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Human: Finding myself in the autism spectrum
Written after Warren was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 43, this is a memoir focused on the cause, effects and outcomes of being born different from others. You will find fascinating personal stories placed against technical information to give an understanding of autism that is wider than Warren’s own story. Warren shares the plain truth of his life, ways that he overcame adversity, and that self-understanding is critical to be the best version of yourself, whether you are in or out of the autism spectrum.
256 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 23, 2016
March 2016: I currently have this great book available for review in a number of formats, if you are interested in a copy please email me at [email protected]
Warren Mayocchi should be very proud of this book. I have read a LOT of books about Autism, particularly Aspergers after my own late life diagnosis and the fact that my son is an Aspie also. Amongst those many books have been memoirs of different people describing their own journey. This is one of the better ones, I related to a lot more in this book than I had in many others.
Sometimes I have found memoirs to be almost too personal, too insular and therefore they don't make sense to the reader trying to connect or understand the world of another. Warren does give examples and shows what some of his personal special interests and passions are but this book is so much more than that. It moved me in a lot of ways.
His descriptives of feeling like a faulty human being all his life and knowing something was different but not knowing what until the day he hears "Congratulations, you have Aspergers!" I know only too well, I was a year younger than Warren when I was diagnosed and it changes everything. Warren shares how he then has to apply that to looking back on his life and the struggles he had and still has.
I really liked his point that just because we are considered "high-functioning" (I also hate that term Warren), it does not mean we don't have the most extreme daily struggles, that is something most people just don't get. The level of support an Aspergers adult might need. Warren talks of mornings when waking up and just thinking of the day head kicks in the anxiety - I get it, totally.
I read this book over a few hours and could not put it down, it has a mix of good researched information about Autism blended with personal experience and most importantly human feelings and thoughts being an adult with Aspergers. And oh! how much it takes out of you to blend in an adapt and "act" to fit in with the rest of the world and what they expect of us. Warren talks of much needed issues like Autistic Burnout which is when an Autistic person has all of their coping mechanisms collapse, a bit like a breakdown. Been there, after my diagnosis. Hell on earth. I am so glad Warren touched on that as so many late diagnosed adults go through it.
Covering common co-morbid issues like depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, gut problems, bowel issues and much, much more that has research backing up the links, this book covers so much that y you might want to know about the whole experience of a person with Aspergers.
Whether you are an Aspie yourself, a parent or carer or one, an educator or professional you will get something great from this book. After reading so much on the topic I have lost faith in a lot of books as I find them repetitive and nothing new touches me or educates me. Warren't book is one of only two memoirs I have read where I was really nodding my head a lot and saying "I get it, I get it".
I give this one an easy five stars and really recommend it highly. I am so glad Warren did push through with encouragement to put his journey into a book, it will help many people. I felt like I made a new friend. I just want to say how amazing I think his neurotypical (non-autistic) wife is also, she stood by Warren during incredibly difficult times often meaning her own needs were not met. I too have a very supportive husband and am aware of my deficiencies because of my Aspergers, a supportive partner can make such a difference.
A brilliant book, go out and get it one way or another. If you are even curious if you might have Aspergers, this is one of those books where you might see yourself within the text and I encourage you to seek a professional diagnosis from a good professional if you even suspect you may have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. It helps a lot.
For more reviews, books to win and author spotlights:
You can follow me on Twitter:
Many thanks to the author for sharing a copy of the book with me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Warren Mayocchi should be very proud of this book. I have read a LOT of books about Autism, particularly Aspergers after my own late life diagnosis and the fact that my son is an Aspie also. Amongst those many books have been memoirs of different people describing their own journey. This is one of the better ones, I related to a lot more in this book than I had in many others.
Sometimes I have found memoirs to be almost too personal, too insular and therefore they don't make sense to the reader trying to connect or understand the world of another. Warren does give examples and shows what some of his personal special interests and passions are but this book is so much more than that. It moved me in a lot of ways.
His descriptives of feeling like a faulty human being all his life and knowing something was different but not knowing what until the day he hears "Congratulations, you have Aspergers!" I know only too well, I was a year younger than Warren when I was diagnosed and it changes everything. Warren shares how he then has to apply that to looking back on his life and the struggles he had and still has.
