Atypical: Life with Asperger's in 20 1/3 Chapters »

Jesse A. Saperstein graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. A popular speaker in the autism community, he is committed to the cause of demystifying Asperger's and autism.

The poignant, funny, and truly unique observations of a young writer diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome.

"Please be forewarned that you are about to read the observations and life lessons of someone who entertains himself by farting in public and conversing in gibberish with his cats."

Thus begins the charming, insightful, and memorable story of Jesse Saperstein. Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a mild form of autism, Jesse has struggled since childhood with many of the hallmark challenges of his condition-from social awkwardness and self-doubt to extreme difficulty with change and managing his emotions.

He has also worked hard to understand and make the most of his AS- developing his keen curiosity and sense of humor, closely observing the world around him, and most of all, helping others with AS to better cope and even thrive. Told with endearing and unflinching honesty, Jesse brings his unique perspective to the circumstances of his life and his condition.

Introduction ix

First Impressions 1

The Cards We Are Dealt 11

Cat-Shit Fantasies and Holiday Greetings 21

Empathy: Real, Artificial, and Different 31

The Inability to Let Go 43

Bar Mitzvah Memories 53

Millerton Days 63

Elizabeth West 73

Collegiate Challenges 85

Psychobabble 95

All the World's an Awkward Stage 105

Teens Living a Greater Challenge 113

Summiting the Stigma 127

A Fractured Fairy Tale 143

Weirdish Romance 155

Listies 167

Speaking Out 173

A Brush with Hollywood 187

A Grave Situation 201

Epilogue 215

Acknowledgments 221