Pretending To Be Normal

Pretending to be Normal tells the story of a woman who, after years of self-doubt and self-denial, learned to embrace her Asperger's syndrome traits with thanksgiving and joy. Chronicling her life from her earliest memories through her life as a university lecturer, writer, wife and mother, Liane Holliday Willey shares, with insight and warmth, the daily struggles and challenges that face many of those who have Asperger's Syndrome. Pretending to be Normal invites its readers to welcome the Asperger community with open acceptance, for it makes it clear that, more often than not, they are capable, viable, interesting and kind people who simply find unique ways to exhibit those qualities. The last part of the book consists of a series of substantial appendices which provide helpful coping strategies and guidance, based on the author's own experience, for a range of situations. This positive and humane book will provide not only insight into the Asperger world which will prove invaluable for the professionals who work with people with Asperger's Syndrome, but also hope and encouragement for other people with Asperger's Syndrome, their families, and their friends.

Compelling and witty, Liane Holliday Willey's account of growing to adulthood as an undiagnosed 'Aspie' has been read by thousands of people on and off the autism spectrum since it was first published in 1999. Bringing her story up to date, including her diagnosis as an adult, and reflecting on the changes in attitude over 15 years, this expanded edition will continue to entertain (and inform) all those who would like to know a little more about how it feels to spend your life `pretending to be normal'.

Pretending Normal, formerly Lies Imitating Life, was a past quarter finalist in Ray Bradbury’s New Century New Writer Award contest. It was also a past semi-finalist in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. 1976 Before-Sara Polokovich wants out of Norwood, Pennsylvania, population 4,582, where the undertaker and the butcher are the same person. All she has to do is earn a scholarship. Just two more years…but until then, she pours over classics to strengthen her comprehension skills, reviews for the SAT, and continues to request college brochures from every school in the northeast. Sara’s just buried her mother, her father drinks too much, and her kid sister won’t leave her alone. Why can’t her life be normal? Even half-normal? Why does Frank, (she refuses to think of him as her father anymore), spend all of his time in the garage with that damn ‘57 Chevy? And why does he have to hide bottles all over the house; in the red metal cupboard in the garage, behind the faded orange curtain in the kitchen, under the sink in the bathroom? Why can’t anybody talk about what’s happening? As Sara struggles to free herself from a life of dysfunction and disease, she will learn the true depths of a parent’s love and the ultimate sacrifice given— and taken— in the name of that love. Pretending Normal follows Sara Polokovich’s coming of age as she discovers the truths about family with all of its flaws and weaknesses as the bond that holds one to another, in love, loyalty, even death. BONUS: Included with this ebook is the emotion-filled short story, The Death of Mary Alice Olivetti.

The author looks with honesty and humour at the implications of Asperger Syndrome for sufferers and other family members. Offers practical help for families in similar situations.

This book is an autobiographical account of one family's journey through the puzzling maze of autism, as narrated by mother Rochelle Miller. Sometimes wry and irreverent, it tells of the challenges and triumphs involved with caring for two sons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, examining a serious subject in a sometimes not-so-serious light. --- "There is much pain and some black humour along the path of raising autistic children but also quiet pride and solace gained by seeing progress made, however incremental. Rochelle Miller has raised not one but two children on the autism spectrum with the help and support of Ben and many others, she has now written her personal story with clarity and vibrance." - The Honourable Tim Fischer AC, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

Vlad has to keep his vampire urges under control while dealing with the pressures of middle school. Thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod really hates junior high. Bullies harass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: His mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: He’s being hunted by a vampire killer. Watch a QuickTime trailer for this book.

A mother in turmoil. A jaded daughter. A community to help them heal… Portia Foster has a big heart—so does her mother—yet something is terribly wrong with their relationship. That’s why Portia decides to take a long break on the farm where her mother grew up. But after a short stay, in the religious and ultra conservative home of her grandparents, she begins to question the longstanding walls that separate her mother from everyone in her family. Portia’s search for answers uncovers a tragedy buried for over forty years. From her discoveries, she begins to see the emotional scars keeping her family apart and the causes of her mother’s turmoil. Urged on by the desire to help her family, this compassionate twenty-seven-year-old sets out on a journey to mend old wounds. Had Portia known how complicated things would get, she might never have started out on her mission to make things better. Luckily, she finds a community to guide her to more than she imagined was possible.

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). Now including a new introduction explaining the impact of DSM-5 on the diagnosis and approach to AS, it brings together a wealth of information on all aspects of the syndrome for children through to adults. Drawing on case studies and personal accounts from Attwood's extensive clinical experience, and from his correspondence with individuals with AS, this book is both authoritative and extremely accessible. Chapters examine: * causes and indications of the syndrome * the diagnosis and its effect on the individual * theory of mind * the perception of emotions in self and others * social interaction, including friendships * long-term relationships * teasing, bullying and mental health issues * the effect of AS on language and cognitive abilities, sensory sensitivity, movement and co-ordination skills * career development. There is also an invaluable frequently asked questions chapter and a section listing useful resources for anyone wishing to find further information on a particular aspect of AS, as well as literature and educational tools. Essential reading for families and individuals affected by AS as well as teachers, professionals and employers coming in contact with people with AS, this book should be on the bookshelf of anyone who needs to know or is interested in this complex condition. 'I usually say to the child, "Congratulations, you have Asperger's syndrome", and explain that this means he or she is not mad, bad or defective, but has a different way of thinking.' - from The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome