Be Different

Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian with Practical Advice for Aspergians, Misfits, Families & Teachers

By: John Elder Robison

Narrated by: John Elder Robison

Length: 6 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

The author of the New York Times best-selling Look Me in the Eye returns to help Aspergians, and even ordinary geeks, embrace being different and fix the things that hold them back in life.

With his usual honesty, dry wit, and unapologetic eccentricity, John Robison argues that Asperger's is about difference, not disability. In this book he offers stories from his own life and from the lives of other Aspergians to give the listener a window into the Aspergian mind.

Equally important, he offers practical advice - to Aspergians, their parents, and educators - on how Asperians can improve the weak communication and social skills that keep them from taking full advantage of, or even recognizing, their often remarkable gifts.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2011 John Elder Robison (P)2011 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"An essential guidebook for anyone who has difficulty fitting in. It will help all the creative, quirky, geeky, and wonderfully different kids to become successful in life. This book is fantastic." (Temple Grandin, author, Thinking in Pictures)

Laugh Out Loud Funny (if you're on the spectrum)

Excellent book for those on the spectrum. I only hesitate to give it a full 5-stars because I'm not sure how much "nypicals" (as he calls them) would get out of it. Had quite a few "hey, me too!" moments with his meandering tales. I was pleasantly surprised by the cohesion of the stories.

If you're on the spectrum, you really should give it a read!

Always insightful.

What did you love best about Be Different?

Be Different is an honest account of John Elder Robison's view of learning he's an aspie and how he managed to excel in a world before the diagnosis was conceivable. He provides hints and guides to other aspies which has been a blessing for me as a mother of an aspie.

What did you like best about this story?

The best part of this audio book is the honest account of his success.

Any additional comments?

God Bless you, John Elder Robison for bringing asperger's to light and provide insight on how to "treat" these individuals.

Very Informative

What did you love best about Be Different?

Having a son and daughter-in-law with Asperger's, I learned a lot from this book that will be helpful for them.

What about John Elder Robison’s performance did you like?

I liked hearing his words in his voice, it made it seem very authentic

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Be Different?

Encouraging my son and his wife to find what they are good at, and being patient, since it may take a while!

Wow, a true window into the Aspergian mind

It was as if the author had written on my life. Honest, relatable and comforting. To any teenager or youth struggling to fit in, it gets better. John Robison offers a window of what it truly feels like to be on the spectrum, as well as coping methods and a shift in perspective. After years of shame and hiding away, I am now proud to Be Different. Must read!

Great for everyone!

As I was listening to this book, I could only picture Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory sitcom. The resemblances are very didactic, and it is simple to help you understand the world of aspergians. I not only recommend this book, but I am also reading his other book called 'Look me in the eye". This one is a fun and informative read\listen.

useful insights in a personal, often funny, story

As a mom of a newly diagnosed Aspergian 13-yr-old, I hope to listen to it with him.

Fresh optimistic perspective...No pity!

What did you love best about Be Different?

The wonderful reality that spectrum diagnoses may indeed be a gift (not a curse). When the gift is understood and then utilized the road may begin to look brighter than ever imagined.....

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Be different and
Stop thinking you have a disease!

love it

Thank you so much for this knowledge and guidance. I am a proud mother of an amazing aspergian son. He is the light of my life and fascinates me daily.

Amazing!!

this book has changed how my I interact with my son!! and has changed our relationship!! just amazing!!

Amazing read.

Very Empowering! Loved it! This will be the first book my 11 year old Aspie reads about Aspergers.