School Library Journal
02/01/2019
Gr 7 Up–McCreary was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum in 2001, at age five. His younger brother had recently been diagnosed, and his parents were concerned about some of his own behaviors. After three different psychologists' visits, each relayed in five-year-old comical perspective, he was finally given the diagnosis that would shape his future. McCreary's memoir articulates the often hilarious side of growing up with sensory issues, hypersensitivity, fixations, and quirks while not shying away from the more painful aspects. Oftentimes funny, other times heartbreaking stories of navigating school, friendships, and relationships with girls keep readers invested in the narrative. Interspersed among the humor and touching anecdotes are text boxes and sidebars that educate neurotypical readers about the reality of the disorder. McCreary offers thoughtful, positive counsel for "Aspie" readers as well as advice to those who may encounter Aspies on how to connect with them without fear or judgement. VERDICT Delightfully engaging and informative, this is a noteworthy addition to a school or public library.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools
Kirkus Reviews
2018-12-09
A breezy, upbeat memoir from a 22-year-old Canadian autism advocate and stand-up comic.
Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 5, McCreary is quite unlike the stereotypical Aspie (a term he uses interchangeably with autistic person, person on the spectrum, and similar phrases): hopeless at math but extroverted, verbose, and in love with performing. He repeatedly emphasizes that ASD manifests differently in everyone—indeed, his younger brother, also autistic, is in many ways his polar opposite. He recounts his journey to his dream of becoming a professional comedian, including triumphs and humiliations, family, teachers, friends, and enemies, all in a wry, self-deprecating voice peppered with innumerable pop-culture references and relentless optimism. Along the way, he provides an intimate glimpse of one autistic person's inner life, highlighting common experiences, explaining widespread coping mechanisms, and demolishing popular misconceptions. Some readers might yearn for his advantages of economic means, supportive community, and excellent, well-funded special needs programs in the public schools; still, he acknowledges his struggles with living independently and that some persons with ASD may never achieve that. Nonetheless, the hard-won lessons he shares—be understanding, don't judge, live for the moment, never give up, and "shut up and listen"—are worthwhile for autistic and neurotypical alike.
"I didn't want to be inspirational; I just wanted to be funny." Happily he manages to be both. (Memoir. 12-18)
