Abstract

Kenneth Hall was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of eight. His early school years had been difficult, as although he is bright and articulate, his behaviour could be challenging and easily misread. After his diagnosis, the Local Education Board intervened and provided him with a laptop computer, to encourage him to express himself. This book is the result.

Kenneth Hall was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of eight. He is in a unique position to describe some of the inner experiences and perceptions of autism in childhood. He has a warm and positive attitude to Asperger Syndrome which other children will find inspiring. Insights, struggles and joys are recounted vividly in a frank and humorous way. His book is for anyone interested in understanding more about autism, including parents, siblings, teachers and professionals.

Kenneth Hall is a 10-year-old boy who has Asperger Syndrome. He is also exceptionally gifted and a member of Mensa. He lives in Northern Ireland, and some of his main interests are maths, computers and books of adventure stories. He is very keen that people should know and understand more about autism.
Children with Asperger Syndrome are the best experts on AS. They can tell adults what seems unusual to them about the world. If they tell this to the adults, the adults should do all in their power to make things right for the child. They should try to make their child feel at home.
Kenneth Hall
Kenneth Hall is a ten-year-old boy who has Asperger Syndrome. He is also exceptionally gifted and has written Asperger Syndrome, the Universe and Everything so that we can see and understand the world through his eyes. This book gives a clear insight into what it must be like to view the world in this special way. Hall tells us of his day to day struggles, and joys.
www.family2000.org.uk
Parents, family members and professionals will find that Kenneth's story offers a fascinating insight into the life of an individual with AS this book is a must.
Ken P. Kerr
Kenneth's book will go some way to raising awareness of the problems and possibilities of highly gifted children with a known learning difficulty.
Gill Rowley
This book may be good to use as a introduction to discussing Aspergers Syndrome with other children with AS. It may be reassuring for other children to see that other people have similar difficulties to them and also see how someone else has come to terms and/or overcome some of these difficulties. Worth reading.
Cathy McNeill, Consultant
To say that this book was simple or child-like would be an insult. Kenneth Hall writes with an innocence, sincerity and insight that perhaps only a child could. This book is essential reading for other young people with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) and those living and working with them. Kenneth describes with great honesty the difficulties he has as a result of his AS, including those at school. Yet, he remains positive about his condition and sees it as a gift. Kenneth is able to explain clearly the many emotions he feels: depression, frustration, joy and appreciation. He is also able to explain why he feels them, perhaps making the reader review their own understanding of AS. Other topics that Kenneth covers are: living without a diagnosis, experiences of home tutoring, women and fashion, the importance of `jammie days', his passion for reading, applied behaviour analysis (ABA), sensory issues and life as a `pringlearian'. Kenneth Hall is a boy who obviously greatly values his life and he clearly has much to offer to other, whether or not they are involved with AS.
Arlene Cassidy, Director, PAPA, the Northern Ireland Autism Charity