Beyond the Wall. Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Second Edition

Customer Reviews

What It's Like On "The Inside"

2003-12-18
As the father of a seven year old son who resides at the light end of the Autism Spectrum, I found Stephens book to be one of the very best I have read by someone who resides on The Spectrum themselves. It is also notable as one of the few autobiographical books by a male. Quite simply put, Stephen's forthrightness is wonderfully disarming. And his very unique ability (especially for someone actually on The Spectrum) to relate not only how the world appears to him but also how that reality fits into the one we nuero-typicals live in, shows an oversight I don't encounter in most typical adults. His positive example is nothing short of a godsend. Beyond giving us hope for our sons, daughters and loved ones who reside with Stephen in this very fascinating place, Stephen's book helps to unravel the mysteries we strive to understand every day. And that Stephen has achieved what he has thus far and has dedicated his life to furthering knowledge about and advocating for the individual on The Spectrum is testimony to this wonderful mans character (and to the loving devotion of his mother, his wife and his mentors!). I only hope my son strives to be half the man Stephen Shore has shown himself to be by this book. If you've just had The "Autism Bomb" fall on you - that is to say, just gotten the diagnosis, you owe it to yourself (and your loved one) to pick up this great book and start thinking positively now at the beginning of your journey, about your gifted child.

Viva La Difference!

2003-10-11
As a professional therapist who has worked with ASD children for the last 6 years, Stephen's information is precious. After attending two conferences where Stephen lectured, I read his book and still learned more! He is warm, loving and very funny in person. He has so much information to share with us to help unlock the secret world of Autism. This info is pertinent to Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Caregivers, Teachers, Therapists, Doctors and anyone else interested in truly understanding our ASD children! Keep writing and caring Stephen...we'll keep reading and cheering!

Amazing

2003-08-08
This was an amazing book!

Stephen Shore writes as both a professional in the special education field and as AS individual. This book was an amazing blend of professional information and personal account.

For parents, this book has shown that our Asperger/autistic children have bright futures ahead. Stephen reminds us that spectrum children grow into spectrum adults, and that being autistic doesn't mean being alone.

Mr. Shore is an amazing individual. A wonderful advocate and educator. This book is an asset to anyone!

Thanks Stephen. Write another book, soon, Please!

Stephen: THANKS FOR GIVING US A VIEW OF AUTISM!! A+! 2003-04-04
All I can write is "WOW"! The author Stephen Shore takes you through an amazing journey - his life. I have over 85 books on autism and this is definately my favorite for providing some possible insight on what my autistic son Jeff may be feeling. Not only is the insight amazing and explainations easy to understand - but he gives so much hope. There are few books I have read where I truly laughed, cried, and celebrated his ups and downs (corny but absolutely true.)
The authors words have helped me better understand and communicate to my son and for that I am grateful.
Stephen has an amazing ability to communicate and provide humor at the scariest thing I have ever seen - autism - is truly a gift to all parents and friends of autistic. Please do your self a favor and read this book. It is a must for everyone's collection.

This Way of Being 2003-03-31
In the beginning of Stephen's book, he writes about the sleeping dragon of autism reawakened and his quest to find out more about *this way of being* and its relation to him.

Beyond the Wall is a must read for a parent, teacher or professional. Parents often wonder what it is to be autistic, how they can help their child learn and grow thru the years, and how to help their loved one with hypo or hyper sensitivities and what will their child's future be like. Stephen's book will answer these very important questions.

Stephen just doesn't write about his love of music, he shows how his love of music can help an autistic child to learn. Stephen writes about self-advocacy and how important it is to teach a loved one how to self advocate. Stephen writes about his academic learning from grade school to college. He writes of his frustrations in his earlier accounting career. He writes of going back to school for post graduate studies and switching careers. He writes of his new career, living life and being married.

