4 out of 5 Stars
I'm really impressed with Jesse Saperstein. Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a mild form of autism, and one of the most misunderstood), he write his memoirs to not only tell his story but share his insight into how the community at large observes Asperger's.
For those who don't know, Asperger's Syndrome is a mild form of autism, but shouldn't be discounted. Symptoms range from inability to read social cues, repetitive actions, intense interests or fascinations in certain things, inappropriate outbursts or comments, and in more severe cases, tics (stimming), hand flapping, and meltdowns. Before Asperger's was recognized by the medical community in the 1990's, people with this disability (as he calls it in his book) had to suffer through school and life with no help, being labeled lazy, weird, and the like.
Saperstein is remarkable in that he grew to be able to work with people. A very memorable experience touched my heart. He raised nearly $20,000 for a Pediatric AIDS/HIV foundation by hiking the entirety of the Appalachian Trail (that's 2,178) over seven months. His story of that hike was both heart-warming and hilarious and showed that there is a little bit of Asperger's in all of us.
One of the things that stuck in my head was Saperstein's comment about how "tolerance" can be a bad word. "Tolerance" can equal "ignoring". If people "tolerate" a person with a disability, often that means they don't give that person a second look, a CHANCE. First impressions for person with Asperger's is difficult, so instead of turning your head in "tolerance" and ignoring -- try giving a chance. This message of Saperstein's will stick with me always.
For those who don't know, Asperger's Syndrome is a mild form of autism, but shouldn't be discounted. Symptoms range from inability to read social cues, repetitive actions, intense interests or fascinations in certain things, inappropriate outbursts or comments, and in more severe cases, tics (stimming), hand flapping, and meltdowns. Before Asperger's was recognized by the medical community in the 1990's, people with this disability (as he calls it in his book) had to suffer through school and life with no help, being labeled lazy, weird, and the like.
Saperstein is remarkable in that he grew to be able to work with people. A very memorable experience touched my heart. He raised nearly $20,000 for a Pediatric AIDS/HIV foundation by hiking the entirety of the Appalachian Trail (that's 2,178) over seven months. His story of that hike was both heart-warming and hilarious and showed that there is a little bit of Asperger's in all of us.
One of the things that stuck in my head was Saperstein's comment about how "tolerance" can be a bad word. "Tolerance" can equal "ignoring". If people "tolerate" a person with a disability, often that means they don't give that person a second look, a CHANCE. First impressions for person with Asperger's is difficult, so instead of turning your head in "tolerance" and ignoring -- try giving a chance. This message of Saperstein's will stick with me always.
Lori Anderson creates jewelry for her web site, Lori Anderson Designs, and wrote the blog An Artist's Year Off. She's also a contributor to Art Bead Scene and is the creator of the Bead Soup Blog Party.
Another for my wish list! I have read quite a few good books about or by Aspies, this one looks very good too. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I caught this review...it's now on my list to download. It would be so great if I could get Emma to read it too. thanks, Lori!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I caught this review...it's now on my list to download. It would be so great if I could get Emma to read it too. thanks, Lori!
ReplyDelete