Beyond the Wall: Personal Experiences with Autism and Asperger Syndrome

This honest, courageous book, written by a person with high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome, offers so much more than the traditional autobiography. Drawing on personal and professional experience, Stephen Shore combines three voices to create a touching and, at the same time, highly informative book for professionals as well as individuals who have Asperger Syndrome. Get a unique perspective on AS across the years!

This expanded second edition, which features a foreword by Dr. Temple Grandin, includes an important chapter on getting ready for college. In addition, the discussion on common sensory reactions has been expanded. Finally, there's a chapter on Shore's public involvement with autism spectrum-related issues, including testifying on the state of autism-related issues to the chair of Governmental Reform, speaking at conferences, both in the United States and internationally, and advocating for services for individuals on the spectrum.

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Table of Contents

Foreword by Temple Grandin.

Preface.

Acknowledgements.

The Castle.

Chapter one: A slice of life.

Chapter two: My early life.

Chapter three: Sinking into the grip of Autism

• Mother's recollections of my early life.

Chapter four: The putnam period

• The Classroom.

Chapter five: Nursery School

• Accomodating sensory sensitivities
• Outer and inner senses.

Chapter six: The wonder and terror of school.

Chapter seven: Middle School

• Music for the Child with Autism

Chapter eight: More Wonder than Terror in High School.

Chapter nine: Heaven at Last - in College.

• Dating
• Meeting my future wife
• About my husband
• Movies and TV

Chapter ten: The world of work: from more conformity to less

• Where do I fit in?
• Emotional aftermath
• Dealing with emotions

Chapter eleven: Back to school: Master's and Doctorate degrees.

• The three modes of world.

Chapter twelve: Revisiting the Castle.

• Cyberspace for people like me.
• The Language and Cognitive Development Center.
• Meeting Dr. Arnold Miller.

Chapter thirteen: Challenging the Walls.

• How the Autistic disorder is now classified.
• Autism compared with other disorders.
• The Autism spectrum.
• Putting my journey through the autism spectrum in context.
• Overcoming the wall.

Chapter fourteen: Cleared for takeoff.

• Commencement
• Presentations
• Advocacy
• Political involvement
• What's next for me?
• A challenge to the autism spectrum community.

Chapter fifteen: Epilogue and charge of responsibility.

Appendix A: An interview with Daniel Rosenn, M.D.

Appendix B: Getting ready for college. References.

"Stephen's words softened my heart. They made me proud to be a fellow aspie. I am certain everyone who reads Stephen's book will come away inspired by his life's story, honoured by his decision to share so much of who he is, and touched by his honesty and courage. More importantly I am quite certain his readers will forever more look upon people with any difference, particularly those on the light end of autism or Asperger syndrome, as fine and nobly interesting people who have so very much to offer this society we all share."
- Liane Holliday Willey

"Stephen Shore's unique perspective makes this autobiography a wonderful, inspirational and educational book. The author provides valuable practical information that will benefit both parents and professionals."
- Stanley D.Klein, Ph.D, co-editor, You Will Dream New Dreams, Inspiring Personal Stories by Parents of Children with Disabilities.

"In this autobiography [Stephen Shore] explores experiences of autism - painful memories of early schooling, terrors of his middle school, the rewards of college, problems in holding down a job and 10 years of marriage. This painful but exhilarating story reveals how much more there is to learn about autism."
- Community Care