Be Different: My Adventures with Asperger's and My Advice for Fellow Aspergians, Misfits, Families, and Teachers

The New York Times bestselling author of Look Me in the Eye shares endearing stories about his childhood, adolescence, and young adult years, offering a fascinating glimpse into an autistic mind and actionable advice for others struggling to fit in.

“An essential guidebook that will help all the creative, quirky, geeky, and wonderfully different kids to become successful in life.”—Temple Grandin

In his bestselling memoir, Look Me in the Eye, John Elder Robison wrote with honesty and dry wit about growing up with Asperger’s syndrome at a time when the diagnosis didn’t exist. By the time he was diagnosed at age forty, John had already developed a myriad of coping strategies that helped him achieve a seemingly normal, even highly successful, life.

Now, in Be Different, he shares personal stories and offers practical advice for anyone who feels “different” on how to improve the weak communication and social skills that keep so many people from taking full advantage of their often remarkable gifts. With his trademark honesty and unapologetic eccentricity, Robison addresses questions like:

• How to read others and follow their behaviors when in uncertain social situations
• Why manners matter
• How to harness your powers of concentration to master difficult skills
• How to deal with bullies
• When to make an effort to fit in, and when to embrace eccentricity
• How to identify special gifts and use them to your advantage

Every person has something unique to offer the world, and every person has the capacity to create strong, loving bonds with friends and family. Be Different inspires us to embrace our eccentricities and find our own paths to success.