• Understanding Autism from the Inside

    “Academics came easily to me. The rest of life—not so much.”
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get my book signed?

I do occasionally do book signings, but if you’re not going to be close to any of those, there are some other options.

If you’d like a signed bookmark to put inside your book, email me jeanniedaviderivera(at)gmail(dot)com with the subject BOOKMARK and include your mailing address and the name of the person you’d like it signed to (if it’s not you) and I’ll send you one in the mail.

If you bought my book on Kindle and would like a digital autograph, you can request one here at Kindlegraph.

If you want one signed in person, check out my Calender page to see when and where I’ll be doing signings.

If you would like to learn how you can order an autographed copy of Twirling, go to my contact page. 

 

I suspect I may be autistic. What should I do? How can I get a diagnosis?

A doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist can diagnosis autism spectrum disorders. For adults, and especially females, it is important to find a doctor who has experience identifying autism in adults—including understanding how autism presents differently in females.

 

I think my child is autistic. Who can diagnosis him/her?

If you live in the U.S., and your child is of school-age, it is likely that you can request an evaluation through your local school district. School psychologist are qualified to diagnosis autism spectrum disorders. For younger children, speak to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns. They can either make a diagnosis, or refer to you to a developmental pediatrician who specializes in autism.

 

My doctor does not think it is autism, but I disagree. What should I do?

The best advice I can give is that you know yourself, and/or your child best. You are the expert in that area, and if you feel like your doctor has missed something, or is not “listening” to your concerns, please seek out another opinion. Do not give up, keep talking, keep reading, and keep searching until you are satisfied and feel comfortable with what you are being told. 

 

What if I have more questions?

Please always feel free to ask me anything you would like. I do my best to respond to each and every comment, and email that I receive. Understand that life is incredibly chaotic so it may take me a little bit of time to get back to you, but I will do my best to answer all questions as quickly as I can. You may post your questions here, on Have Questions, or Contact Me for more personal, and confidential questions.

 

I’ve read your book, what other books do you recommend?

Since I get this question very often, I have put together a list of recommended reading and resources. I am always updating the page as I find new books so return often for updates. 

 

In Twirling Naked in the Streets, you said that you identified with a fictional character who had Asperger’s Syndrome. Which book/character was it?

dragon tattoo

 

The character was Lizbeth from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

 

 

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4 Comments:

  1. nuestraherenciaco

    wow! #5 I never liked to read that type of book, but a neighbor suggested it to me after learning I loved to read. I could not put the book down. I never again read that type of book. Now I wonder if the reason I was so hooked was the same as you.

  2. Laura Knobel-Piehl

    Hi there! I have a delightful 14 year old son with Asperger’s. He and I were discussing his special interest last night (which is Minecraft.) His schoolwork is suffering and he fears Minecraft is becoming an addiction (based on what he’s read on addiction.) We were noodling ways he could take control over the alleged addiction by exploring other things–drawing, writing, building. He teared up and said, “But all I would want to draw, write about, or build would be Minecraft.” I explained that it’s okay to be absorbed with all things Minecraft because it’s clearly his special interest. But not being able to control when to stop playing the computer and lying about homework being done is something more akin to the parts that sound like addiction. Do you have any thoughts/suggestions/clarification/advice for him (and me?) Thank for your wonderful writing.

    • I smiled a little bit at (based on what he’s read on addition) because that seems to be such an Aspie trait! When we are concerned about something, the first thing we tend to do is turn to research!

      It definitely seems like Minecraft is his special interest and with that I would say for him to use it to propel is writing and building. If he wants to only write about Minecraft, then by all means write about Minecraft! The important thing to remember here is that HE IS WRITING. You can use that, help with grammar, sentence structure, making up stories–even about Minecraft. All you need to do is get creative.

      As far as not being able to control when you stop playing, that is a part of these all encompassing special interests and I do not think it is akin to addiction. I am an adult and usually have trouble regulating when to stop an activity that I am engrossed in. Many times hours will pass and I “wake-up” so to speak to find out I have no idea where the time went or what went on around me because I was absorbed in my special interest. It may not be normal for the neuro-typical person, but it most certainly is normal for me, and I find for many of us on the autism spectrum.

      Furthermore, and I am not saying here that his interest CANNOT become an addiction, but I do think it unlikely. I have lived with addiction, meaning a grew up with two parents with addictions, and many family members as well. The one thing I can say about it is that NONE of them would have taken the time to research and read about addiction, or even be concerned about their addictive behaviors. The fact that your 14 YEAR-OLD son was concerned enough, and intelligent enough to take it into his own hands to read and be concerns indicates (to me at least) that he is not “addicted.” The first thing I usually see with is addiction is denial.

      Of course this is only my opinion, and if this is something that you or him are bothered by, please seek someone to speak with that has experience with addition BUT ALSO experience with autism special interests and can distinguish between the two.

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