Funny, You Don't Look Autistic: A Comedian's Guide to Life on the Spectrum

by Michael McCreary

Overview

Like many others on the autism spectrum, 20-something stand-up comic Michael McCreary has been told by more than a few well-meaning folks that he doesn’t “look” autistic. But, as he’s quick to point out in this memoir, autism “looks” different for just about everyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Diagnosed with ASD at age five, McCreary got hit with the performance bug not much later. During a difficult time in junior high, he started journaling, eventually turning his pain e into something empowering—and funny. He scored his first stand-up gig at age 14, and hasn't looked back.

This unique and hilarious #OwnVoices memoir breaks down what it’s like to live with autism for readers on and off the spectrum. Candid scenes from McCreary's life are broken up with funny visuals and factual asides. Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic is an invaluable and compelling read for young readers with ASD looking for voices to relate to, as well as for readers hoping to broaden their understanding of ASD.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781773212579
Publisher:	Annick Press, Limited
Publication date:	03/12/2019
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	131,923
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Lexile:	900L (what's this?)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

MICHAEL MCCREARY is a stand-up comedian who has performed across North America. He uses stand-up to dispel misconceptions about Autism Spectrum Disorder. He lives in Toronto.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Portrait of the Aspie as a Young Man

1 Obligatory Origin Story

2 Senses Consensus Can Sense Us

3 The Elementary School Doorstop

4 Breaking My Legs

5 The Funisher: Vol. 1

Part 2: Everyone Has an Anime Phase

6 Michael Begins: The Search for Approval

7 I Fought the Law, and the Law Called My Parents

8 Socially Awkward Man

9 Cinema du Autism

10 Say (Literally) Anything

11 The Quest for Immortality

Part 3: Stim City

12 Good Cop, Transit Cop

13 Here Today, Improv Tomorrow

14 The Temple Grandin Saga

15 The Brothers Stim

16 Generator 2: Judgment Day

Epilogue

Autism Resources

Editorial Reviews

02/01/2019

Gr 7 Up–McCreary was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum in 2001, at age five. His younger brother had recently been diagnosed, and his parents were concerned about some of his own behaviors. After three different psychologists' visits, each relayed in five-year-old comical perspective, he was finally given the diagnosis that would shape his future. McCreary's memoir articulates the often hilarious side of growing up with sensory issues, hypersensitivity, fixations, and quirks while not shying away from the more painful aspects. Oftentimes funny, other times heartbreaking stories of navigating school, friendships, and relationships with girls keep readers invested in the narrative. Interspersed among the humor and touching anecdotes are text boxes and sidebars that educate neurotypical readers about the reality of the disorder. McCreary offers thoughtful, positive counsel for "Aspie" readers as well as advice to those who may encounter Aspies on how to connect with them without fear or judgement. VERDICT Delightfully engaging and informative, this is a noteworthy addition to a school or public library.—Carol Connor, Cincinnati Public Schools

School Library Journal

2018-12-09

A breezy, upbeat memoir from a 22-year-old Canadian autism advocate and stand-up comic.

Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 5, McCreary is quite unlike the stereotypical Aspie (a term he uses interchangeably with autistic person, person on the spectrum, and similar phrases): hopeless at math but extroverted, verbose, and in love with performing. He repeatedly emphasizes that ASD manifests differently in everyone—indeed, his younger brother, also autistic, is in many ways his polar opposite. He recounts his journey to his dream of becoming a professional comedian, including triumphs and humiliations, family, teachers, friends, and enemies, all in a wry, self-deprecating voice peppered with innumerable pop-culture references and relentless optimism. Along the way, he provides an intimate glimpse of one autistic person's inner life, highlighting common experiences, explaining widespread coping mechanisms, and demolishing popular misconceptions. Some readers might yearn for his advantages of economic means, supportive community, and excellent, well-funded special needs programs in the public schools; still, he acknowledges his struggles with living independently and that some persons with ASD may never achieve that. Nonetheless, the hard-won lessons he shares—be understanding, don't judge, live for the moment, never give up, and "shut up and listen"—are worthwhile for autistic and neurotypical alike.

"I didn't want to be inspirational; I just wanted to be funny." Happily he manages to be both. (Memoir. 12-18)

Kirkus Reviews

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