Hard-won insights on transitioning into adulthood Author, speaker, and autism advocate Jesse A. Saperstein knows a lot about living with Asperger’s. Diagnosed at the age of 14, Jesse has struggled, triumphed, flubbed, soared, educated, and inspired. Along the road to adulthood, he has learned many lessons the hard way. In this honest and engaging book, he offers a guided tour of what he’s learned about getting along with others, managing emotions, succeeding in school and work, building relationships, and more. Among his Asperger’s Rules are:
Clean Up Your Own Mess (including but not limited to credit card debt, out-of-control collections, and your cesspool of a room)
You Can’t Bail Out the Titanic with a Wine Glass (or change the world of online dating)
Serving as a Role Model to the Next Generation of Asperger's Syndrome
Navigating the challenges of college and the unrelenting storm of transition.
The Road to Catastrophe is Paved with Good Intentions (understanding how others perceive you, even if they’re wrong)
WIN (Work Is Necessary) You are talented enough to maintain employment even if your options are not ideal
Confronting Memories of Bullying and Showing Mercy toward Yourself Heartfelt, insightful, and generous, this book will enlighten and inform readers, whether they are on the autism spectrum or not.
Praise for Getting a Life with Asperger’s“Jesse Saperstein’s straightforward, frank advice on the methods he used to make a successful transition to adulthood make this book essential reading for individuals with Asperger’s or high-functioning autism.”
--Temple Grandin, Ph.D., author of The Autistic Brain “Go get a life! That’s what they told young Jesse Saperstein, growing up in New York twenty years ago. That may sound easy to you, but Jesse has Asperger’s, and that request was the challenge of his young life. He succeeded, and now he’s written this fine book to help others come to terms with difference and find the life they’re looking for.”
--John Elder Robison, author of Look Me in the Eye and Be Different “With the wisdom of a sage, Jesse Saperstein shows us how his education at the ‘university of hard knocks’ as an individual with Asperger’s Syndrome has propelled him toward leading a fulfilling and productive life. A must-read for anyone wanting to learn more about Asperger Syndrome.”
--Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D. Professor of Special Education at Adelphi University “As Jesse Saperstein makes clear, with the right tools a young person can become ‘architects of our own progress.’ Parents and educators of teens with Asperger’s would do well to read this book and use the advice to prepare youngsters of today to become productive, connected and happy adults. This is a great book to offer to the youngsters to read as well. Kudos to Jesse for this great sequel to
Atypical!”--Chantal Sicile-Kira, author of Autism Spectrum Disorder “We know Jesse is a wonderful writer and motivational speaker. But from my perch, this book proves his bigger contribution as a trailblazing guide, armed with a bright and important flashlight. With his honesty and insight, he’s illuminating a path for millions of people on the autism spectrum, and for their friends and families.”
--Bill Ritter, Anchor, WABC TV Eyewitness News, New York “Once again, Jesse Saperstein lights the way for those living with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Getting a Life with Asperger’s is a priceless example for those living with Asperger’s, their families and to any of us who want to claim a bigger, fuller and more complete life. This book and his perspective could change people’s lives.”
--Charles Perez: Former ABC Anchor, Reporter and Talk Show Host “An invaluable, insightful, genially pragmatic and deeply touching road map for all those with Asperger’s Syndrome...and all those with someone in their life so challenged.”
--Rupert Holmes, multiple Tony Award-winning composer and author “It is reassuring to know that my young grandson, diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum, now has an opportunity to read a book that may guide him into adulthood. Jesse Saperstein gives insight into the challenges he faced growing up with Asperger’s, while offering ways to overcome these challenges. His profound words of wisdom can teach all of us how to live a successful life in the face of adversity.”
--Carol DiPaolo, AIDS Activist and Pioneer “
Getting a Life with Asperger’s shows readers exactly how to do just that through Jesse Saperstein’s candid and exquisitely composed narrative that’s stuffed full of wisdom and wit. It’s the perfect second act (and let’s hope not the last) to
Atypical, his autobiography on life with Asperger’s syndrome.”
--Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D. author of Pretending to be Normal and Safety Skills for Females with Asperger Syndrome “Jesse Saperstein is an intelligent brave new voice in the autism community.
I am always wiser and happier after hearing him. He has helped me to
more fully realize the untapped potential of those with autism spectrum disorders.”
--Lois Rosenwald, Founder and Executive Director of Autism Services and Resources, Connecticut “Jesse Saperstein has written a wonderful book. It is clear, helpful, and without adornment. I cannot think of a better resource for people on the autism spectrum or for their families and friends.”
--Henry David Abraham, MD, Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, co-recipient of the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize and author of The No Nonsense Guide to Drugs and Alcohol. "Jesse is quite simply a teacher. With his second book he takes us on a journey through the transition into adulthood that can teach not only autistic young adults but contains wisdom that can benefit neurotypical adolescents and young adults as well. Jesse invites the reader to learn from his mistakes with humor, honesty, and concrete advice as he (and they) tries to figure out this "thing called life".
--Kristie Koenig, Associate Professor and Chair, NYU Department of Occupational Therapy “In
Getting a Life with Asperger’s, Jesse Saperstein shares his experiences, wit, and wisdom about a road travelled by few but experienced by many. It reminds us that life’s hurdles affect each of us differently, but they can be overcome with effort, understanding, and humor. This book should be on the bookshelf of anyone with Asperger’s syndrome, their parents, teachers, friends, neighbors, and coworkers.”
--Michael D. Powers, Psy.D., Director of The Center for Children with Special Needs, Glastonbury Connecticut and the Yale Child Study Center “This book is a marvelous collection of practical wisdom from a peer who acquired it the hard way; living and learning. As a sixty-five-year-old reader, I can't imagine anyone in our Asperger’s Syndrome community who would not benefit from reading this!”
--Jerry Newport, Asperger’s adult and co-author of three bestselling books in Asperger’s Syndrome "Jesse Saperstein is a trailblazer in the world of autism -- both literally and figuratively. He is forging a new path for all individuals on the autism spectrum and changing the way we perceive ASD, all while helping us look at these individuals’ abilities instead of disabilities. Thank you, Jesse, for being the catalyst that opened my eyes to my son's potential."
--Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson, Autism Advocate, Emmy Award Winning Producer, Author, and mother of son with autism.
