5 Must-Read Books about Autism

Originally published in 2007, John Elder Robison’s memoir of growing up with Asperger’s Syndrome provides a dramatic and often painful recounting of his childhood and early adult years. Although the diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome was removed from the DSM-5 and is now categorized as being on the high functioning end of the autism spectrum, Robison’s account remains a powerful narrative.

Robison chronicles his life from an early age. Robison was not diagnosed with Asperger’s until he was in his 40s, so the first half of his life was spent in frequent confusion and frustration over the “normal” tasks that he felt unable to complete. Aside from the painful experience of feeling ostracized due to his trouble with social cues, body language, and facial expressions, Robison’s life was also full of plenty of dramatic and painful experiences. Look Me in the Eye is a compelling memoir that offers readers the chance to understand a bit more how frustrating the world can be when you feel like you never quite fit.

You can read more about Look Me in The Eye: My Life with Asperger’s at Publisher’s Weekly.