Anonymous
Posted February 4, 2000
This book was sent to me straight from God! My nine year old son was recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome by a neurologist. He recently had his first appointment with a psychiatrist however his prognosis for my son was bleak and left me in total despair. He said that my son would never be able to live alone, or have a rewarding career. I was devastated but vowed to fight this prognosis and also NEVER to see this doctor again. Ms. Willey is proof-positive that my child may be able to have a rewarding life. You don't know how much inspiration that you have given to me. Thank you!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 24, 2000
This is a truly touching, insightful, and informative narrative. The writing is also exceptional--it could only have been produced by someone with Asperger's syndrome.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.What a great title? Pretending to be normal is the exact description of the lives of many with Asperger's Syndrome. Pretending to be normal and never really being true to themselves. This book offers a better way to live one's life. Not just for those suffering from Asperger's Syndrome, this book helps their loved ones better understand the complexities of their Asperger's loved ones.
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Posted January 23, 2005
I sought this book out because it was by and for an adult with Aspergers. I was a bit disappointed with it in several ways. First, I was surprised to read that the author has not been formally diagnosed with AS, although she admits that fact in an early disclaimer. This becomes more of an issue as Ms. Willey asserts that her AS traits are 'melting away' with age, a possibility that is as unprecendented as it is unbelievable from her own narrative. There are other facts that emerge in this autobiography that don't exactly fit the AS picture. For example, Ms. Willey readily admits shortcomings in math and spelling. But the typical person with AS has a fascination with numbers, and often a photographic memory. This makes me wonder if Ms. Willey does in fact have Aspergers syndrome, rather than another similar condition. There were parts of the author's life story that came tantalizingly close to important revelations, but never went the extra step to realization. Still, her story held my interest enough to complete it.
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 14, 2009
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More About This Textbook
Overview
The last part of the book consists of a series of substantial appendices which provide helpful coping strategies and guidance, based on the author's own experience, for a range of situations. This positive and humane book will provide not only insight into the Asperger world which will prove invaluable for the professionals who work with people with Asperger's Syndrome, but also hope and encouragement for other people with Asperger's Syndrome, their families, and their friends.
The book contains no figures.
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Kirkus Reviews
Asperger's Syndrome is one of the constellation of conditions known as autism. As both Willey and her young daughter have AS, her life story provides a startling look at how those with the syndrome experience the world. Willey grew up knowing only that she was somehow different, extremely intelligent, and extremely quirky•but accepted and valued•seems to have been the assessment of her parents, physicians, and others early in her life. Her peculiarities•inability to find her way in unfamiliar places, and extreme aversion to people coming too close to her, to noise, to confusion•became a devastating issue when she left home for the unfamiliar environment of college. From then on, Willey struggled mightily until she reached the safe haven of marriage to an outstandingly sympathetic partner, a fulfilling job teaching college, and motherhood. When her own daughter, one of twins, was diagnosed as an infant with Asperger's Syndrome, Willey immediately recognized herself: "social action impairments, narrow interests, an insistence on repetitive routines, speech and language peculiarities, non-verbal communicationProduct Details
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