In Be Different, New York Times bestselling author of Look Me in
the Eye shares a new batch of endearing stories about his childhood,
adolescence, and young adult years, giving the reader a rare window into
the Autistic mind.
In his bestselling memoir, Look Me in the Eye, John Elder Robison
described growing up with Autism Spectrum Disorder at a time when the
diagnosis didn't exist. He was intelligent but socially isolated; his
talents won him jobs with toy makers and rock bands but did little to
endear him to authority figures and classmates, who were put off by his
inclination to blurt out non sequiturs and avoid eye contact.
By the time he was diagnosed at age forty, John had already developed a
myriad of coping strategies that helped him achieve a seemingly normal,
even highly successful, life.
In each story, he offers practical advice for anyone who feels
"different" on how to improve the weak communication and social skills
that keep so many people from taking full advantage of their often
remarkable gifts. With his trademark honesty and unapologetic
eccentricity, Robison addresses questions like:
- How to read others and follow their behaviors when in uncertain
social situations
- Why manners matter
- How to harness your powers of concentration to master difficult
skills
- How to deal with bullies
- When to make an effort to fit in, and when to embrace eccentricity
- How to identify special gifts and use them to your advantage
Every person has something unique to offer the world, and every person
has the capacity to create strong, loving bonds with their friends and
family. Be Different will help readers and those they love find their
path to success.
