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

“I believe those of us with Asperger’s are here for a reason, and we have much to offer. This book will help you bring out those gifts.”

In his bestselling memoir, Look Me in the Eye, John Elder Robison described growing up with Asperger’s syndrome at a time when the diagnosis didn’t exist. He was intelligent but socially isolated; his talents won him jobs with toy makers and rock bands but did little to endear him to authority figures and classmates, who were put off by his inclination to blurt out non sequiturs and avoid eye contact.

By the time he was diagnosed at age forty, John had already developed a myriad of coping strategies that helped him achieve a seemingly normal, even highly successful, life. In Be Different, Robison shares a new batch of endearing stories
about his childhood, adolescence, and young adult years, giving the reader a rare window into the Aspergian mind.

In each story, he offers practical advice—for Aspergians and indeed for anyone who feels “different”—on how to improve the weak communication and social skills that keep so many people from taking full advantage of their often remarkable gifts. With his trademark honesty and unapologetic eccentricity, Robison addresses questions like:

• How to read others and follow their behaviors when in uncertain social situations
• Why manners matter
• How to harness your powers of concentration to master difficult skills
• How to deal with bullies
• When to make an effort to fit in, and when to embrace eccentricity
• How to identify special gifts and use them to your advantage

Every person, Aspergian or not, has something unique to offer the world, and every person has the capacity to create strong, loving bonds with their friends and family. Be Different will help readers and those they love find their path to success.

Includes a bonus PDF with additional reading and resources

Critic reviews

“For anyone who has difficulty fitting in, this book is fantastic.”
—Temple Grandin, author of Thinking in Pictures

“In a love poem to his wife, Pedro Salinas, the Spanish poet, wrote, ‘Glory to the differences / between you and me.’ John Robison teaches us to celebrate differences
like Salinas did, but also offers clear insight and valuable advice on how to cope with the challenges that being different can create. This book transcends the specific case of Asperger’s syndrome and is a lesson in humanity and the human condition.”
—Alvaro Pascual-Leone, M.D., Ph.D., Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

“Anyone with Asperger’s, if not everyone else, will derive knowledge and pleasure from the wonderful stories told in John Elder Robison’s newest book, Be Different. Clearly, John is one of our community’s leading voices.”
—Michael John Carley, author of Asperger’s from the Inside Out and executive director of GRASP and ASTEP

“Be Different is a fascinating and unique guide for young people who may be struggling with autism and feel ‘out of sync’ with the world around them. John shares personal insights about growing up, feeling apart from his peers, and learning to modify his socializing skills and harness his gifts to discover his path to a successful life.”
—Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks

“Robison offers down-to-earth life advice for his “Aspie” peers and their friends, families, and teachers...recommended reading for anyone seeking to understand Aspergian children and adults” —Kirkus

" ...provides incredibly helpful advice to families learning to live with these challenges. Robison’s clear writing provides substantial insight into the mind of someone whose disorder makes clarity very, very difficult...a valuable read."‬--Booklist

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.