Annotated Bibliography

Monique Brada
LIS590MYL
7/29/2014

Resources on Neurodiversity for Teens

YA Fiction
Haddon, Mark. The Curious incident of the Dog in the Night-time. New York: Doubleday, 2003.
Summary: When his neighbors dog is killed, fifteen year old Christopher decides
to follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes and deduce who the killer is. This
attempt sets into motion a series of events that lead him to solve an even bigger
mystery: what happened to his mother.
Quote: My memory is like a film. That is why I am really good at remembering
things, like the converstions I have written down in this book, and what people
were wearing, and what they smelled like, because my memory has a smelltrack
which is like a soundtrack. (p. 76)
Why recommend this book?
Written in Christophers voice, this is a superbly imagined look into the mind of a
high functioning autistic boy. Although he remembers things perfectly, his difficulty reading into events
due to his extremely literal mindset means that although he is telling the story, the reader may have a
deeper understanding of events than the narrator and may figure out what is going on before he does.
This book is a nuanced portrait of the impact of autism on a middle class British family.
Neurodiverse Superpower: Mathematical ability, Photographic memory
Kelly, Tara. Harmonic Feedback. New York: Henry Holt & Co., 2010. Print.
Summary: Drea, a teen with a dual diagnosis of ADHD & Asperger Syndrome,
moves to new school and struggles to fit in, as usual. But this time it seems like
Drea has a chance to develop a real friendship and possibly even a romantic
relationship. Will Drea be able to make the right choice when a friend is in trouble?
Quote: Ive had labels thrown at me my whole life. Teachers calling me socially
immature, kids calling me a freak, doctors checking off symptoms so they could
plop a diagnosis in my lap. All because I dont understand some invisible set of
social rules. Lie about this, but dont lie about that. Smileeven when you arent
happybut dont smile too much. Too much is weird. Look people in the eye but, again, not too
much. p.186
Why recommend this book?
It is notable that this book is from the point of view of a female protagonist on the spectrum, because
although males are disproportionately diagnosed as being on the spectrum it definitely affects females
as well. The dual diagnosis element is interesting because it is fairly common; there seems to be a link
between ADHD & Asperger that has led some to question if the diagnoses are sides of the same coin.
Also this book brings up the medication conundrum with ADHD and Asperger; there is no fixed cocktail
of drugs that works the same with everyone, so they have to suffer through trial and error to try to get

Annotated Bibliography
Monique Brada
LIS590MYL
7/29/2014
the best result. Drea has mixed feelings about her medication, and that is common as well.
Neurodiverse Superpower: Ability to Hyperfocus, Musical Ability (sees music as colors)
Stork, Francisco. Marcelo in the Real World. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2009.
Summary: In order to appease his father and get what he wants (to return to his
school for his senior year), Marcelo must show his father that he can perform the
duties of his summer job in the real world of his fathers law office. As he
develops relationships with coworkers and when a case at the firm captures his
interest, he learns that situations in the real world are rarely black and white.
Quote: The term cognitive disorder implies that there is something wrong with
the way I think or with the way I perceive reality. I perceive reality just fine.
Sometimes I perceive more of reality than others. (p. 54)
Why recommend this book?
Despite his quirks, or perhaps because of them, Marcelo is a very relatable character. He seems almost
childlike (or perhaps nave is a better word) in some ways. The reader may be concerned, for instance,
that he will fall for his coworker Wendells offer of friendship and do something that he will regret,
but then he surprises us by demonstrating that he understands more of the world than the reader, his
family, and even he may realize.
Neurodiverse Superpowers: Hears internal music (IM), Moral Compass (possibly linked to his fascination
with God/religion)

Memoir/Autobiographical
Robison, John Elder. Look Me in the Eye: My Life With Aspergers. New York: Three Rivers,
2008.
Summary: This is the first book by Robison, who was diagnosed with Asperger
Syndrome at age 40, and it tells the story of how he forged his own way during a
time that little was known about his condition and people were constantly
wondering, what is wrong with that boy?
Quote: Aspergers is not a disease. Its a way of being. (p. 5)
Why recommend this book?
Although this book was not written specifically for a teen audience, the authors
candid story of growing up as an undiagnosed Aspergian is notable for its humor, directness, and insight
into the authors way of thinking. He displays many of the typical attributes of Asperger Syndrome:
inability to sustain eye contact, flat affect, difficulty picking up on social cues, and so on, but he also
relates how he found ways to fit in and cope with the normal world. Finding his niche designing
pyrotechnics for the band KISS is one example. It is easy relate to his no nonsense, outsider point of
view. The book was on the short list for the ISLMA Abe Lincoln High School Book Award in 2010.
Neurodiverse Superpower: Technological Whiz