I really liked his point that just because we are considered "high-functioning" (I also hate that term Warren), it does not mean we don't have the most extreme daily struggles, that is something most people just don't get. The level of support an Aspergers adult might need. Warren talks of mornings when waking up and just thinking of the day head kicks in the anxiety - I get it, totally.
I read this book over a few hours and could not put it down, it has a mix of good researched information about Autism blended with personal experience and most importantly human feelings and thoughts being an adult with Aspergers. And oh! how much it takes out of you to blend in an adapt and "act" to fit in with the rest of the world and what they expect of us. Warren talks of much needed issues like Autistic Burnout which is when an Autistic person has all of their coping mechanisms collapse, a bit like a breakdown. Been there, after my diagnosis. Hell on earth. I am so glad Warren touched on that as so many late diagnosed adults go through it.
Covering common co-morbid issues like depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, gut problems, bowel issues and much, much more that has research backing up the links, this book covers so much that y you might want to know about the whole experience of a person with Aspergers.
Whether you are an Aspie yourself, a parent or carer or one, an educator or professional you will get something great from this book. After reading so much on the topic I have lost faith in a lot of books as I find them repetitive and nothing new touches me or educates me. Warren't book is one of only two memoirs I have read where I was really nodding my head a lot and saying "I get it, I get it".
I give this one an easy five stars and really recommend it highly. I am so glad Warren did push through with encouragement to put his journey into a book, it will help many people. I felt like I made a new friend. I just want to say how amazing I think his neurotypical (non-autistic) wife is also, she stood by Warren during incredibly difficult times often meaning her own needs were not met. I too have a very supportive husband and am aware of my deficiencies because of my Aspergers, a supportive partner can make such a difference.
A brilliant book, go out and get it one way or another. If you are even curious if you might have Aspergers, this is one of those books where you might see yourself within the text and I encourage you to seek a professional diagnosis from a good professional if you even suspect you may have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. It helps a lot.
For more reviews, books to win and author spotlights:
You can follow me on Twitter:
Many thanks to the author for sharing a copy of the book with me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 15, 2016
I have always been interested in autism, but have only a slight knowledge what it could be like being in the spectrum. I have read other books about autism spectrum which mostly had to do with children that were diagnosed as being in the autism spectrum-
This book was different, maybe being even slightly more informative, as the author was diagnosed as an adult (age 43). Reading his story I could feel his frustration at not feeling normal and not knowing why. My heart broke reading about how much he was bullied as a child and his feeling that he could not go on living as a adult.
Warren Mayocchi has a very explicit way of expressing himself that I found easy to read as well as compelling. I found it fascinating reading that his senses were so heightened and also that people with autism often have larger head measurement as a baby and young child because the brain can grow abnormally fast at these ages.
I really enjoyed reading about his family. His wife Cyndella seems to be perfect for him and I like that he always seemed to know it--that they held together no matter what.
In fact I only have one critic to point out (this point is mine). I wish that there was a summery at the end of the book about the physical as well as the character symptoms that one could look at to see what may be deciscive when on suspects that a loved one could be in the spectrum.
4.75 stars and very much recommended.
I won this book from Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. All expressed opinions are my own.
This book was different, maybe being even slightly more informative, as the author was diagnosed as an adult (age 43). Reading his story I could feel his frustration at not feeling normal and not knowing why. My heart broke reading about how much he was bullied as a child and his feeling that he could not go on living as a adult.
Warren Mayocchi has a very explicit way of expressing himself that I found easy to read as well as compelling. I found it fascinating reading that his senses were so heightened and also that people with autism often have larger head measurement as a baby and young child because the brain can grow abnormally fast at these ages.
I really enjoyed reading about his family. His wife Cyndella seems to be perfect for him and I like that he always seemed to know it--that they held together no matter what.
In fact I only have one critic to point out (this point is mine). I wish that there was a summery at the end of the book about the physical as well as the character symptoms that one could look at to see what may be deciscive when on suspects that a loved one could be in the spectrum.
4.75 stars and very much recommended.
