Everyday Aspergers: A Journey on the Autism Spectrum

Everyday Aspergers: A Journey on the Autism Spectrum

Through 150 entries, Samantha Craft presents a life of humorous faux pas, profound insights, and the everyday adventures of an autistic female. In her vivid world, nothing is simple and everything appears pertinent. Even an average trip to the grocery store is a feat and cause for reflection. From being a dyslexic cheerleader with dyspraxia going the wrong direction, to bathroom stalking, to figuring out if she can wear that panty-free dress, Craft explores the profoundness of daily living through hilarious anecdotes and heart-warming childhood memories. Ten years in the making, Craft’s revealing memoir brings Asperger’s Syndrome into a spectrum of brilliant light—exposing the day-to-day interactions and complex inner workings of an autistic female from childhood to midlife. "There has never been another book like Everyday Aspergers. In prose that is alternatingly playful, witty, brave, heartbreaking, and encouraging, Samantha Craft explores her experience of life on the spectrum in meticulous and comprehensive detail. Many parts of the book -- including "116 Reasons I Know I Have Asperger's Syndrome" and her description of her journey to "Planet Aspie" and return to Earth -- are classic, stand-alone set pieces that rank with the very best writing from autistic self-advocates. This book is a gift for autistic people in general, for autistic women in specific, and for neurotypical readers who want to become more effective allies. By exploring her autism, Craft teaches us all how to be more compassionate and alive human beings." ~ Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity "Spectrum "This book is stunning, beautifully written with a raw and arresting honesty that illuminates the details of living and being autistic/Aspie. Dip in and out or read right through, you will find something that resonates with you as being autistic is being human." ~ Emma Goodall PhD, author of Understanding and Facilitating the Achievement of Autistic Potential & The Autism Spectrum Guide to Sexuality and Relationships & co-author of The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum "Everyday Aspergers is a fun, poignant series of snapshots into the mind of a wife, mother, educator-turned-therapist during the days she spent processing her own late diagnosis. Each vignette is a sweet morsel of insight and generosity of spirit as she lays raw, her very personal journey. Finally something for families and especially women to read a day at a time-as it was written-as they also take their own small steps to self-awareness and insight."~ Dena L. Gassner, PhD Student in Social Welfare at Adelphi University; National Board Member Arc US and GRASP; Director of theCenter for Understanding "Samantha Craft has put together a series of personal stories which offer an amazing insight for Aspergirls specifically. Her journey of acceptance, inclusion, and understanding of her own identity is inspirational and I will share this book with all of my clients on the spectrum. I am beyond impressed with her journey and her commitment to sharing her personal life with other people on the spectrum. Amazing work!" ~ Frank Gaskill, PhD, author of the graphic novel Max Gamer, a contributing author to The Walking Dead Psychology, and Star Wars Psychology: The Dark Side of the Mind. He is also the host of the Dr. G. Aspie show "Everyday Aspergers is easy to read, accessible and incredibly relatable. As an Autistic woman myself, I found countless points of commonality with Craft's experiences and thoughts about life. The book is passionate--a great work of advocacy, as well as an honest and heartfelt personal account of the author's life. The book presents a life lived with challenges but also with great strengths and quiet wisdom. Craft shatters a number of myths around things like Autism and empathy, creativity and love. It was moving and meaningful on many levels. If you are on the Autism spectrum yourself or know, love or care for someone who is, I strongly recommend this book. Thanks Samantha Craft for putting this good thing into the world." ~ Jeanette Purkis, Autistic advocate, artist and author of Finding a Different Kind of Normal, The Wonderful World of Work and co-author of The Guide to Good Mental Health on the Autism Spectrum