Nobody Nowhere by Donna Williams

this is "the extraordinary autobiography of an autistic." donna williams may not have been able to communicate "her world" to "the world" through conversation or emotion, but she defintely can write well. from vivid descriptions of her lack or response to being beated by her mother to her incredible views on how she does relates to the world outside and through her different characters are amazing. I found myself at times saying "yes, that is great."

if you know anyone with this horrid disability, or you are just interested like myself who reads these for fun, this is a must read. just don't fall for the old trap that every autistic is the same or even similar. they are as different as u and I. there are low functioning and high functioning. donna is part of the latter.

the only real problem I had was he description of her treatment. if it really was corrected enough so that she can manage it without meds, then I commend her. she's one of the few of which diet changes lowered symptoms.

i've heard autistics referred to as dumb, retarded, or slow, and this book shows contrary. in fact she is unltra-smart. one more ding for mental health awareness and stigma busters. :-D