I won this book from Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. All expressed opinions are my own.
September 15, 2016
3.5 stars
I liked this book and could relate to it so much.
It starts by explaining what autism is and then moves on to the author's own life experiences. He covers everything from growing up undiagnosed to his family/friends and work life.
I admit, I found some of it a little too technical but that's just me. But I really liked it when he talks about his own experiences. I too grew up undiagnosed and wasn't diagnosed till I was twenty two. I know all too well how it can affect you even into your adult life.
When he writes about trying to find something to explain himself, I can understand. I use to get given similar labels such as introvert or just shy even though I knew it was much more than that. I glad that he didn't give up and got diagnosed.
The writing overall was ok and I would certainly give an other book by this author a try in the future.
I would recommend this for people who are interested in autism/ Asperger's syndrome.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review. Thank you.
I liked this book and could relate to it so much.
It starts by explaining what autism is and then moves on to the author's own life experiences. He covers everything from growing up undiagnosed to his family/friends and work life.
I admit, I found some of it a little too technical but that's just me. But I really liked it when he talks about his own experiences. I too grew up undiagnosed and wasn't diagnosed till I was twenty two. I know all too well how it can affect you even into your adult life.
When he writes about trying to find something to explain himself, I can understand. I use to get given similar labels such as introvert or just shy even though I knew it was much more than that. I glad that he didn't give up and got diagnosed.
The writing overall was ok and I would certainly give an other book by this author a try in the future.
I would recommend this for people who are interested in autism/ Asperger's syndrome.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review. Thank you.
January 27, 2016
As someone with late in life diagnosed Asperger i found this book to reach somewhere inside me where i thought i was alone an bring it to the surface showing me i am in fact not alone in my struggles me getting this in a book give away was a gift, please read this book if you have any interest in autism
April 4, 2016
This is a very in depth, technical and personal account of someone who was diagnosed as autistic early in life. There are many pages from clinical journals and hence this is not an introductory guide or for anyone who has not already read up the subject or has some prior medical terminology knowledge.
There are some wonderful scenarios and “things to give you an idea�, like the Rubik cube- one side appears normal, or almost done- but the rest is in chaos.
Warren ends up being diagnosed with Asperger’s and whilst on the same spectrum is very different from “normal� autism and needs to be treated as such. He is clearly a talented, sporty man who can very much see “outside the box� technically but not always with other human beings. An argument on a train journey concluded with him reading a book and his wife taking over the debate!
For anyone dealing with someone with autism or Asperger’s (or both) this is a useful tool to give the personal perspective of how the world functions to them. Written with a touch of pathos and much humour to situations Warren found himself in, this is a touching story of a brave and talented man. Through feeling suicidal, to living “until the next film or book� and taking each day at a time with all of the terrors it holds (Will I do the right things, what if they hate me, what if they like me?) this put you right there.
A very interesting read for me as I have a medical interest having worked in the medical field. Not a book for everyone but for those that pick this up this is a unique insight into that “wired� spectrum.
Be proud Warren- you have and can do it! (Whatever “it� might be!)
There are some wonderful scenarios and “things to give you an idea�, like the Rubik cube- one side appears normal, or almost done- but the rest is in chaos.
Warren ends up being diagnosed with Asperger’s and whilst on the same spectrum is very different from “normal� autism and needs to be treated as such. He is clearly a talented, sporty man who can very much see “outside the box� technically but not always with other human beings. An argument on a train journey concluded with him reading a book and his wife taking over the debate!
For anyone dealing with someone with autism or Asperger’s (or both) this is a useful tool to give the personal perspective of how the world functions to them. Written with a touch of pathos and much humour to situations Warren found himself in, this is a touching story of a brave and talented man. Through feeling suicidal, to living “until the next film or book� and taking each day at a time with all of the terrors it holds (Will I do the right things, what if they hate me, what if they like me?) this put you right there.
A very interesting read for me as I have a medical interest having worked in the medical field. Not a book for everyone but for those that pick this up this is a unique insight into that “wired� spectrum.
Be proud Warren- you have and can do it! (Whatever “it� might be!)
