Cover of Parallel play
Read Time: ~3.3 hr

Parallel play

by Tim Page (2009)

About this book

An affecting memoir of life as a boy who didn't know he had Asperger's syndrome until he became a man. In 1997, Tim Page won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism for his work as the chief classical music critic of The Washington Post, work that the Pulitzer board called "lucid and illuminating." Three years later, at the age of 45, he was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome--an autistic disorder characterized by often superior intellectual abilities but also by obsessive behavior, ineffective communication, and social awkwardness. In a personal chronicle that is by turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Page revisits his early days through the prism of newfound clarity. Here is the tale of a boy who could blithely recite the names and dates of all the United States' presidents and their wives in order (backward upon request), yet lacked the coordination to participate in the simplest childhood games. It is the story of a child who memorized vast portions of the World Book Encyclopedia simply by skimming through its volumes, but was unable to pass elementary school math and science. And it is the triumphant account of a disadvantaged boy who grew into a high-functioning, highly successful adult--perhaps not despite his Asperger's but because of it, as Page believes. For in the end, it was his all-consuming love of music that emerged as something around which to construct a life and a prodigious career. In graceful prose, Page recounts the eccentric behavior that withstood glucose-tolerance tests, anti-seizure medications, and sessions with the school psychiatrist, but which above all, eluded his own understanding. A poignant portrait of a lifelong search for answers, Parallel Play provides a unique perspective on Asperger's and the well of creativity that can spring forth as a result of the condition.From the Hardcover edition.

Setting / LocationGlobal
Story EraModern Era
Protagonist / CoreParallel play Lead Character

Readers who enjoyed this also loved

Cover of Autism

Autism

Patricia Howlin

Autism reviews what is known about adults with autism in terms of their social functioning and their educational and occupational status. Focusing mainly on the problems experienced by people with autism - and those working with and caring for them - the book offers practical ways of dealing with such difficulties. Each chapter makes use of clinical case material to illustrate the kinds of problems faced and ways in which they may be overcome. In addition, first-hand accounts from people with autism on their experiences as adults are included. Links with psychiatric illness in later life are also explored. . Autism aims to inform professionals and carers of what can be achieved by people with autism in adult life and how to cope with their difficulties, and to help those living with autism to achieve greater fulfillment of their potential.

Cover of Counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder

Counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder

Michael J. Scott and Stephen G. Stradling

Counselling for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Third Edition addresses the specifics of counselling clients who have suffered major trauma, whether recently or in the past, and includes 18 detailed case examples together with transcripts of sessions. The authors' cognitive contextual approach translates the psychobiology of trauma responses into clinically useful analogies and simple drawings that guide the therapist and client. The book is unique in covering the diagnosis and treatment of the full spectrum of post-traumatic states. In this fully updated Third Edition the needs of special pop.

Cover of Second sight

Second sight

Judith Orloff

In this compelling self-portrait, psychic and psychiatrist Dr. Judith Orloff draws on her own experience and that of her patients to explore the mysterious and poorly understood realm of the psychic. In riveting detail, she describes how an ignored premonition of a patient's suicide attempt convinced her to embrace her gift and incorporate it into her medical practice -- and how using psychic abilities can provide powerful healing. More than simply one woman's journey, this book will also outline effective ways to cultivate natural psychic abilities, including how to -- recognize psychic experiences in everyday life -- increase clairvoyance -- practice psychic exercises -- discover psychic empathy -- tune into messages the body is sending -- record and interpret dreams -- and more.

Cover of Margaret Mahler

Margaret Mahler

Alma Halbert Bond

"This volume details the life and work of Margaret Mahler focusing on her life's ambition--her psychoanalytical work. Her experiences with the Philadelphia Institute and her definitive research through the Masters Children's Clinic are also discussed"--Provided by publisher.

Parallel play by Tim Page | Literally Just Books