Product Description

Have you ever been called a freak or a geek? Have you ever felt like one? Luke Jackson is 13 years old and has Asperger Syndrome. Over the years Luke has learned to laugh at such names but there are other aspects of life which are more difficult. Adolescence and the teenage years are a minefield of emotions, transitions and decisions and when a child has Asperger Syndrome, the result is often explosive. Luke writes briefly about his younger autistic and AD/HD brothers, providing amusing insights into the antics of his younger years and advice for parents, carers and teachers of younger AS children. However, his main reason for writing was because "so many books are written about us, but none are written directly to adolescents with Asperger Syndrome. I thought I would write one in the hope that we could all learn together".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4497 in Books
• Published on: 2002-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

Synopsis
Have you ever been called a freak or a geek? Have you ever felt like one? Luke Jackson is 13 years old and has Asperger Syndrome. Over the years Luke has learned to laugh at such names but there are other aspects of life which are more difficult. Adolescence and the teenage years are a minefield of emotions, transitions and decisions and when a child has Asperger Syndrome, the result is often explosive. Luke writes briefly about his younger autistic and AD/HD brothers, providing amusing insights into the antics of his younger years and advice for parents, carers and teachers of younger AS children. However, his main reason for writing was because "so many books are written about us, but none are written directly to adolescents with Asperger Syndrome. I thought I would write one in the hope that we could all learn together".

Customer Reviews

Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolesence
I first came across this book when I was at secondary school, and since leaving back in 2005, I have been searching for this particular title. I must say how highly impressed I was with this book and to read about the experiences of someone who has Aspergers Syndrome as it was a pleasure to read. This book is a real must for anyone who has Aspergers Syndrome or anytime of autism or for those who know nothing about this condition.

Thank You Luke
Im 15 years old and I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome (AS) last year and reading this book has changed my life. Before I was told I had AS, I was always picked on for being different and sometimes I was so depressed and felt so alone, I wouldn't get out of bed for days. When I was diagnosed, I was told to read this book by a family friend and in doing so, my life changed. Luke Jackson, the author of the book writes about the everyday struggles that AS sufferers have to deal with, and after I finished the book, i thought 'Im not alone, there are other people who know what im going through'. Now I have turned my life around and I am looking foward to my future. Luke Jackson, i just want to say 'Thank You' for making me realise that im not a freak.

Such a good read
This is a fantastic book regardless of why you are reading it. I have worked in the past, and still do, with children who have AS and this was my main reason for reading it. It has such a different feel from other books as he is only 13 and this comes across so much in the book. I have read other books by teenagers and young adults with the same condition and they are equally just as good. I liked the fact that it all seemed to be Luke coming through rather than an adult's influence (apart from the obvious guidance and tidying up a book would need before it gets published).

The topics he covers are very relevant to those who have AS and those who come in contact with AS. Aspects such as bullying, fixations, sleeping, sports, friendships, dating, difficulties at school and language are dealt with brilliantly. However the most pertinent chapter for me was the one about when to tell a child they have AS.

Luke used his immediate sources - mother and siblings to help him with some of the content so that others with the condition can understand how people see them and this was such a good part of the book. I loved the idioms he uses and laughed out loud in many places. Not only will it give people an insight there is also practical information in there with websites, books and dietary information (also discussed in his other book). A fabulous read that is both inspirational and refreshing.