Annotated Bibliography
Monique Brada
LIS590MYL
7/29/2014
Higashida, Naoki. The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy With Autism.
Trans. K.A. Yoshida and David Mitchell. New York: Random House, 2013.
Summary: This book, which was originally written in Japanese, is a rare look into
the thoughts and experiences of a largely nonverbal autistic boy who learned to
write via an alphabet grid with the help of a transcriber. He can now use a special
computer to write independently.
Quote: I hope that by reading my explanations about autism and its mysteries,
you can come to understand that all the obstacles that present themselves dont
come from our selfishness or from ego. If all of you can grasp this truth about us,
we are handed a ray of hope. Afterword
Why Recommend This Book?
The question/answer format of the book is very accessible for readers from teen to adult. The questions
range from Why do people with autism talk so loudly and weirdly? to Why do you repeat certain
actions again and again? and beyond. Although it is important to remember that the author is speaking
from his own experience and cant possibly speak for all autistic individuals, it is still beneficial to be able
to share his unique insight. Many books are written by more high functioning autistic individuals; it is
unusual to be able to hear from one who is more severely affected. One important message that gets
through is that autistic people want human contact and connection as much as anyone else, but due to
their disability they may be unable to show it in the neurotypical way.
Neurodiverse Superpower: Ability to communicate despite his disability

Films
Autism: The Musical. Dir. Tricia Regan. New York: Docurama Films, 2008. DVD. 94 min.
Summary: This documentary features several children with autism and their caregivers as they
participate in Miracle Project, a music and acting program for kids with autism
and their siblings started by Elaine, the mother of one of the children. It
focuses on five children in particular and follows them until the culminating
musical theater performance.
Quote: I want the world to value her, and they dont. And I cant make them.
I can only work with who Ive got I cant make them respect her and think
that shes got the same rights that they do. Hillary, Lexis mom.
Key Points:
Varying degrees of autism are pictured here, from Henry (who is a high
functioning Aspergerian) to Neal, Elaines son, who is largely nonverbal and
needs a great deal of support. The impact of the diagnosis and living with a child with special needs is
shown as well, particularly the resulting stress on marriages; Joe, Lexis father says they went through
denial, into fix it mode, and finally acceptance. The point is made that people with autism are
overwhelmed by sensory input, and this can cause children to withdraw into their own world. The
theatre world, with its acceptance of what is different/creative and where repetitive movement and
songs are encouraged, can be a great place for them to blossom. Acting out situations like bullying is

Annotated Bibliography
Monique Brada
LIS590MYL
7/29/2014
also therapeutic. Special assistive technology devices that convert typed text to speech are featured.
Winner of two Emmy Awards.
Bottom line: An inspirational and moving portrait of the ability of music and creativity to affect the lives
of children with autism.
Neurotypical: Normal is a Cycle on a Washing Machine. Dir. Adam Larsen. 2011. DVD. 88 min.
Also aired on PBS show POV: see http://www.pbs.org/pov/neurotypical/
Summary: This documentary consists of interviews with several autistic
individuals, and some parents/spouses. It is notable for the diversity of people
depicted in terms of age and degree of autistic functioning, although many of
those interviewed are on the high functioning end.
Quotes: I just feel like I think differently than everyone else. Like sometimes I
take more things into consideration. Nicholas (Aspergers)
If I applied all my effort of social skills 100% of the time, I wouldnt be able to
do anything elseso sometimes I come across as rude. Katie (Aspergers)
We all have a right to our neurology as it isThe concept of a neurotypical is
fiction. Jonathan (Dyslexic)
Key points:
This documentary shows many of the ways autism presents itself, such as not picking up on nonverbal
skills and not processing verbal instructions very well. One interviewee makes the point that medication
as a chemical straitjacket is wrong, but it is okay it helps the autistic individual to function in society.
Another mentions that she thought that small talk meant that people didnt have anything interesting
going on in their heads. Many of the autistic people interviewed reveal developing systems or rules to
interpret neurotypical behavior. Perhaps most interesting in terms of social justice, one person
characterizes the fight of neurodiverse individuals to be seen as equal rather than less than or other as
the first 21st century civil rights movement.
Bottom line: Brings up the questions: is neurodiversity just another shade of normal? What do
neurodiverse individuals contribute to humanity?
Talk to Me: A Documentary Film About Children with Autism. Dir. Vanessa Kaneshiro.
Graduate School of Journalism, University of California, 2003. Amazon Instant Video. 27 min.
Summary: This brief documentary follows three young autistic children (Adre,
Emma, and Julian) at their Oakland, CA public school and at home. Besides
visually showing the differing functional levels of autistic individuals, the film is
valuable for its interviews with teachers and parents that highlight some of the
effects of autism on educational systems and families.
Quotes: No matter how autistic he is, he still has his own personality that comes
through. Julians mom.
Autism is an extremely complicated neurological disorder, and this film covers
some aspects of autism. Note at end of film.

