Pretending to be Normal: Living with Asperger's Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) Expanded Edition

by Liane Holliday Willey, Dr Anthony Attwood (Foreword by)

Overview

Compelling and witty, Liane Holliday Willey's account of growing to adulthood as an undiagnosed 'Aspie' has been read by thousands of people on and off the autism spectrum since it was first published in 1999. Bringing her story up to date, including her diagnosis as an adult, and reflecting on the changes in attitude over 15 years, this expanded edition will continue to entertain (and inform) all those who would like to know a little more about how it feels to spend your life ‘pretending to be normal'.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781849057554
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	09/21/2014
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	411,235
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Liane Holliday Willey is a wife, mother, autism consultant, academic researcher, avid horsewoman and owner of an equestrian barn. She has a Doctorate of Education, and is a frequent guest speaker as well as the author of several other books on autism spectrum conditions.

Table of Contents

Dedication. Foreword by Tony Attwood. Author's Note. Introduction. 1. Remembering When 2. The Gap Widens and Wondering Why 3. Losing My Way 4. A Slow Walk Home 5. Crossing the Bridge 6. Rocking My Babies 7. Settling In, But Never Down. 8. Pretending a Little Less. Appendices: I Explaining Who You Are to Those Who Care. II Survival Skills for AS College Students. III Employment Options and Responsibilities. IV Organizing Your Home Life. V Coping Strategies for Sensory Integration Dysfunction. VI Thoughts for Non-AS Support People. VII Support Groups and Other Helpful Resources. Glossary. References.

Editorial Reviews

With Pretending to be Normal, a collective sigh of relief was heaved, a burden was lifted and laid down. The puzzle that had perplexed us was given a name, Asperger's, and women on the spectrum found their voice, some of us for the first time.

Rudy Simone

Liane's original book Pretending to be Normal gave such important insights into how women with Asperger's syndrome used coping strategies in an attempt to fit into the neurotypical world. This updated version not only gives further insights but more importantly rather than "pretending to be normal" Liane points out that it is better to recognise that having Asperger's syndrome is acceptable and society should celebrate differentness. Finding the balance with appropriate support enables people with Asperger's syndrome to function in both the Aspie and neurotypical worlds. The appendices are brilliant in that Liane gives practical tips in supporting and managing Asperger's syndrome in all aspects of life. This book will be highly recommended by me to all those who have or do not have a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome.

Dr Judith Gould

Willey's classic Pretending to Be Normal has been a most eloquent way to understand what it feels like to have Asperger's. As beautifully written as it is insightful, this expanded edition is even more powerful due to the addition of a multitude of helpful suggestions and resources.

Martin L. Kutscher

Pretending to be Normal was one of the first books I read about women and Asperger syndrome. It was then and still is the book I always recommend to the female clients I see. Liane is a star, her determination, strength and courage are a shining light within the AS community. This second edition is full of new insights and information. A must read for anyone who wishes to understand more about the complex world of women and Asperger syndrome.

Maxine Aston MSc

Some of the best insights that helped came from reading books written by people on the spectrum. Liane Holliday Willey's insights will be especially helpful for many women on the spectrum.

Temple Grandin