Different . . . Not Less. Temple Grandin
styles throughout the book, which are unique to each individual. Also, as this is a book that delves into the early years of each contributor, there are some instances of mild sexual content. If you are a parent and will be giving this book to a young teen, please peruse it first to be sure the content is appropriate. Please note that some of the names in this book have been changed.
There are words used in this book that may be new to someone who is unfamiliar with the world of autism and Asperger’s syndrome. An “Aspie” is used to denote someone with Asperger’s syndrome. Aspies use this term proudly, and rightfully so. A “neurotypical” person, sometimes called “NT,” is someone who develops and functions in a usual way (ie, neurologically typical). If you have never heard these terms before, it is likely you are a neurotypical person.
A few thanks are in order. First, thank you to the illustrious Teresa Corey, who helped Temple find, gather, and filter all of the original contributions. As there were many interesting submissions from talented individuals, this was no small feat. Also, thanks to Heather Babiar, who edited the submissions and brought them together into a readable and cohesive format. Thank you to Cynthia Williams, who generated the initial interior design, and to John Yacio, who designed the cover and completed the final layout.
A special thank you to Dr Tony Attwood, who wrote such a wonderful foreword, and to the many exceptional contributors.
And, of course, we must thank Dr Temple Grandin, who put her heart and soul into this very important project.
Jennifer Gilpin Yacio
FOREWORD
This is an inspiring book. The stories of achievement will be encouraging for parents of a young child with an autism spectrum disorder and will be especially inspirational for adolescents and young adults who are feeling despondent that autism could deprive them of a successful career or relationship. This book has antidepressant qualities to rival those of medication.
The stories serve to illustrate a cross-section of abilities, experiences, and adversity for mature adults with an autism spectrum disorder. There are clear themes in terms of adversity, such as being bullied at school and having self-esteem challenged by the ignorance and prejudice of peers and coworkers. There are descriptions of the difficulties caused by sensory sensitivity, social naivety, and vulnerability. Some stories explore the time it may take to eventually find a career that constructively uses the qualities and abilities attributable to autism. Where there is a successful outcome, common themes include the discovery of a mentor within the person’s family, circle of friends, and colleagues who is able to provide guidance and encouragement, as well as the individual’s personal qualities of determination and perseverance.
Other keys to a successful outcome are employment during adolescence in the form of a part-time job and recognition that there is no career that should be avoided by someone with an autism spectrum disorder. The careers described by the contributors include employment in information technology and business, the arts, the caring professions (including becoming a psychologist), and the animal sciences. The contributors provide an international perspective, as well as illustrations of outcomes for both men and women with an autism spectrum disorder who have a range of intellectual ability, from average to superior.
The stories also include “dark” times, including depression, relationship breakdowns, and even a term of imprisonment. However, these have been catalysts for positive change, and the eventual outcomes have been perfect illustrations of being Different…Not Less.
Dr Tony Attwood
INTRODUCTION
The individuals who wrote their stories for this book are adults, most of whom are about 50 years old. For many of the contributors, receiving a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder helped them to understand their problems with relationships. It was a relief to have an explanation for problems they had in relating to other people. Their journeys have not been easy, but they have all found success by earning a living, and some have even had children. Some of the contributors came from families with modest financial resources, which meant they had to work harder to succeed.
Throughout my life, I have met and worked with many people on the autism spectrum whose condition has gone undiagnosed. Many of them are in technical fields, such as engineering, computer programming, industrial design, and equipment construction. I too am a “techie” and feel that my career is my life. I am what I do. I have observed that “techies” who get into good careers appear to be happier because they are surrounded by “their people.” John Robison, in his book Be Different, embraces Asperger’s syndrome and talks about his good techie life, making special effects for rock bands and learning about electronics from various mentors. At the time of writing this introduction, I was doing lots of public speaking and teaching but not a lot of technical work. In between speaking engagements, I managed to visit a beef plant to fix some equipment problems. It was so much fun being a techie again. I love using my mind to solve problems.
Some of the most important companies in Silicon Valley are led by people on the autism spectrum. Many school systems today would assign a diagnosis of autism to Albert Einstein. He did not speak until the age of 3, and he demonstrated many odd behaviors that are attributed to autism. At an autism meeting, a retired NASA space scientist walked up to me and said that he was sure many of his colleagues were on the autism spectrum. Several books have been written that profile famous scientists and musicians who were likely on the spectrum, as well.
NOT ALL TECHIES
The “techie”-type person is only a portion of the population on the autism spectrum. A huge percentage of autistic individuals do not have primary strengths in technical subjects or art to rely on for employment. They long for satisfying relationships, and this group often has a more difficult time finding work. They do not have easily displayable skills in art, design, music, math, or programming that can be shown in a portfolio. In my livestock design business, I sold clients by showing my portfolio of drawings and photos of completed projects. I sold my work, not myself. Nontechnical people on the autism spectrum often have keen interests in facts about a favorite subject, like history or politics. Though interests can be harder to sell, it can be done. In this book, chapter 1 will begin with the account of a woman whose life became happier and more meaningful when she became a tour guide, allowing her to talk about history.
Autism is a truly continuous spectrum. There is no black-and-white dividing line between the geek, the nerd, the socially awkward person, and the mildly autistic individual. In fact, many people in the general population have autistic traits. A large study conducted in Korea showed that in 7- to 12–year-old children in regular schools, 1.89% had symptoms of autism but had not received an autism diagnosis. I have visited state science fair competitions and have seen many children with autistic symptoms. Some had received a diagnosis, and some had not. Many of the individuals who tell their stories in this book had difficult childhoods, in which they were ostracized by other children and constantly bullied for their apparent symptoms. Yet, they were inspired to succeed by teachers and mentors who encouraged interests in skills and things they were good at.
ASPIE FRIENDS IN COLLEGE
Life was really difficult for me in both college and graduate school. I did not fit in with the other students. The saying, “Birds of a feather flock together,” rang very true. During this time, I had several friends whom I believe were on the spectrum but were undiagnosed. My college years were very difficult emotionally. These friends kept me going when I felt depressed. Through the years, I have maintained contact with the friends I made then. Some of them endured many difficulties, but they all managed to support themselves and remain employed. These people were some of the few who sought me out and made an effort to be my friend.
Tim, a short, nerdy kid who loved CB (Citizens’ Band) radios, invited me to join his CB club. Nobody else at my college shared Tim’s enthusiasm for CB radios or emergency communication. Tim saw me as a kindred spirit who could share his interest in CB radios. We had a great time going to CB Club meetings off campus. Tim went on to become an emergency