Press Reviews

• Good Autism Practice

  a deeply interesting account, imbued with knowledge and understanding of the condition of autism, which provides hope and reassurance for all those struggling with similar situations, but without flinching from or downplaying some of the more difficult moments.

• On The Spectrum

  Succeeding with Autism: Hear My Voice is a fascinating journey through the life of an extraordinary young man with Autism. It follows him through his college years and initial employment, while disgressing into his childhood through interviews with a wide array of teachers, family members, and others who played important roles in his life... this account stands out because of the additional perspectives of so many significant people and the comparison of these perspectives on the same events and times. Michael's own thoughts about how he developed from a child ruled by anxiety and dyscontrol provide important insights into the individual and family effort required to create the changes now evident in this successful young adult. This book poignantly illustrates how little is truly understood about the prediction of adult outcome from childhood functioning for individuals on the Autism spectrum with the vast majority of high functioning adults on the spectrum under or unemployed, it is important to pick out the aspects of external support and internal willpower that contributed to Michael's success at getting through college and landing his first job we must find ways to utilize this community resource in support of children and adults on the spectrum who are trying to be included in schools, jobs, and social communities.

• Library Journal

  Personal narratives on Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are valuable to illustrate how we respond to autism. Cohen (education, Adelphi Univ.) draws on the oral history tradition to create a truly distinctive entry in the literature. Her subject is "Michael," a 24-year-old man for whom she served as college adviser. Despite graduating and securing a math and computer-science teaching positions, Michael had difficulty interacting with others and adapting to adult life. Cohen uses lengthy quotes from his family, friend, teachers and Michael himself to provide a vivid portrait not only of his actions but also of how others responded to them. This helps convey the challenges that Michael faced in various aspects and different stages of his life. Of particular note are his social interaction with teachers and the friends he met through college clubs and the trouble he had obtaining and keeping teaching positions as well as responding to the demands of employment. Strongly recommended for all public and academic libraries with ASD or education collections.

• 0-19 Magazine

  Judith Cohen first met Michael when she interviewed him for a teacher education programme. This book provides an honest portrayal of Michael and an insight into how he developed from a child into a remarkable individual battling with autism. Cohen interviewed Michael's friends, family, and various professionals who have worked with him. What interested me was how Michael viewed his autism, and how he addressed particular events in his life compared with other people. It is clear that, in general, Michael has left a positive impression on everyone he has met despite his difficulties and has built life-long friendships. This book may be particularly beneficial to individuals who would like to learn more about autism from the perspective of the child as they try to break the stereotypes that we don't realise we all have.

• from Succeeding with Autism

  One day I naively asked Michael what's it like to be autistic. He replied, "I don't know. I've always been autistic."