Looking at the positive influences, great talents and unique thought processes of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, this book is a celebration of those who have used their autism to shine in life.

Writers from all over the world at different stages in their careers, and from very different backgrounds, share their experiences of creating a successful life on the autism spectrum. Each explains how it is possible to draw on autistic strengths not just to make your way in the world, overcoming challenges and obstacles, but also to make your life a real success. Education, the world of work, and relationships are the focus of the first part of the book, which then goes on to look at exceptional creativity, and the use of special interests.

The autobiographical stories in this book are full of wisdom and humour, and will be an inspiration for anyone with high-functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome, their family and friends, and the professionals who work alongside them.

A celebration of those who have used their autism to shine in life

About the Author
Josie Santomauro is a full-time writer living in Brisbane, Australia. Her son, Damian, was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of five. Josie has written several books on AS, as well as numerous fiction books for children and young adults under the name Josie Montano. She regularly gives seminars and talks on AS, and in 2009 was awarded the Parent/Carer Award in recognition of outstanding achievement by Autism Queensland Australia. Tony Attwood, PhD, is a clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia, with over 30 years of experience with individuals with autism spectrum disorders. He is currently Adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland. Peter Myers is an artist whose work has appeared in exhibitions all over the world, and has been made into postcards, posters and mugs. Peter has Asperger's Syndrome and lives in York, UK. Visit his website at www.artisticautistic.co.uk. Dr Wendy Lawson, a psychologist, qualified counsellor and social worker has operated her own private practice for many years. Wendy was awarded fourth place as aEURO~Victorian Australian of the year' in 2008. Originally diagnosed as being intellectually disabled, then in her teens as being schizophrenic, and finally in 1994, Wendy was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. The mother of four children, Wendy has been married, separated and divorced, has experienced the death of one of her teenage sons, lost friends and status due to being openly gay, faced ill health and recently is coming to terms with the fact that she is aging! Wendy's youngest son is also on the autism spectrum. Donna Williams was born in Australia in 1963. She was assessed at age two as psychotic, labelled disturbed and tested for deafness throughout childhood before being diagnosed as autistic in 1990. Today she is an internationally best-selling author with nine published books, an artist, singer-songwriter and emerging screenwriter. One of the most well-known people with autism in the world, Donna is a renowned international public speaker, a qualified teacher and has worked as an autism consultant since 1995. Roger N Meyer is the executive director of the Portland Asperger Syndrome Research Project. He was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in 1997. He worked for many years as a cabinet-maker, gaining direct experience as a trainer, writer and individual counsellor. He has recently worked as a parent/student special education advocate and a support group moderator. He is co-author of A Manual for Resolving Group Conflicts and an article on 'Self-determination for people with developmental disabilities and autism' which appeared in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Deborah Lipsky is a high-functioning autistic individual with substantial experience in emergency and trauma management, having formerly worked as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, and reserve police officer. She is now a Continuing Education Seminar Presenter and Keynote Speaker, and is a consultant for schools, agencies, and private parties, specializing in meltdown management plans. Yenn Purkis is an autistic and non-binary advocate, author and presenter. Yenn has a Masters degree in Fine Art from RMIT University. Yenn has given a presentation for TEDx Canberra and has been a frequent keynote presenter at autism and disability events for several years. Yenn has a number of awards, including the 2016 ACT Volunteer of the Year award and a number of other awards for community leadership including being nominated for the Australian of the Year award in 2017. Yenn has worked full-time for the Australian Public Service since 2007. They have facilitated a support group for autistic women and gender diverse folks in Canberra since 2011. Yenn has featured in media interviews for many years and was one of four autistic adults featured in the ABC TV documentary Alone in a Crowded Room. Yenn lives in Canberra, Australia.

