Life & Spectrum: A revealing look at high functioning autism and asperger's syndrome

by C.G. Meloy, Zachary Pullen (Illustrations)

"Life & Spectrum", written by C.G. Meloy and illustrated by Zachary Pullen, is a unique book about living on the autism spectrum. It is not clinical, nor is it a biography. It is an experientially informed explanation of what living with autism can be like. The writing is candid, poignant and illuminating. The experiential nature of the material provides a deep understanding about the symptoms, characteristics and experiences of those on the tender spectrum known as Autism. The book includes over 60 illustrations by award winning artist Zachary Pullen.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Aspergers, Self Help, Nonfiction, Autobiography

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

So-so collection of first-person vignettes about how one man experiences his life with high-functioning autism.While I could definitely relate to some parts of the book, a lot of his experiences didn't particularly relate to me. At the end, I was thinking mostly about skimming through Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome again, because Life & Spectrum: A Revealing Look at High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome reminded me how different the male and female experiences of autism can be.

[Carol Bushard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written by C.G. Meloy, who was diagnosed with high functioning autism as a middle-aged adult. I loved the book and found it very interesting and easy to read. It helped me understand why people who have high functioning autism may be hard to engage in a relationship. C.G. Meloy writes with sincerity and humor.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I have never been diagnosed as "on the spectrum", there are definitely some Aspie tendencies in my extended family and I really identified with some of what the author said. If I had a dollar for every time my mother had begged me to "just be normal" back when I was a teenager....

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very quick read, but it was very beneficial. The author is so honest and opened my eyes to what it may be like in his world. This was my first research into asperger's, and I think it was a good place to start.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous, enlightening and heartwarming.

[Katie Dronenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informative and gave an insight into how an autistic person feels. I would recommend this book.

[Lphi123 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought this author expressed his thoughts, rational for doing it his way in order for him to survive society. Get the distinction--survival-not get ahead. All this done prior to today's environment of help and support from those outside the family. A good read .. Don't agree with all his insights but do think it gives insight into "aspies" lives and challenges. Read and learn some . Makes one a bit introspective from the "NT" side.

[Ciarán Williamson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t agree with a lot of his attitudes about other people and found some of them pretty pointlessly rude and overconfident but I did feel like a lot of his experiences resonated with me and it was really satisfying to share them with someone. It also made me feel like I would be better at articulating some experiences if I were asked.

[Mason Kirksey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of little portraits of life with Autism. I appreciated the effort here as there are not many books that deal with Autism in adults. If you are looking for research or detail, this isn't the book for you, but is a great quick read to understand a picture of adult life with Autism.

[Gabriel Flores · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book changed me because it taught me more about the autism spectrum and how it affects the person who has it. The author is C.G. Meloy and there is not much more info on the book. This is not a story book, it is a book that has a large list of questions and answers so there is not a storyline.
There were a few questions that I had that were not answered.
The book is sometimes weird to read and he uses abbreviations that he never tells you about and you kind of have to guess.

[Jillian]

Interesting and worthwhile read, especially for those who know someone on the autism spectrum. Quick read.

[Laura Cushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great illustrations and vignettes about life on the autism spectrum. This book is a shining example of what independent publishing should be - it's well edited, well formatted, and tells a story that needs to be told.

The author's experiences resonate with me as an autistic reader - stories about childhood, schooling, working and relationships on the spectrum are very touching and real.

The illustrations capture the stories perfectly.

A quick, engaging read.

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, simple but moving look at life on the autistic spectrum, by a man with Asperger's who was diagnosed as an adult. Not a memoir exactly, more a series of short essays or really glimpses into his daily life and his thought processes. Includes some dark thoughts about wanting to give up at times, which can be hard to read but certainly reflects the feelings of anyone who has ever struggled to fit in.

[Lareesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has some interesting thoughts from the point of view of someone who has Aspergers!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and eye-opening looking into what it's like to have high-functioning autism. I loved it.