October 13, 2016
This book is indispensable for anyone seeking to understand the thought processes and behavior of Asperger's Syndrome. Mayocchi vividly describes the day-to-day "grind" life becomes when people and society don't make any sense.
Mayocchi's story has a lesson for everyone, regardless of whether you are interested in autism, or affected by someone with it, or suffering from it: if you spend every day doing things that make you miserable because you think you're supposed to and have no other choice, it will break you. Most people, in my experience, never learn this lesson. This book is your opportunity.
What I like most about this book is Mayocchi's unashamed honesty. And this book isn't a memoir of a functioning autistic who overcomes all the obstacles to become a rock-and-roll star, or a billionaire, or a famous inventor or an olympic gold medalist. His story is the story of the rest of us -- overcoming all the obstacles to simply understand that there's a reason we are how we are, that we belong, and that we are, despite all the evidence our logical mind can muster, human after all.
The story has several hilarious moments and many deeply moving moments. Also after 48 years I FINALLY learned what the expression "a stitch in time saves nine" means! That was always perplexing.
This book compelling enough for me to write my first Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ review. Enough said.
Mayocchi's story has a lesson for everyone, regardless of whether you are interested in autism, or affected by someone with it, or suffering from it: if you spend every day doing things that make you miserable because you think you're supposed to and have no other choice, it will break you. Most people, in my experience, never learn this lesson. This book is your opportunity.
What I like most about this book is Mayocchi's unashamed honesty. And this book isn't a memoir of a functioning autistic who overcomes all the obstacles to become a rock-and-roll star, or a billionaire, or a famous inventor or an olympic gold medalist. His story is the story of the rest of us -- overcoming all the obstacles to simply understand that there's a reason we are how we are, that we belong, and that we are, despite all the evidence our logical mind can muster, human after all.
The story has several hilarious moments and many deeply moving moments. Also after 48 years I FINALLY learned what the expression "a stitch in time saves nine" means! That was always perplexing.
This book compelling enough for me to write my first Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ review. Enough said.
June 6, 2016
Having read several books on this subject, mainly in order to help develop some coping strategies for my daughter who has Semantic Pragmatic Disorder, I found this account more helpful than most.
Whilst being very personal, and I can only imagine how difficult that was, the detail was sequenced well, clear and easy to read. I especially liked the "Asperger's Syndrome Primary and Secondary Features" table which is concise and relevant. The section on Autistic Burnout was enlightening and I think schools and HR departments everywhere should read and understand this. Our own term at home for this is "meltdown", and the consequences of not dealing with it early enough are painful and significant.
This book, will not only help those diagnosed with Asperger's, but spouses, parents, care givers and employers too
Whilst being very personal, and I can only imagine how difficult that was, the detail was sequenced well, clear and easy to read. I especially liked the "Asperger's Syndrome Primary and Secondary Features" table which is concise and relevant. The section on Autistic Burnout was enlightening and I think schools and HR departments everywhere should read and understand this. Our own term at home for this is "meltdown", and the consequences of not dealing with it early enough are painful and significant.
This book, will not only help those diagnosed with Asperger's, but spouses, parents, care givers and employers too
November 2, 2016
An incredibly insightful look at autism from an autistic person's point of view. As the mother of an autistic child, this was a detailed and thoroughly helpful book that gave an intimate glimpse into how they think, how they feel, and how they process. I've found my son's mind to be a cryptic puzzle for me at times, leaving me often baffled at how to communicate better with him. But this book breaks many of these complexities down so that I can understand him better. A useful memoir that serves as a self-help book as well for those who have autism, know someone with it, or are interested in learning how to communicate and relate to others better.
December 30, 2017
Some writings are so powerful that it is a shame to actually rate them. This book is worth more than 10 stars.
Human is a real-life narration by the writer about his life as a sufferer of autism. The story is about the problems faced, the ordeals faced, his support system and of course, his journey of self discovery.
Hats off to Warren for writing straight from his heart. His narration is flawless. I know, there are few technical terms but I had no problem in understanding since I am trained in Psychology. Coming back to Warren's writing style, every description can easily be comprehended. He has written about his pain, his sufferings, his inspiration, his life journey. And this is not at all easy. Writing a memoir is difficult because of the emotions of the writer involved in it. And for a person going through such a challenging experience, writing about it is even more difficult. It takes a lot of courage to come out in the open and express this way.
