Press Reviews

• Books from our backyard, Queensland Writers Centre, Australia

  Looking at the positive influences, great talents and unique thought processes of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this book includes auto-biographical stories and is a celebration of those who have used their autism to shine in life and is an inspiration to others.;

• Cerebra Newsweek

  This is an inspirational book for parents wondering what will happen to their ASD children in later life. 19 individuals have written a piece describing how being on the autism spectrum has been a gift for them, rather than a disability... Writing as adults, a lot of these individuals didn't have a diagnosis in childhood and just thought of themselves as different. Once they did get a diagnosis, things from their past started making sense, especially in understanding how they relate to other people. But it is their stories of how they have succeeded and excelled in their chosen paths that is so inspirational.

• Autism Society of Michigan

  This gem is a set of essays by adults who were often diagnosed later on, some even in their 50's, such as Roger Meyer, and they have found ways to shine in life, using their ASD traits to full advantage....As more and more awareness of autism in adulthood surfaces, books like this are even more important, as the brain dynamics of ASD in adults are still not very well understood, but we can now see that there is indeed hidden treasure in among the folds and convolutions!

• ForeWord Review

  For any newly-diagnosed autistic person, the silver lining is in your hands. Accentuating the positive aspects of the traits experienced by various individuals, "Autism All-Stars" emerges as one of few books for readers of all ages to examine the benefits of being neurologically "atypical."... The book is an excellent resource for parents, librarians, teachers, guidance counselors and anyone else who would like to hear more from real people who have lived under the autism umbrella... Overall, "Autism All-Stars" is an encouraging, and well-rounded book.

• Library Journal

  This book presents moving and inspirational stories for anyone who has a person with autism in his or her life. In addition, it provides practical advice for those on the spectrum: Temple Grandin contributes a chapter on how to get hired and keep a good job, while other writers discuss how they achieved their goals in education, careers, relationships, creativity, and other areas despite--or because of--the quirks of their disability.

• asteens

  The book should encourage those on the spectrum to be resilient and to have hope that with time, effort and the right support they too can find their place in the world and share their unique talents. The accounts were all well written and easy to read with a good mix to keep everything fresh. I would recommend the book for anyone aged 12 upwards who are on the spectrum as well as parents and educators. It is an enjoyable and easy read and there is a story for everyone. The book gives realistic hope and inspiration. It is not just for the highly gifted. Whether a person is super talented or more challenged they can take something away from the book - with the right support and encouragement plus hard work most people can lead productive and fulfilling lives, ideally doing what they enjoy and are good at.

• Veronica Zysk, co-author of 1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger's, USA

  Roger Meyer, a contributor to this likeable book of life stories by adults with autism and Asperger's, says it with perfection: 'I am a curious and interested person'. If you are curious and interested in what autism and Asperger's looks like and feels like from the inside, you will surely enjoy this compilation assembled by author and parent, Josie Santomauro.

• Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D., Consultant, The Ziggurat Group, Autism Research Institute, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, USA

  Autism All-Stars is a wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the essays of friends who explain how they use their strengths and perspectives to make their way in the world. These individuals are a constant inspiration to us all! Anyone wishing to understand the spectrum and the potential in ASD should read this book.

• BFK Books

  The book is an anthology of people on the spectrum who have often endured tremendous struggles in a world ill-equipped to meet their needs but have managed, in adulthood, to find a niche where they can shine and use their assets. With age and experience many have developed strategies which enable them to function in the nuero typical world and to self advocate so that their needs are understood and met... Any child who has been bullied can take heart from the stories in the book. I liked that each person was successful in a different way, some by the conventional definition of success and others on their own terms... The book should encourage those on the spectrum to be resilient and to have hope that with time, effort and the right support they too can find their place in the world and share their unique talents. The accounts were all well written and easy to read with a good mix to keep everything fresh. I would recommend the book for anyone aged 12 upwards as well as parents and educators. It is an enjoyable and easy read, and there is a story for everyone. The book gives realistic hope and inspiration. It is not just for the highly gifted. Whether a person is super talented or more challenged they can take something away from the book – with the right support and encouragement plus hard work most people can lead productive and fulfilling lives, ideally doing what they enjoy and are good at.