TRIUMPH OF SPIRIT IN LOVE, NATURE & ART

Archive for July, 2012

5 star Book Review for “The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome” by Tony Attwood


A Must-Read for all therapists and special ed teachers!,April 27, 2012

Tony Attwood is the patron saint of “Aspies” and this book holds true to his dedication to, and total understanding of, those of us with Asperger’s Syndrome. His understanding of all aspects of Asperger’s Syndrome is astounding and he is particularly gifted in his understanding of girls with Asperger’s Syndrome. He totally “gets it” when it comes to theory of mind and emotions in Asperger’s Syndrome. Would that all therapists could understand and have the knowledge he has and so clearly presents in this encyclopedic covering of AS. Reading Tony Attwood’s guide brought me to tears– that someone could care so much about those of us with the syndrome and understand us so well. He explained me to me in ways no one else had and eventually brought me to the point of getting officially diagnosed at age 61. “Congratulations, you have Asperger’s syndrome!” says it all. He accepts the syndrome as a different way of thinking and feeling which is presented in a positive light, without making light of the difficulties involved in having AS. He understands that the diagnosis often brings relief, particularly for those of us who fell through the cracks and were never treated, and carried lots of guilt and poor self-image for our “failings.” Can’t recommend this book highly enough for all those who need to understand AS– therapists, parents, teachers and, last but by no means least, for those who have AS.

(Click http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/ellen-stockdale-wolfe.html  for information on, and to purchase my Bipolar/Asperger’s memoir.)


5 star Book Review for “Nobody Nowhere” by Donna Williams


A huge thank you to Donna Williams for this book!, May 16, 2012
I have read this book three times. The first time I grabbed it to read, along with “Somebody Somewhere,” because I had worked with autistic children and was totally fascinated by them. My student teaching supervisor in college had pronounced me autistic at the time but I paid no attention to what he said although I could relate to “Nobody Nowhere,” and loved the book. Donna Williams held me as a captive and admiring audience and I couldn’t get enough of her work.
The second time I reread this book was on a whim, long after suffering a breakdown myself. I was much older and wiser on this second reading and, as I reread her story, I realized that I, too, was on the spectrum, as I had begun to suspect. This book gave me the courage to get diagnosed with Asperger’s at age 61.
The third time I reread this book was as an author of my own experiences of learning to love with Asperger’s and Bipolar Disorder. My admiration for the book withstood all three readings. In fact I am more impressed with her work and her life now more than ever. She is very high-functioning and has given the world of autistics and Aspies a reality that other people can relate to and understand. It is a real contribution to those on the Spectrum and to their families, teachers and therapists. This last reading also brought home how the abuse Donna suffered was appalling and, yet, I totally understood how, as she writes, it actually helped her to overcome many autistic ways. Love is very problematic for Aspies and Auties and sometimes we prefer distance to closeness because closeness is extremely painful for autistics and, to a lesser degree, for Aspies.
I would recommend the sequels to this book: “Somebody Somewhere,” “Like Colour to the Blind,” and “Everyday Heaven.” They make up a set. Donna Williams’ poetry is also very special. Read “Not Just Anything.” She is a brilliant woman and has conquered her pain with courage and intelligence and creativity!
(Click http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/ellen-stockdale-wolfe.html  for information on, and to purchase my Bipolar/Asperger’s memoir.)

“Inspirational” (a 5 star review for “Eye-locks and Other Fearsome Things)


This book is worth the time. The writer is unbelievably honest about her
experiences and she had me caring about her from the very beginning. She is a
very brave woman for being as open and detailed as she was. Her mental battles,
her struggles with everything and as for the writing, the delivery of her
thoughts was intense and well delivered. I have epilepsy and I can tell you that
after reading her story it has helped me. She has inspired me and reminded me
not to forget what I know. This is a story that I highly recommend and I want to
say thank you to the writer for allowing me to experience it all.

Michael Edward

(Click http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/ellen-stockdale-wolfe.html  for information on, and to purchase my Bipolar/Asperger’s memoir.)


Monday Blues


A weekend together

and my heart

is filled full with you.

I am touched by our love,

warmed by your touch,

and mourning your absence.

I miss you & your presence

in our loving shelter

from a harsh world.

(Click http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/ellen-stockdale-wolfe.html  for information on, and to purchase my Bipolar/Asperger’s memoir.)


Bipolar Opposites


I see the fire in you

igniting your thoughts,

flickering and flaming

all of the time,

filling you with images

that you paint into words.

Your eyes are strong,

 you can stare at the light

and be filled with the fire

without getting blinded.

The fire for me,

if I look too long,

leaves me on my knees,

groping in darkness,

until like a fog, lifting,

 I can see again.

(Click http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/ellen-stockdale-wolfe.html  for information on, and to purchase my Bipolar/Asperger’s memoir.)


Asperger’s and the lack of empathy myth


www.springerlink.com/content/j2k1732t42110565/

 

(Click http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/ellen-stockdale-wolfe.html  for information on, and to purchase my Bipolar/Asperger’s memoir.)