The writing is all about facing challenges that life throws. The story teaches that if life throws lemons at you, make lemonade with it. To be honest, I am actually short of words. I have read this story at least four times by now. Every time that I have read, I was compelled to put myself into the protagonist's shoes. Would I have emerged stronger like the hero? Would I have had such clarity of thought? Would I have coped up the way the writer did? Some questions to which I am unsure of my answers.
To sum up, this book is a definite must read for everybody. Life can throw up shocks but what really matters is facing them with a smile. An amazingly excellent or excellently amazing book, this is a one-of-a-kind straight from the heart story that gives a peek into the life of a person suffering from autism.
P.S - Thank you Booklover Catlady Publicity for giving me a story that would inspire me for life. This review is my honest opinion after reading the book.
Human is a real-life narration by the writer about his life as a sufferer of autism. The story is about the problems faced, the ordeals faced, his support system and of course, his journey of self discovery.
Hats off to Warren for writing straight from his heart. His narration is flawless. I know, there are few technical terms but I had no problem in understanding since I am trained in Psychology. Coming back to Warren's writing style, every description can easily be comprehended. He has written about his pain, his sufferings, his inspiration, his life journey. And this is not at all easy. Writing a memoir is difficult because of the emotions of the writer involved in it. And for a person going through such a challenging experience, writing about it is even more difficult. It takes a lot of courage to come out in the open and express this way.
The writing is all about facing challenges that life throws. The story teaches that if life throws lemons at you, make lemonade with it. To be honest, I am actually short of words. I have read this story at least four times by now. Every time that I have read, I was compelled to put myself into the protagonist's shoes. Would I have emerged stronger like the hero? Would I have had such clarity of thought? Would I have coped up the way the writer did? Some questions to which I am unsure of my answers.
To sum up, this book is a definite must read for everybody. Life can throw up shocks but what really matters is facing them with a smile. An amazingly excellent or excellently amazing book, this is a one-of-a-kind straight from the heart story that gives a peek into the life of a person suffering from autism.
P.S - Thank you Booklover Catlady Publicity for giving me a story that would inspire me for life. This review is my honest opinion after reading the book.
September 3, 2020
I need to gather my thoughts . This book can be life changing for me. Also, I would like to thank the author as this book was sent to me as goodreads giveaway a few years back. The reason I was interested in this book was my cousin who was around 3 at that time was having problem with his speech. At 3 he wasn't speaking and didn't make eye contact. Everyone was devastated when doctor suggested autism spectrum.
Going through this book I found that I showed more characteristics as a child similar to Warren. I was the child who got lost a few times. Though I am very good with streets and navigation and always returned home safely. My parents found it was necessary to keep the front door locked and keys away from my sight. Also I changed school quite frequently.
I like the ending and Cyndella is my favorite. Her courage is exceptional. And better future for the next generation is all what I want.
Also, this is real. So, after a year of diagnosis when things wasn't all drastically improved I was a bit sad. Hope that's the fiction loving part of me.
This book was really refreshing and awakening Warren. It touched my heart. It gave a lot of hope.
Going through this book I found that I showed more characteristics as a child similar to Warren. I was the child who got lost a few times. Though I am very good with streets and navigation and always returned home safely. My parents found it was necessary to keep the front door locked and keys away from my sight. Also I changed school quite frequently.
I like the ending and Cyndella is my favorite. Her courage is exceptional. And better future for the next generation is all what I want.
Also, this is real. So, after a year of diagnosis when things wasn't all drastically improved I was a bit sad. Hope that's the fiction loving part of me.
This book was really refreshing and awakening Warren. It touched my heart. It gave a lot of hope.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2017
5�
Required reading for anyone interested in autism.
Astounding, unusual, unique, extremely personal view from the inside out. Completely coincidentally, I had only just read ’s and , the funny, touching fictional autobiography of a professor with autism who marries a bright, spirited girl. In those, Don has learned how to modify his behaviour and why he needs to.
