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I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism

I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning AutismAuthor: Elaine Marie Larson
Creator: Vivian Strand
Publisher: Autism Asperger Publishing Company
Category: Book

List Price: $21.95
Buy New: $11.47
as of 7/31/2010 15:34 MDT details
You Save: $10.48 (48%)



New (24) Used (9) from $11.44

Seller: sbd-
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 19 reviews
Sales Rank: 39883

Media: Paperback
Edition: illustrated edition
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Pages: 56
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 11.2 x 8.6 x 0.5

ISBN: 1931282897
Dewey Decimal Number: 428.1
EAN: 9781931282895
ASIN: 1931282897

Publication Date: June 6, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Also Available In:

  • Hardcover - I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating the Strengths of Children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
Discover the unique characteristics and abilities of children with Asperger Syndrome and high-functioning autism from A to Z. This book, laid out in an A-to-Z format, celebrates the extraordinary gifts and unique perspectives that children with ASD possess. Each page of this playful alphabet book presents one of the children s many talents and abilities. The kid-friendly illustrations and clever text create a positive portrayal of children with ASD.


Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 19



5 out of 5 stars Celebrate the Autism Experience!   June 16, 2006
BeatleBangs1964 (United States)
33 out of 36 found this review helpful

This is the kind of book that deserves a place of honor. I want more books like this.

All too many cooks try to spoil the broth, in this case neurotypicals (NT) trying to "repair" people on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) spectrum. What is so terrible about being on the spectrum? Granted, the social difficulties are the worst part of it. When you consider the original way of thinking and the wonderful gifts of abstraction, then why try to force people with autism to fit a Procrustean bed of complied responses to appease the NT population? The world is for everybody and not just the NT population and this book does an exemplary job of stressing this point.

I love the way this book emphasizes the originality people with autism have; I love the way this author appears to be totally accepting and not trying to fix anyone.

The Byrds' 1965 classic, "All I Really Want to Do" seems so a propos; the lyrics "I ain't looking for you to see like me, feel like me or be like me." How about applying that fair minded approach to the a/A world? Instead of making people with autism continue trying to appease the NT world, just accept that there is no need to make others "see like, feel like or be like" what and who they are not.

This book is not limited to children; many adults will love it, especially those on the spectrum and/or those who have children who are on the spectrum. It makes me want to do a parody of the dreadfully inane "If You're Happy And You Know It" which I have never liked, by saying, "If You're Autistic And You Know It, Celebrate!" That's right, celebrate! Do an individual dance and just be true to yourself. Beat on a different drum and play a unique and individual tune.

Being able to give one's honest opinion instead of echoing the prevailing sentiment to appease others ("giving the desired response," as Donna Williams so aptly says in her books about autism) is empowering; it is the key to self respect.

I wish I had this book when I was a child. It is a giant step towards teaching acceptance and in enjoying one's own individual quirks; perks and creativity.



5 out of 5 stars Charming and Educational   June 15, 2006
Kristi A. Sakai (Oregon)
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

Our family finds this book incredibly touching and engaging. So often when we discuss kids with Asperger Syndrome it is about the things that are "wrong", problem behaviors that adults are seeking to fix. Rarely do we sit down and see the beauty of our kids on the spectrum. This book does just that. It highlights the charming quirks and interesting qualities many of them have. In addition, the pictures are fabulous! They are charming and colorful with a hint of humor. My personal favorite simply must be the pizza puzzle.

After reading this book together, for the first time my daughter felt proud to have Asperger Syndrome. She identified with the kids in it and laughed with delight at the pictures of things she loves. At age six she has memorized it and recites if often as she comes across objects that remind her of it. Just this morning as petting the cats she said once again, "K for kitty!"

This book is such a delight! We all have so much to learn from these amazing individuals and this book conveys it in a way that is easy to understand. I highly recommend it for building self-esteem in children who have Asperger Syndrome, for increasing awareness in the classroom or daycare and even for teaching adults in a simple way about our kids on the spectrum.

-Mother of three children with Asperger Syndrome and author of
Finding Our Way: Practical Solutions for Creating a Supportive Home and Community for the Asperger Syndrome Family



5 out of 5 stars Especially recommended for families with Asperger Syndrome children.   October 7, 2006
Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

Written by Elaine Marie Larson and illustrated by Vivian Strand, I Am Utterly Unique: Celebrating The Strengths Of Children With Asperger Syndrome And High-Functioning Autism is a very special alphabet book with each letter of the alphabet corresponds to a positive quality or a strength found among children with Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. From A for "I am an Animal Lover" to L for "I like to Learn" to T for "I Tell the Truth", the alphabet, phrases and simple color pictures offer an overall message of positive self-esteem. Especially recommended for families with Asperger Syndrome children.


5 out of 5 stars Positive self reflection   January 23, 2008
Sunshine design (USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Gave this to my nephew and he loves it. The book emphasizes a child's positive attributes by useing the letters of the alphabet. this is very encouraging and uplifting to a child who can easily be stigmatized by societies negative views of autism. Empowering! Eye opening to adults too, to realize that it is not a negative thing to be a child with autism.


5 out of 5 stars Fabulous Alphabet Book for ASD kids!   April 25, 2008
Lee A. Hinton
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

My son really enjoyed reading this book with me! He was very proud as each letter referenced a wonderful, unique quality about him. What a gift to celebrate together!

Showing reviews 1-5 of 19


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