My Life With Asperger's

How to live a high-functioning life with Asperger's.

John Elder Robison is the author of Look Me In The Eye: My Life With Asperger's. See full bio

November 30, 2009

Is Technology Making Us Dumber?

I can still remember how impressed I was with my father's academic friends. Whatever I said to them, they always had an answer. I'd point to a ship in my book, and they'd tell me about the Bremen, the Lusitania, and the United States . . . all the great passenger liners. I'd talk about elephants and they answered with stories of Africa, Asia, Hannibal's warriors and the Indian Maharajahs. Read More

November 5, 2009

What is smart?

"He's such a bright little boy!" My mother and her friends said things like that all the time, as they pointed to me when they thought I wasn't paying attention. Read More

October 21, 2009

One more way to be rude

Thanks to modern technology, I now have one more way to seem rude while actually paying incredibly close attention. I made this discovery when my friend Jan invited me to the annual meeting of the Connecticut River Watershed Council. Come on, she said, It will be interesting. I'm feeling more social these days so I decided to go . . Read More

October 12, 2009

The "cure" for autism, and the fight over it.

Our society is confronting many serious, chronic medical issues, including AIDS, diabetes, obesity, cancer, Alzheimer's, MS, heart disease, and autism. What do all those conditions have in common? Every one is something you live with for a long period of time; in some cases all your life. Read More

September 27, 2009

Is the Bible obsolete?

In medieval times, people managed by decree and threat. The King made a proclamation, and said, "Fear this, and tremblingly obey!" You ignored the King and his nobles at your peril, as most anything could be a capital offense. Stealing a loaf of bread, or murdering your neighbor - either could send you to the gallows. Read More

August 3, 2009

Which is easier – being a genius or being retarded?

What is it like to look at the world, knowing one is isolated by disability, wondering how it would feel to have a job, a girlfriend, or a family? What is it like to be less disabled, to have those things, lose them, and be crushed by depression and despair? Read More

July 21, 2009

Why can't we all get along?

Just this morning I was reading a post on Autism's Gadfly, and it made me think about the tremendously different wants and needs of people at various points on the autism spectrum.

His motto is, We don't want no stinkin neurodiversity! Read More

July 10, 2009

Are Manners Logical or Superficial?

When I was younger, people often accused me of strange behavior. I used to feel bad, but now I see the accusations in a different light.

I've learned that neurotypical people - folks who don't have autism - have certain expectations for how another person will act. And first impressions are all-important for many. If I want to make a good one, the onus is on me to act as expected. Read More

June 15, 2009

Are many of the females who don’t like my stories ugly?

That question is a logical result of my observation that many females who like my stories are attractive. If so, would the opposite be true as well?
Read More

May 15, 2009

Springtime and happiness

Last September, it felt like the world was coming to an end. The days were getting shorter. It was turning cold outside. The stock market was in a state of c Read More

Books by John Elder Robison

Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's

Autism Basics

Autism is a complex syndrome that resulting from abnormalities in the brain's development. Common features include impaired social interactions, impaired verbal and nonverbal communication, problems processing sensory information, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. A recent study of a U.S.

Go to the Autism Spectrum Basics page for more on Autism Spectrum including:

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