But nobody had any idea why Warren seemed so different from other kids. Strange, quiet, passionate about some things, distant, impolite, temperamental � all characteristics which in 2015 are pretty well-recognised by most Australian schools, parents and the medical profession as possible autistic traits. Early intervention is the name of the game.
But Warren didn’t know, his parents didn’t know, and the girl he fell in love with and married didn’t know. Nor did his bosses, his co-workers, his co-competitors in the sports he competed in. Nobody seemed to twig that there was a reason for his behaviour. So there was no early intervention for him, and help seems to be lacking for adults.
Hence, Warren had a difficult childhood in Queensland which went on to be a difficult life. Only recently has he found the right scientific research himself to delve into to show he is not alone. The book contains a reference list, and he cites many studies throughout. This is far more than a diary.
His biggest problem was himself. He was so good at pretending to be ‘normal� and realising when people would expect an apology for his apparent rudeness that he got away with it. Well, not really, because everyone thought he was very different. And it exhausted him to the point of meltdown when he got home. But now he’s ready to share his story and tells the reader:
“I learnt during my life that to survive, it is better to be invisible, but not anymore. Take a deep breath, for the first time in the history of the world, you have been granted access. Take at tour, but don’t touch my music collection or move my stuff around.�
The virtual tour through his world is fascinating. He’s a talented writer and tells his own story very well without holding back. He also includes some of his poetry and drawings � both of which also show talent. But he kept convincing himself he was no good. Pity.
He understands humour and sees it in the same places thos of us do who take things literally. A cartoon shows a door with a sign saying “Disabled Toilet� on it and a guy walking away in a huff saying “Damn thing never works!�
He and Cyndella met when they were very young and married young. Their wedding photo is just gorgeous. They were very much in love but really only knew each other during breaks from school and on holidays, when he was relaxed and less stressed. Once they married, pressure built up, and when they moved to England, things escalated again.
Many jobs, family crises, and a couple of kids later, and he’s FINALLY getting some answers! He fooled all the psychologists he went to see and had to do the research himself.
Fortunately, he’s based in Brisbane, as is the clinic of Tony Attwood, a renowned expert in Asperger’s Syndrome. Also fortunately, this time Cyndella was included in the discussions and gave a truer picture of Warren’s behaviour as seen from the outside, which I think made an enormous difference.
This is a fantastic resource for anyone even remotely interested in autism, Asperger’s or anything along those behavioural lines.
Highly recommended and enormous thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity and Warren Mayocchi for allowing me to review a copy of his terrific book.
Required reading for anyone interested in autism.
Astounding, unusual, unique, extremely personal view from the inside out. Completely coincidentally, I had only just read ’s and , the funny, touching fictional autobiography of a professor with autism who marries a bright, spirited girl. In those, Don has learned how to modify his behaviour and why he needs to.
But nobody had any idea why Warren seemed so different from other kids. Strange, quiet, passionate about some things, distant, impolite, temperamental � all characteristics which in 2015 are pretty well-recognised by most Australian schools, parents and the medical profession as possible autistic traits. Early intervention is the name of the game.
But Warren didn’t know, his parents didn’t know, and the girl he fell in love with and married didn’t know. Nor did his bosses, his co-workers, his co-competitors in the sports he competed in. Nobody seemed to twig that there was a reason for his behaviour. So there was no early intervention for him, and help seems to be lacking for adults.
Hence, Warren had a difficult childhood in Queensland which went on to be a difficult life. Only recently has he found the right scientific research himself to delve into to show he is not alone. The book contains a reference list, and he cites many studies throughout. This is far more than a diary.
His biggest problem was himself. He was so good at pretending to be ‘normal� and realising when people would expect an apology for his apparent rudeness that he got away with it. Well, not really, because everyone thought he was very different. And it exhausted him to the point of meltdown when he got home. But now he’s ready to share his story and tells the reader:
“I learnt during my life that to survive, it is better to be invisible, but not anymore. Take a deep breath, for the first time in the history of the world, you have been granted access. Take at tour, but don’t touch my music collection or move my stuff around.�
The virtual tour through his world is fascinating. He’s a talented writer and tells his own story very well without holding back. He also includes some of his poetry and drawings � both of which also show talent. But he kept convincing himself he was no good. Pity.
