The singular battle of an autistic woman to connect with "out
there" - the world and the people outside her frightened self. From
birth, autistics exhibit, among other symptoms, extreme lack of
emotional response, repetitive behavior, and speech that mirrors
what is being said to them. The symptoms mask what is often average
or above-average intelligence, a conflict leading to rage,
destructive behavior, and often, in children, to
institutionalization. Williams believes that she was able to emerge
from her autistic fortress in large part because of - ironically -
her abusive mother. As a little girl, she warded off her mother's
physical and verbal blows by assuming personalities that were
acceptable to the outside world. Although her emotional core
remained untouched most of the time, the need to act "normal"
prevented her from totally retreating into a world where
"gentleness, kindness and affection" had no part. Williams's
role-playing helped her to get through school, including college,
to get jobs and lovers, and finally to accept and give - on a
limited basis - affection in her own person, as Donna. Fragmented
and emotionally distant ("Welcome to my world," says Williams), the
author's story offers insight into the autistic experience. The
last chapters address specifically why typical autistic behavior,
such as switching lights on and off, is comforting. How to deal
with autistics? Through psychological warfare, Williams says,
though that warfare must be waged with patience and a plan. A
recounting of an amazing struggle that will help the frustrated
parents, teachers, and clinicians understand more clearly what
those unresponsive "dead eyes" see. A worthy complement to Judy and
Sean Barron's There's a Boy in Here (p. 83). (Kirkus Reviews)
Labeled deaf, retarded, disturbed and insane, Donna Williams lived
in a world of her own. Alternating between rigid hostility and
extroversion, she waged what she termed her "war against the
world." She existed in a dreamlike state, parroting the voices of
those around her in the hope that they would leave her alone. Few
people understood her, least of all Donna helself.
It was not until the age of twenty-five that Donna discovered the
word- autism- that would at last give her the opportunity to
understand herself and begin to build a bridge to join the world as
most know it.
"Nobody Nowhere, Donna Williams' extraordinary autobiography, is
her heroic attempt to come to terms with autism. This eloquent
memoir reveals a fierce intelligence, great creativity and much
humour. It will shatter many myths and misconceptions.
The poetic sensibility and extraordinary insights of "Nobody
Nowhere make it inspiring reading for everyone.
"From the Trade Paperback edition.
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