PRAISE FOR
Getting a Life with Aspergers
Jesse Sapersteins straightforward, frank advice on the methods he used to make a successful transition to adulthood make this book essential reading for individuals with Aspergers or high-functioning autism.
Temple Grandin, PhD, author of The Autistic Brain
Go get a life! Thats what they told young Jesse Saperstein, growing up in New York twenty years ago. That may sound easy to you, but Jesse has Aspergers, and that request was the challenge of his young life. He succeeded, and now hes written this fine book to help others come to terms with difference and find the life theyre looking for.
John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye and Be Different
With the wisdom of a sage, Jesse Saperstein shows us how his education at the university of hard knocks as an individual with Aspergers syndrome has propelled him toward leading a fulfilling and productive life. A must-read for anyone wanting to learn more about Aspergers syndrome.
Stephen M. Shore, EdD, Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University
As Jesse Saperstein makes clear, with the right tools a young person can become architect of [his] own progress. Parents and educators of teens with Aspergers would do well to read this book and use the advice to prepare youngsters of today to become productive, connected, and happy adults. This is a great book to offer to the youngsters to read as well. Kudos to Jesse for this great sequel to Atypical!
Chantal Sicile-Kira, author of Autism Spectrum Disorder
We know Jesse is a wonderful writer and motivational speaker. But from my perch, this book proves his bigger contribution as a trailblazing guide, armed with a bright and important flashlight. With his honesty and insight, hes illuminating a path for millions of people on the autism spectrum, and for their friends and families.
Bill Ritter, anchor, WABC TV Eyewitness News, New York
Once again, Jesse Saperstein lights the way for those living with Aspergers syndrome. Getting a Life with Aspergers is a priceless example for those living with Aspergers, their families, and to any of us who want to claim a bigger, fuller, and more complete life. This book and his perspective could change peoples lives.
Charles Perez, former ABC anchor, reporter and talk show host
An invaluable, insightful, genially pragmatic, and deeply touching road map for all those with Aspergers syndrome... and all those with someone in their life so challenged.
Rupert Holmes, multiple Tony Awardwinning composer and author
It is reassuring to know that my young grandson, diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, now has an opportunity to read a book that may guide him into adulthood. Jesse Saperstein gives insight into the challenges he faced growing up with Aspergers, while offering ways to overcome these challenges. His profound words of wisdom can teach all of us how to live a successful life in the face of adversity.
Carol DiPaolo, AIDS activist and pioneer
Getting a Life with Aspergers shows readers exactly how to do just that through Jesse Sapersteins candid and exquisitely composed narrative thats stuffed full of wisdom and wit. Its the perfect second act (and lets hope not the last) to Atypical, his autobiography on life with Aspergers syndrome.
Liane Holliday Willey, EdD, author of Pretending to be Normal and Safety Skills for Asperger Women
Jesse Saperstein is an intelligent, brave new voice in the autism community. I am always wiser and happier after hearing him. He has helped me to more fully realize the untapped potential of those with autism spectrum disorders.
Lois Rosenwald, founder and executive director of Autism Services and Resources, Connecticut
Jesse Saperstein has written a wonderful book. It is clear, helpful, and without adornment. I cannot think of a better resource for people on the autism spectrum or for their families and friends.
Henry David Abraham, MD, Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, co-recipient of the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize and author of The No-Nonsense Guide to Drugs and Alcohol
Jesse is quite simply a teacher. With his second book he takes us on a journey through the transition into adulthood that can teach not only autistic young adults but contains wisdom that can benefit neurotypical adolescents and young adults as well. Jesse invites the reader to learn from his mistakes with humor, honesty, and concrete advice as he (and they) tries to figure out this thing called life.
Kristie Koenig, Associate Professor and Chair, NYU Department of Occupational Therapy
In Getting a Life with Aspergers, Jesse Saperstein shares his experiences, wit, and wisdom about a road traveled by few but experienced by many. It reminds us that lifes hurdles affect each of us differently, but they can be overcome with effort, understanding, and humor. This book should be on the bookshelf of anyone with Aspergers syndrome, their parents, teachers, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.
Michael D. Powers, PsyD, director of The Center for Children with Special Needs, Glastonbury Connecticut, and the Yale Child Study Center
This book is a marvelous collection of practical wisdom from a peer who acquired it the hard way: living and learning. As a sixty-five-year-old reader, I cant imagine anyone in our Aspergers syndrome community who would not benefit from reading this!
Jerry Newport, Aspergers adult and coauthor of three bestselling books on Aspergers syndrome
Jesse Saperstein is a trailblazer in the world of autismboth literally and figuratively. He is forging a new path for all individuals on the autism spectrum and changing the way we perceive ASD, all while helping us look at these individuals abilities instead of disabilities. Thank you, Jesse, for being the catalyst that opened my eyes to my sons potential.
Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, autism advocate, Emmy Awardwinning producer, author, and mother of son with autism
A PERIGEE BOOK
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Copyright 2014 by Jesse Saperstein
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eBook ISBN: 978-0-698-13986-4
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Saperstein, Jesse A.
Getting a life with Aspergers : lessons learned on the bumpy road to adulthood / Jesse A. Saperstein.
pages cm
A Perigee book.
ISBN 978-0-399-16668-6