Bittersweet on the autism spectrum / edited by Luke Beardon, PhD and Dean Worton.

Print version record.

Autism doesn't have to hold you back. In this empowering book, authors with autism share how they overcame obstacles to enjoy life to the full, via transformative moments, newfound passions and downright determination. The inspiring message is that in spite of challenges and hardships, autism can accompany, or even galvanize, life's best bits. In this rich and diverse collection, 28 writers describe what positive experiences they have had as an autistic person, and show how the most unexpected subject areas can be a source of the positive. They demonstrate that individuals can, and do, experience life in positive ways, sometimes in the face of adversity. Sharing both dark and joyful moments with unreserved honesty, their insights are moving, often hilarious, creative, and highly intelligent, and usually surprising. From hair-raising traveling experiences to parenting with verve, volunteering to teaching, running a marathon to taking on a PhD, they show that autism need not limit life. Introduced by Luke Beardon and Dean Worton, their stories challenge stereotypes surrounding autism, empower, and entertain.

Foreword. Luke Beardon. 1. Opening the Umbrella (Multi Coloured Thank You Very Much!). Alyssa Aleksanian. 2. How Volunteering With Bradford Autism Support Gave Me Confidence and Helped Me Come To Terms With My Own Diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. Gwen Greenwood. 3. A New Career Path -- Undertaking a PhD -- The Doctor Will See You Now! Dr Christopher Wilson. 4. Becoming a Parent is Really, Really Hard ... Who Would Have Guessed? Becky Heaver. 5. Autism and Music. Michael Barton. 6. How Discovering Creative Writing Opened Up a Whole New World For the Aspie in Me. Andrew Smith. 7. Lifelines -- How I Manage my Autism to Create a Positive Life Experience. Tracy Turner. 8. Positive Experiences of Being on the Autistic Spectrum -- Personal Reflections From Joanna Treasure. Joanna Treasure. 9. A Year in Normandy -- Learning a Foreign Language and Culture. Dean Worton. 10. The Story Behind a Story -- My Novella: The Atlas Legacy. Colin Newton. 11. My London Marathon Experience: Walking Into a New Day. Dominic Walsh. 12. In an Economic Climate When the Most Able in Society are Having Difficulty Finding Work, What Chance Do Those With Disabilities Have? Tony's Journey. Maggie. 13. Loyal Companions: Animals Can Teach Us All a Lot About Happiness and Acceptance. Debbie Allen. 14. Celebrating the Autism Spectrum. P J Hughes. 15. Positive Experiences for Sarah (aged 27) -- Enjoying Freedom That I Never Thought I'd Have. Sarah Galley. 16. How Our Negative Experiences Can Raise Awareness of Autism and Produce Positive Results For Society. A Nonny Mouse. 17. Positive Experiences in Theatre. C.A. Smart. 18. The Day I (Nearly) Became a Male Prostitute.. Atul Movelis. 19. My Radio Show: Making People Happier with My Strong Music Interest and Knowledge. Gerard Wilkie. 20. Turning Points: How Thinking Outside the Box Helped Me Overcome Hurdles in My Music Teaching Career. Eloise. 21. Why Bother: Aiming to Create Social Fairness and Harmony. Maurice Frank. 22. Positives I Can Draw From Experiences as a Result of the Tragic Events on 7 July 2005 in London. Serena Shaw. 23. Interview With a Music Lover on Positive Aspects of His Life. Andy R. 24. Revelations on Planet Autism. Planet Autism. 25. Two Very Different Birth Stories. Nat Goldthorpe. 26. Syndromes, Spectra and Starlight. Barnabear. 27. Turning a Negative Into a Positive. Alex Wilkinson. 28. Dream Big, There Can Be Another End to the Rainbow. Lynette Marshall.

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