In My Mind

Rarely does one get to read about not the causes but the mystifying effects within the mind of a young man who has the mental disorder commonly known as Asperger's syndrome-now a form of autism considered to be found at the lower end of the autism spectrum. A unique opportunity is afforded us by Alex Olinkiewiz, the author of the very successful YouTube video, "In My Mind," which has astounded more than 1,300,000 viewers. In his book with same name, he reveals, illuminates, and describes with great insights exactly what is going on in his mind. Not all children with Asperger's syndrome have the same symptoms. Each individual reflects a different variation of color (a spectrum) at the mild end of the rainbow (of autism). Alex's particular colors (his revelations) are incisive and give others a deeper understanding, as well as a greater feeling, of the pain and joy our fellow human beings with Asperger's experience during their journeys through life. Many experts will tell us what Asperger's syndrome is-its causes and symptoms. Parents will describe their journey through life with their children who have Asperger's. Brothers and sisters will share their hardships in dealing with a sibling who has Asperger's. Schoolteachers, psychologists, and school administrators will tell of their experiences, their extensive efforts, their mistakes, and their coming to understand children with Asperger's syndrome. However, few young people with Asperger's syndrome have attempted to actually analyze their experience of Asperger's syndrome within themselves-and fewer have succeeded in explaining it with the brilliancy of insight that Alex has achieved.