Annotated Bibliography
Monique Brada
LIS590MYL
7/29/2014
Key points:
This film shows some of the repetitive behavior (hand flapping, jumping) that are characteristic of many
autistic individuals, how different levels of autism (low vs. high functioning) can appear , and the
corresponding differences in verbal ability. It also shows the affect on parents and families; for example,
one parent points out it can be difficult to deal with societys perception of the children as spoiled
instead of special needs. The film illustrates how parents with more education and resources can find
and afford extra services for their children like in home tutoring. It also shows some of the effect of
autism on society in the struggle to fund educational services; the more low functioning the autistic
individual is, the lower the student to teacher ratio needs to be to give them the one to one services
that they need.
Bottom line: A good, brief introduction to how autism can affect children, their familys, and their place
in society.

Web Resources
The Art of Autism. The Art of Autism: c2014. Web. 23 July 2014.
http://the-art-of-autism.com/
This website showcases the creative abilities of individuals with autism. Some of the art is shown online,
from videos to paintings to poetry. The organization also develops exhibits and events for the real
world. The purpose of The Art of Autism is to raise awareness of artistic autistics, to shift public
perception of what autistic individuals are capable of, and to support the artists themselves. Besides the
online gallery, there is a blog where autistic issues are discussed.
Bottom line: An opportunity to focus on the positive and see the creative gifts of some autistic
individuals.
Autism Speaks: Its Time to Listen. Autism Speaks, c2014. Web. 23 June 2014.
http://www.autismspeaks.org/
This is the website for the nonprofit organization Autism Speaks, whose mission includes: funding
research for preventing, treating, and curing autistic disorders; advocating for autistic individuals and
their families; and increasing awareness of autism. The main divisions of topics on its home page include
news, research, family services, blog posts, and advocacy news. Although the focus is very much on
helping those with autism (which may seem a little paternalistic to some with high functioning autism),
there are blog posts by autistic individuals as well as their families. The nonprofit was started in 2005 by
Bob and Suzanne Wright, after their grandchild was diagnosed with autism. Check out the What is
Autism tab at the top of the home page for a good, nonmedical, unbiased explanation of autism.
Bottom Line: A good mainstream source that has a wealth of information and is updated regularly.
Plank, Alex. WrongPlanet.net: The Online Resource and Community for Autism and Aspergers.
Np., 2004-2014. Web. 23 June 2014.
www.wrongplanet.net
WrongPlanet.net is a community forum and one stop shop for chat, articles, video links, and resources
for individuals with autism and other neurological differences and their families. Topics include self help

Annotated Bibliography
Monique Brada
LIS590MYL
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guides (such as tips for getting along on the holidays and in the classroom, finding a job, dealing with
bullies, making friends), autism rights, autism in the media, etc. Although some of the articles and chat
may be helpful to families and others who wish to understand some of the challenges of living with
autism, much of the focus is on providing support and a communication outlet, particularly for high
functioning autistics such as those with Aspergers or PDD. The website is the brainchild of Alex Plank, a
film maker and consultant for the FX series The Bridge, which features a character with Asperger
Syndrome. Alex was diagnosed with Aspergers at the age of nine.
Bottom Line: An autistic viewpoint created as a practical information resource and forum for those with
autism and similar neurological differences.
Robison, John Elder. What is Neurodiversity? My Life With Asperger's: How to live a highfunctioning life with Asperger's. Psychology Today: 7 Oct. 2013. Web. 23 July 2014.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/my-life-aspergers/201310/what-is-neurodiversity
This blog posting is particularly interesting as Robison defines neurodiversity as the idea that
neurological differences like autism and ADHD are the result of normal, natural variation in the human
genome. This concept is a change from the traditional view of autism as a disease that needs to be
cured or remediated. Humanity needs those who think differently; and instead of being seen as
broken they should be accepted for what they are; they need accommodation and support, not to be
cured. Opponents of this theory see a sticking point however, which is that neurological differences can
functionally disable people.
The author of Look Me in the Eye has been writing a blog for Psychology Today for some time (see
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/my-life-aspergers). Many of the topics are worth checking out.
Bottom line: Compelling blog discussing issues concerning neurodiverse individuals by one who has
personal experience.