Reviews
Looking at the positive influences, great talents and unique thought processes of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this book includes auto-biographical stories and is a celebration of those who have used their autism to shine in life and is an inspiration to others.; -- Books from our backyard, Queensland Writers Centre, Australia
This is an inspirational book for parents wondering what will happen to their ASD children in later life. 19 individuals have written a piece describing how being on the autism spectrum has been a gift for them, rather than a disability... Writing as adults, a lot of these individuals didn't have a diagnosis in childhood and just thought of themselves as different. Once they did get a diagnosis, things from their past started making sense, especially in understanding how they relate to other people. But it is their stories of how they have succeeded and excelled in their chosen paths that is so inspirational. -- Cerebra Newsweek
This gem is a set of essays by adults who were often diagnosed later on, some even in their 50's, such as Roger Meyer, and they have found ways to shine in life, using their ASD traits to full advantage....As more and more awareness of autism in adulthood surfaces, books like this are even more important, as the brain dynamics of ASD in adults are still not very well understood, but we can now see that there is indeed hidden treasure in among the folds and convolutions! -- Autism Society of Michigan
For any newly-diagnosed autistic person, the silver lining is in your hands. Accentuating the positive aspects of the traits experienced by various individuals, "Autism All-Stars" emerges as one of few books for readers of all ages to examine the benefits of being neurologically "atypical."... The book is an excellent resource for parents, librarians, teachers, guidance counselors and anyone else who would like to hear more from real people who have lived under the autism umbrella... Overall, "Autism All-Stars" is an encouraging, and well-rounded book. -- ForeWord Review
This book presents moving and inspirational stories for anyone who has a person with autism in his or her life. In addition, it provides practical advice for those on the spectrum: Temple Grandin contributes a chapter on how to get hired and keep a good job, while other writers discuss how they achieved their goals in education, careers, relationships, creativity, and other areas despite--or because of--the quirks of their disability. -- Library Journal
The book should encourage those on the spectrum to be resilient and to have hope that with time, effort and the right support they too can find their place in the world and share their unique talents. The accounts were all well written and easy to read with a good mix to keep everything fresh. I would recommend the book for anyone aged 12 upwards who are on the spectrum as well as parents and educators. It is an enjoyable and easy read and there is a story for everyone. The book gives realistic hope and inspiration. It is not just for the highly gifted. Whether a person is super talented or more challenged they can take something away from the book - with the right support and encouragement plus hard work most people can lead productive and fulfilling lives, ideally doing what they enjoy and are good at. -- asteens
Roger Meyer, a contributor to this likeable book of life stories by adults with autism and Asperger's, says it with perfection: 'I am a curious and interested person'. If you are curious and interested in what autism and Asperger's looks like and feels like from the inside, you will surely enjoy this compilation assembled by author and parent, Josie Santomauro. -- Veronica Zysk, co-author of 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger's, USA
Autism All-Stars is a wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the essays of friends who explain how they use their strengths and perspectives to make their way in the world. These individuals are a constant inspiration to us all! Anyone wishing to understand the spectrum and the potential in ASD should read this book. -- Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., Consultant, The Ziggurat Group, Autism Research Institute, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, USA
The book is an anthology of people on the spectrum who have often endured tremendous struggles in a world ill-equipped to meet their needs but have managed, in adulthood, to find a niche where they can shine and use their assets. With age and experience many have developed strategies which enable them to function in the nuero typical world and to self advocate so that their needs are understood and met... Any child who has been bullied can take heart from the stories in the book. I liked that each person was successful in a different way, some by the conventional definition of success and others on their own terms... The book should encourage those on the spectrum to be resilient and to have hope that with time, effort and the right support they too can find their place in the world and share their unique talents. The accounts were all well written and easy to read with a good mix to keep everything fresh. I would recommend the book for anyone aged 12 upwards as well as parents and educators. It is an enjoyable and easy read, and there is a story for everyone. The book gives realistic hope and inspiration. It is not just for the highly gifted. Whether a person is super talented or more challenged they can take something away from the book - with the right support and encouragement plus hard work most people can lead productive and fulfilling lives, ideally doing what they enjoy and are good at. -- BFK Books



Book Information
ISBN 9781843101888
Author Malcolm Johnson
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publisher Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Weight(grams) 322g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 153mm * 7mm