He understands humour and sees it in the same places thos of us do who take things literally. A cartoon shows a door with a sign saying “Disabled Toilet� on it and a guy walking away in a huff saying “Damn thing never works!�
He and Cyndella met when they were very young and married young. Their wedding photo is just gorgeous. They were very much in love but really only knew each other during breaks from school and on holidays, when he was relaxed and less stressed. Once they married, pressure built up, and when they moved to England, things escalated again.
Many jobs, family crises, and a couple of kids later, and he’s FINALLY getting some answers! He fooled all the psychologists he went to see and had to do the research himself.
Fortunately, he’s based in Brisbane, as is the clinic of Tony Attwood, a renowned expert in Asperger’s Syndrome. Also fortunately, this time Cyndella was included in the discussions and gave a truer picture of Warren’s behaviour as seen from the outside, which I think made an enormous difference.
This is a fantastic resource for anyone even remotely interested in autism, Asperger’s or anything along those behavioural lines.
Highly recommended and enormous thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity and Warren Mayocchi for allowing me to review a copy of his terrific book.
July 21, 2016
"My story is unique, so is yours. Autism is a major influencing factor in my story, but the people we are is dominant."
Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at a late age of 43, Mayocchi writes an account of his discovery of Autism and his life from childhood - coming to terms to what made him the way he is.
In fact, as he grows, he has managed to learn (or at least try to) cope by researching, watching social patterns and experimenting on his own behavior. More often he fails, but he has kept on. It involved decisions of being noble and configurations to an extent which I found admirable.
At a young age, he already knew he was different. He knew something is wrong with him but he couldn't name it. Having only discovered what his condition really was when he was already an adult, he says it has "resulted in a confusing life in which mistakes have been compounded with guilt". As his life went on, he took turns for the worse even up to a point of severe depression. "Yet I stayed alive, I went to work, I wondered how I could continue,"
He tells of specific events in his life as a child, as a pupil, as a man, as an employee, as a husband and a father. These give the readers a peek through the mindset of someone in the spectrum. He narrates and keys in his point-of-views which was for me not only interesting and captivating but also informative. In addition to his personal exposé of his life, he quotes various facts, statistics, and articles that provide a bridge to the bigger realm.
"To say I'm a fighter is true, I have survived for many years and there is still further for me to go."
Big factor there was Cyndella. Their story was truly an inspiration. Another reason to love this book.
"She walked into the rain,
And loved.
She suffered because of his ignorance,
But believed.
He discovered love, he regained hope,
Together they dreamed,
She saved his life."
Thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity for the review copy of the book.
Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at a late age of 43, Mayocchi writes an account of his discovery of Autism and his life from childhood - coming to terms to what made him the way he is.
In fact, as he grows, he has managed to learn (or at least try to) cope by researching, watching social patterns and experimenting on his own behavior. More often he fails, but he has kept on. It involved decisions of being noble and configurations to an extent which I found admirable.
At a young age, he already knew he was different. He knew something is wrong with him but he couldn't name it. Having only discovered what his condition really was when he was already an adult, he says it has "resulted in a confusing life in which mistakes have been compounded with guilt". As his life went on, he took turns for the worse even up to a point of severe depression. "Yet I stayed alive, I went to work, I wondered how I could continue,"
He tells of specific events in his life as a child, as a pupil, as a man, as an employee, as a husband and a father. These give the readers a peek through the mindset of someone in the spectrum. He narrates and keys in his point-of-views which was for me not only interesting and captivating but also informative. In addition to his personal exposé of his life, he quotes various facts, statistics, and articles that provide a bridge to the bigger realm.
"To say I'm a fighter is true, I have survived for many years and there is still further for me to go."
Big factor there was Cyndella. Their story was truly an inspiration. Another reason to love this book.
"She walked into the rain,
And loved.
She suffered because of his ignorance,
But believed.
He discovered love, he regained hope,
Together they dreamed,
She saved his life."
Thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity for the review copy of the book.
