Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome

Luke Jackson is 13 and has Aspergers. Freaks, Geeks and Asperger Syndrome describes his experience of the condition and the ways he has managed to overcome some of the problems associated with it. He writes with a frankness that borders on the naive, telling it as he sees it.

This is already Luke's second book (the first was The User Guide to the GF/CF Diet for Autism, Asperger Syndrome and AD/HD), and you could be forgiven for thinking that he is a bit of a savant. According to Luke, he "got the nerdiness and the freakishness but none of the genius!", but he's certainly smart enough not to want to emphasise his own cleverness and this isn't an intimidating book filled with dry facts.

It opens with an introduction to his family, some of whom have associated conditions such as AD/HD and autism. They are his case study. Reading this book is a little like listening to a non-Aspergers 13-year old, and you soon feel you have known Luke a long time. He explains everything simply and with occasional humour.

Further chapters deal with diagnosis and telling people about it, fascinations and fixations, sensory issues, diet, sleep, and language. Luke gives a general overview of the condition without any jargon. The second half of the book is where the subtitle, A User Guide to Adolescence, comes in. It deals with school, bullying, sports, friendships, dating and morals. Like many boys his age Luke is fascinated and intimidated by what he calls "fit girls". His dating tips are common sense, good basic advice for all teenagers as well as just ones diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. There are plenty of good, practical tips throughout the book that will help people with Aspergers in daily life.

Luke is writing primarily for people his own age, but often he breaks off to address teachers, parents, doctors and other adults. Whether adult or teenager, there are few people who would not learn something from reading this. He highlights the concerns of a teenager with Asperger syndrome, concerns which even people close to them may not have realised the importance of. Luke discusses issues that are often hidden, such as understanding language literally and sensory difficulties. I would like to see this book become required reading for anyone who works with children.

The book ends with a glossary, not of technical terms but of common idioms that Luke has used. This unusual reference serves to emphasise his point about speaking clearly: "Precise parents make cheerful children".

Luke's writing style is mature and it flows surprisingly well, but there is one phrase, "I'm only thirteen!", that is repeated like a mantra throughout the book. It soon becomes irritating. Nevertheless this is an intelligent and interesting guide through the pitfalls of life as a teenager with Asperger syndrome, and it deserves our attention.