Alex's book outlines his detailed recollections of his life so far from his earliest memories at the age of 3 right up to the age of 19. His memories are acute and he can give virtual word for word, action by action descriptions of the whole of his life. This, he explains in the book, is one of his special skills that adds meaning to events that have happened every day as he enjoys retreating to a quiet place to run through the day in film-like sequences. What makes his story come alive is his analysis of what he was feeling and how others around him have responded. This is a heightened level of awareness of self and others that is supposed to be missing in the autism spectrum but Alex uses his sensitivity to share some poignant moments as well as sources of humour.

Lynn Plimley, writer, researcher and trainer in ASC.