This can be inspiring to adults just as much as to adolescents. We see this young man, Jason, with hopes and dreams, gifts and talents. His family loves him fervently, yet are not always able to understand him, are even hurt by his detachment from them. Autism has made him a person set apart, the "different" child. The story is told from Jason's point of view. The reader is superb.
I've read a few books on autism and this is easy to read and offers one of the most accurate insights into what it feels like to have autism (in my opinion). It also describes a parent-child relationship from the perspective of the child with autism, which I think many parents would find useful. It describes clearly how situations of (what appears to be) disruptive behaviour in school arise. Would recommend it for children from about year 6 onwards, parents, and professionals.
With an increasing number of kids on the autism spectrum, this is a must read for teachers, parents, everyone. This first-person perspective gives one pause to consider how we treat people with autism. This book pushed my perspective to realize that different isn't always bad and just because I don't understand, doesn't mean someone isn't making perfect sense in their reality. This is a book about acceptance, compassion and self-awareness. Excellent for any young person as it shows that we're all self-concerned and struggle with how others will perceive us. Feel good story.
A very well written book. I enjoyed listening to it. The author did a very good job conveying the day to day struggles of an autistic boy and the frustrations of being misunderstood. It also imparts a lesson of accepting that it is ok to be different.
