Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome

"Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome: A User Guide to Adolescence" is a book written by a 13 year old boy named Luke Jackson. He has Asperger Syndrome (AS), but is very high functioning. So much that he wrote this really good book on the subject.

Luke has six siblings including three brothers and three sisters. His oldest brother has Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. The brother just older than Luke, Joe, has ADHD. His youngest brother, Ben, also has autism, though it seems to be a bit worse than Luke's.

This book was really well written, especially for a thirteen-year old. He discusses all aspects of what it is like to have AS. He talks about his diet (gluten and casein free), bullies, dating--though he admits that being only thirteen, he isn't very experienced--and what people involved in the lives of those with AS can do to make their lives easier.

One of my favorite parts of the story has to do with literalism. He was supposed to be working on "maths" and began to daydream. He saw his teacher come slowly by and stop in front of his desk. His teacher said, "Jackson. Would you care to tell us exactly where you are?" Luke, knowing that he was in a classroom said, "Class E2, Sir." It made sense to him. But his teacher responded "Are you trying to be smart?" Luke thought about that and replied, "Yes sir. Of course I am trying to be smart." That made his teacher mad because his teacher thought he was trying to be sarcastic, but he had thought to himself "I am at school because I am trying to be smart." So that is exactly how he answered the question.

I really liked this book. I have worked in the special education field for ten years now, going back and forth between residential settings and schools. I have worked with people with different forms of disabilities and various degrees of disabilities too. I have learned that there is always something to learn about people with disabilities as no-one is the same. This book helped further my understanding of those with disabilities and how best to help someone with a disability.