness, better diagnosis, or something yet to be known, prevalence of autism is increasing, so books like this can prevent us from wasting this group’s very valuable human contributions because of our own “neurotypical” expectations.
Connecting with the Autism Spectrum: How to Talk, How to Listen, and Why You Shouldn’t Call It High-Functioning
By Casey “Remrov” Vormer
Copyright (c) 2020
Rockridge Press
ISBN13 9781647398316
Page Count: 132
Genre: Memoir, Psychology
Sponsored link to www.amazon.com