On the Spectrum

Autism, Faith, and the Gifts of Neurodiversity

By: Daniel Bowman Jr.

Narrated by: Adam Verner

Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Nearly everyone knows someone on the autism spectrum, whether it's a niece or nephew, a student in their classroom, a coworker, or a sibling, spouse, or child. One in 54 children have autism, according to the CDC, and autism is reported across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Yet most of what people think they know about autism is wrong.

On the Spectrum debunks myths with a realistic yet hope-filled deep dive into the heart, mind, and life of a Christian. Daniel Bowman, a novelist, poet, and professor, received an autism diagnosis at age 35 after experiencing crises in his personal and professional lives. The diagnosis shed light on his experience in a new, life-giving way. In this captivating book, Bowman reveals new insights into autism, relationships, faith, and the gift of neurodiversity.

Rather than viewing autism as a deficiency, Bowman teaches listeners - through stories of his heartbreaks and triumphs - authentic ways to love their neighbors as themselves, including their autistic neighbors who are fearfully and wonderfully, if differently, made.

©2021 Daniel Bowman Jr. (P)2021 eChristian

On The Spectrum Armed With Words

On the Spectrum Armed with Words would have been a better title since it is mostly based on stories of folks like the author who are verbally gifted. From that point of view, encouraging my daughter for whom I am having trouble getting a diagnosis is easier for me because she loves the English language although she excels in all subjects. The academic framework of the author’s lives and his mentorship experiences from the English Arts perspective gave me lots of snippets to share with my daughter. Other snippets were excellent clips for all encompassing descriptions of being on the spectrum. Helpful for promoting the language for acceptance and support of neurodiversity even if specific in its appeal.

Honest, Sincere, Artful, Heartfelt

I really appreciated the artistic and thoughtful way Daniel Bowman described his story of being on the spectrum. As a Mom of a daughter on the spectrum, I found his stories to be insightful, perspective changing, and helpful. We need more voices like this! Thank you for stepping out and sharing some of your life and story Daniel Bowman. I'm also a Taylor graduate and I felt the honoring culture of Taylor, I remember from years ago, shining through this work of art!

Vulnerability of D.B.

Trying to know my autistic grandson who is having a rough time at the age of 19, little better.This book is very helpful.

Okay

The writer has an important message, but he keeps beating a dead horse long before the end of the book in my opinion. YMMV.

Own Voice

I'm a father of an adult son recently diagnosed. This is insightful and a blessing to me. Thank you for re-affirming that EVERY person is Imago Dei through your telling of your story. I have hope for even better ways of connecting with my son.

I must read for any pastor, teacher or relative of someone with autism

As a father of three adult children with autism I have navigate it many situations that were portrayed in this book. I believe that Daniel Bowman has described masterfully and articulated both of the struggles and the triumphs of living in the spectrum of autism. I am so inspired and grateful for books like this! I am also a pastor who has been able to witness how my own children have a particular relationship with Christ.
I strongly recommend this book to any teacher, Pastor, parent or friend of someone in the spectrum. It will open up their eyes to see Autism
from a deeper understanding and perspective.

The More you Know

I thought the author was going to talk from the point of view of the parent so it was refreshing to hear the author is speaking from his own point of view and it helps better understand people with autism.

Challenging

I would have liked to give this book a better rating. Possibly it’s just me because I don’t think I am on the spectrum (“neurotypical” though certainly not without other issues), but something about the autobiographical storyline and how the author wove together the (however latent, but admittedly beautiful) discovery of his own autism diagnosis just did not click with me. I am hopeful that others will find it helpful, especially because the author is making a genuine attempt to bring this (and other) types of neurodiversity under the rubric of a Christian anthropology and sociology. Very commendable, and much needed. Blessings.