Beyond the Wall, is Stephen's autobiography, about being a son, brother, friend, educator, advocate and husband. Long after your done reading his book, you realize that todays autistic child will be tomorrow autistic adult and that Stephen has left the door open for all the children to follow.

Beyond the Wall, Steven Shore 2007-12-09
This articulate man gives us an autobiographical view at the difficulties faced as a person with high-functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome grows up and tries to join the working world. It is tough, and he is often misunderstood, yet he very intelligent and has a great deal to offer the world. Although he will always have his "social skills" disability, it is heartening that he is now happily married and has found a career path.

Beyond the wall 2007-01-23
Very interesting to read first hand what it is like to live with autism.The author's accomplishments are amazing, but also his awareness of his limitations. A good book to learn more about this condition, also easy and enjoyable reading.

Helping to understand the perspective from an Aspie 2007-01-09
I recently had a young family member diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and wanted to know more about experiences and views from persons with Asperger Syndrome. I believe Stephen was able to inform the reader of what it is like to exist in a world without having the social skills we non Aspies take for granted. The book lets one know the challenges that might exist in the future for someone diagnosed with Aspergers during an early age.

Hate to burst the bubble.... 2006-08-20
I purchased this book to gain a better insight about Aspergers. Instead, it left me with many unanswered questions. The book is the equivalent to a boring, monotonous `Dear Diary' that gets stuck in one era: His college years and his interest in music. (This is understandable as the author is terrified of life outside of college, & music is all he knows.) Yet I craved more details, I wanted to know more about Mr. Shores' childhood, his parents, the stims, and the chaos...DETAILS!

It felt as if the author was trying to prove how intelligent he is, boasting of his accomplishments and how he's almost neurotypical. His failures were blamed on other people out to get him for unknown reasons. Lets say it for what it is: A man who looks kind of disheveled and a bit `odd' (Unabomber) gets a job in a financial institution, he rides his bike in, hangs out in the shadows getting dressed, doesn't socialize - and no one wants him around. It's BECAUSE HE'S WEIRD! Yet the author blames his co-workers.

I'm sorry but the reality is, the author probably can't see and understand that he IS different because he has Aspergers! I mean, most typical people can spot someone that is odd/weird/different a mile away. They avoid them not because they're being hurtful, they just can't relate to that person.

I wished he had focused in much greater detail about his feelings, emotions and behaviors when he was younger-to gain a better understanding of what shaped him into the person he is now. The book was written as if he fast-forwarded through his entire youth and got stuck on `pause' when he got to college. While this is obsessively interesting to him, it was tiring reading page after page of redundant accounts of his college days.

There is no depth to the book, it was shallowly written and there is not enough elaboration to make me understand, (or want to for that part) what makes Stephen Shore the person he is. While this may be due in part to his disorder, it left so much to be desired.

I'm sorry to anyone who takes offense to this review, as this is not my intention. I applaud Mr. Shores accomplishments and the hurtles he's overcome. He must be MUCH more dimensional than the book conveys. I wanted to know more about HIM and not what he's done in his life.

I'd suggest a better read would be one of Temple Grandin's books. I got a true feeling of who she is and an understanding of how she got there and how autism fits in. She goes into details about what she was thinking as a girl, teenager and adult. Her pranks, her temper, the metaphors and their importance..everything.

I bought this book based on reviews, and I felt it necessary to give mine.

Quirky? We are all on the autism spectrum! 2006-04-19
I have two young children on the autism spectrum. My constant fear and therefore my constant drive is to help them be independent and happy in their lives. Fortunately, both have very mild forms, one PDD and one autism. So, as I watch and learn from their ways of learning, I find that first, I have many quirks, and then can see those quirks in others. It is a fascinating way to look at the differences in how we all learn. In many ways, we are all on the autism spectrum.

This was an easy read, and one that would be of interest to those studying in the field. It is not too full of jargon, and can easily be read by all. This is a field woefully undertaught to teachers seeking certification.

Would like to meet you, Stephen....