February 8, 2017
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I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I usually don't read non-fiction (especially non historical none-fiction) but I was drawn to this book because I wanted to learn more about Aspergers and Autism Spectrum Disorder. This book is different because it was actually written by an adult with Autism. For me this makes this book totally different from books written by professionals.
Warren Mayocchi knows he is different his whole life but does not know how. He is constantly using energy to 'fake it' in the real world. As a result his relationships and job performance suffer.
I liked this book. I think our society concentrates on children with Aspergers/Autism but what about these kids when they grow up? They still have Autism but with a different set of problems. Also, such as was the case with Warren, there was no talk of Autism 30 or so years ago. As a result many adults today push through life with Autism with these conditions without even knowing it.
I recommend this book that may have someone in their life with Aspergers/Autism or suspect someone in their life has it.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I usually don't read non-fiction (especially non historical none-fiction) but I was drawn to this book because I wanted to learn more about Aspergers and Autism Spectrum Disorder. This book is different because it was actually written by an adult with Autism. For me this makes this book totally different from books written by professionals.
Warren Mayocchi knows he is different his whole life but does not know how. He is constantly using energy to 'fake it' in the real world. As a result his relationships and job performance suffer.
I liked this book. I think our society concentrates on children with Aspergers/Autism but what about these kids when they grow up? They still have Autism but with a different set of problems. Also, such as was the case with Warren, there was no talk of Autism 30 or so years ago. As a result many adults today push through life with Autism with these conditions without even knowing it.
I recommend this book that may have someone in their life with Aspergers/Autism or suspect someone in their life has it.
January 5, 2016
A powerful record of intelligent lives (the author and his family) in turmoil.
I thoroughly recommend this read for a person in the Autism Spectrum and/or the parents, partner/spouse and all family members.
The information and life experiences detailed in this book may help the understanding of others. It has certainly helped my understanding!
Sally Mayocchi (mother of the author).
I thoroughly recommend this read for a person in the Autism Spectrum and/or the parents, partner/spouse and all family members.
The information and life experiences detailed in this book may help the understanding of others. It has certainly helped my understanding!
Sally Mayocchi (mother of the author).
August 1, 2016
This book appealed to me because I am the mother of a son who was diagnosed with HFA (High Functioning Autism) at the age of 3. He is now 21 and he seems to be quite sure that I am an Aspie and so when Maxine offered this book up for review, it was kind of inevitable that I would want to read it.
Warren does a wonderful job of describing various aspects of his life, past and present, and how he sees the world in a different way to the norm. He also has a knack of linking different behaviours back to the official diagnosis criteria, which is handy as well.
I found myself reading this book and going "oh wow, that is SO like my son" or "oh, oh, that was me as a child" or I saw both of us in various scenarios. A little bit daunting and confronting in a way....especially because I have been trying, in vain, to get someone to actually believe me when I say that women CAN be on the spectrum as well. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety (which I agree with)...and one psychiatrist I saw actually told me I had bi-polar (which I clearly do not!). So, I just go along in my normal life, and I feel better knowing that there are other adults out there who are going through or have recently been through a process of self-discovery.
Bravo Warren!
A highly recommended read for adults who might wonder if they are on the spectrum, or others who would like to have a bit of insight into daily life of a person on the spectrum. With thanks to the Booklover Catlady for a chance to read this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Warren does a wonderful job of describing various aspects of his life, past and present, and how he sees the world in a different way to the norm. He also has a knack of linking different behaviours back to the official diagnosis criteria, which is handy as well.
I found myself reading this book and going "oh wow, that is SO like my son" or "oh, oh, that was me as a child" or I saw both of us in various scenarios. A little bit daunting and confronting in a way....especially because I have been trying, in vain, to get someone to actually believe me when I say that women CAN be on the spectrum as well. I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety (which I agree with)...and one psychiatrist I saw actually told me I had bi-polar (which I clearly do not!). So, I just go along in my normal life, and I feel better knowing that there are other adults out there who are going through or have recently been through a process of self-discovery.
Bravo Warren!
A highly recommended read for adults who might wonder if they are on the spectrum, or others who would like to have a bit of insight into daily life of a person on the spectrum. With thanks to the Booklover Catlady for a chance to read this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
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