It’s an older book (2007), but I think it’s a valuable one. The author shares his personal journey growing up autistic but without an official diagnosis, providing a candid and insightful look into his experiences and unique perspective on the world.
The book begins with John’s childhood, where he reflects on his early years and the challenges he faced due to his social and communication difficulties. He describes how he struggled to fit in and understand social cues, often feeling like an outsider. Despite all this, he discovered a deep passion for electronics and mechanics, developing exceptional skills in these areas.
He vividly recounts his experiences working as a sound engineer and technician for various bands, including the legendary rock group KISS (well, only a legend for older folks). He provides fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, offering a glimpse into the world of music and his encounters with famous musicians. These experiences highlight how his intense focus and unique perspective allowed him to excel in his field.
Throughout the book, Robinson reflects on the impact of his autism on his relationships and personal life. He discusses the strain it placed on his interactions with family members, friends, and romantic partners. However, he also explores the strengths and advantages that came with his condition, such as his ability to think outside the box and approach problems with a different perspective.
As the narrative progresses, John shares his eventual discovery of his autism diagnosis in his late 30s, which brought a new level of understanding and self-acceptance. He discusses the relief of finally having an explanation for his differences and the subsequent steps he took to learn more about himself and connect with the autistic community.
“Look Me in the Eye” offers readers an honest and enlightening portrayal of the autistic life, emphasising the importance of understanding and accepting neurodiversity. John’s narrative is both entertaining and thought-provoking, shedding light on the autistic experience.
Extract (p. 3):
“I was well into my teenage years before I figured out that I wasn’t a killer or worse. By then, I knew I wasn’t being shifty or evasive when I failed to meet someone’s gaze, and I had started to wonder why so many adults equated the behavior with shiftiness and evasiveness. Also, by then, I had met shifty and scummy people who did look me in the eye, making me think the people who complained about me were hypocrites.
To this day, when I speak, I find visual input to be distracting. When I was younger, if I saw something interesting, I might begin to watch it and stop speaking entirely.”
This is an extract from the book itself, not a paraphrased summary.
This book is available on Amazon.
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