Abstract

Compelling and witty, Liane Holliday Willey's account of growing to adulthood as an undiagnosed 'Aspie' has been read by thousands of people on and off the autism spectrum since it was first published in 1999. Bringing her story up to date, including her diagnosis as an adult, and reflecting on the changes in attitude over 15 years, this expanded edition will continue to entertain (and inform) all those who would like to know a little more about how it feels to spend your life `pretending to be normal'.
Some of the best insights that helped came from reading books written by people on the spectrum. Liane Holliday Willey's insights will be especially helpful for many women on the spectrum.
Temple Grandin, Author of The Autistic Brain and Thinking in Pictures
Liane's original book Pretending to be Normal gave such important insights into how women with Asperger's syndrome used coping strategies in an attempt to fit into the neurotypical world. This updated version not only gives further insights but more importantly rather than "pretending to be normal" Liane points out that it is better to recognise that having Asperger's syndrome is acceptable and society should celebrate differentness. Finding the balance with appropriate support enables people with Asperger's syndrome to function in both the Aspie and neurotypical worlds. The appendices are brilliant in that Liane gives practical tips in supporting and managing Asperger's syndrome in all aspects of life. This book will be highly recommended by me to all those who have or do not have a diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome.
Dr Judith Gould, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director of the NAS Lorna Wing Centre for Autism
Willey's classic Pretending to Be Normal has been a most eloquent way to understand what it feels like to have Asperger's. As beautifully written as it is insightful, this expanded edition is even more powerful due to the addition of a multitude of helpful suggestions and resources.
Martin L. Kutscher, MD, author of Kids in the Syndrome Mix of ADHD, LD, Autism Spectrum, Anxiety, Tourette’s and More and ADHD: Living without Brakes
With Pretending to be Normal, a collective sigh of relief was heaved, a burden was lifted and laid down. The puzzle that had perplexed us was given a name, Asperger's, and women on the spectrum found their voice, some of us for the first time.
Rudy Simone, author of Aspergirls, 22 Things a Woman Must Know If She Loves a Man with Asperger’s Syndrome and 22 Things a Woman with Asperger’s Syndrome Wants Her Partner to Know
Liane Holliday Willey is a wife, mother, autism consultant, academic researcher, avid horsewoman and owner of an equestrian barn. She has a Doctorate of Education, and is a frequent guest speaker as well as the author of several other books on autism spectrum conditions.
Pretending to be Normal was one of the first books I read about women and Asperger syndrome. It was then and still is the book I always recommend to the female clients I see. Liane is a star, her determination, strength and courage are a shining light within the AS community. This second edition is full of new insights and information. A must read for anyone who wishes to understand more about the complex world of women and Asperger syndrome.
Maxine Aston MSc, Consultant, Trainer and Author of several books on Asperger syndrome and relationships