Finding a Different Kind of Normal

This is a well written and remarkable account of the life story of Jeanette Purkis, who has Asperger Syndrome.The book gives lots of examples of Jeanette’s survival mechanism - to play whatever role was expected of her . Her inability to communicate her feelings and the reasons for her actions led to frequent misunderstandings. Not knowing the `rules’ of relationships also resulted in Jeanette being used by others. It was quite compelling reading, with Jeanette’s life unfolding like a novel. Overall, I would recommend this book to professionals and parents or carers of those with Asperger Syndrome. Teenagers and adults with autistic spectrum disorders may also find it helpful to read Jeanette’s journey towards finding a ‘different kind of normal . – NAPLICSubtitled ‘Misadventures with Asperger Syndrome’, with a Foreword written by Donna Williams. Jeanette’s journey has been far from easy - she was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome whilst serving a prison sentence. Her story is harrowing at times but extremely informative for those wanting to understand more of the challenges that a person with Asperger Syndrome has to live with and manage. – The SpectrumFinding A Different Kind of Normal offers straightforward and extremely valuable introspective advice and hope for young people with ASD and their families, this advice is oftentimes best heard from individuals who live everyday with autism spectrum disorders. The hope is something we all can learn from. – Dennis Debbaudt’s Autism Risk and Safety NewsletterThis autobiography demonstrates the impact of undiagnosed Asperger Syndrome on the author’s childhood, adolescence and early adult life. Jeanette Purkis responds to a tortuous awareness of her difference by endeavouring to mould herself into shapes that others will find acceptable. With the lack of awareness of social rules and inability to read other’s facial expressions that is characteristic of autism spectrum disorders, her quest is further complicated when she looks to addicts, criminals and militant political activists as role models. – HCPJ MagazineThere are so few books written by people with Asperger’s that I would rate Finding a different kind of normal essential reading in terms of the insights it offers into the condition - and ultimately the uplift and inspiration it gives as we see Jeanette conquer her difficulties, find self-acceptance and get the support she needs. I would commend it to those working in the mental health services and in prisons and to those with an interest in Asperger’s syndrome, self- harming behaviours and addictions. – HCPJ MagazineI Think that this is a bookt that all sufferers of Autism or Aspergers syndrome should try to read.. I Woiuld like to say thank you to Jeanette for sharing her story. – BFKBooks - The Bookfriends Kingdom blogThis powerful autobiography is wrtiten without embellishment to provide an open and frank look at the author’s life. Her loneliness, confusion and vulnerability whilst growing up are apparent as, having not fitted in from a young age, she adopts a series of different indentities from Christian to Communist, criminal and drug addict before being diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and then finally coming to terms with who she is. – Youthmind

Donna Williams was born in Australia in 1963. She was assessed at age two as psychotic, labelled disturbed and tested for deafness throughout childhood before being diagnosed as autistic in 1990. Today she is an internationally best-selling author with nine published books, an artist, singer-songwriter and emerging screenwriter. One of the most well-known people with autism in the world, Donna is a renowned international public speaker, a qualified teacher and has worked as an autism consultant since 1995.

Yenn Purkis is an autistic and non-binary advocate, author and presenter. Yenn has a Masters degree in Fine Art from RMIT University. Yenn has given a presentation for TEDx Canberra and has been a frequent keynote presenter at autism and disability events for several years. Yenn has a number of awards, including the 2016 ACT Volunteer of the Year award and a number of other awards for community leadership including being nominated for the Australian of the Year award in 2017. Yenn has worked full-time for the Australian Public Service since 2007. They have facilitated a support group for autistic women and gender diverse folks in Canberra since 2011. Yenn has featured in media interviews for many years and was one of four autistic adults featured in the ABC TV documentary Alone in a Crowded Room. Yenn lives in Canberra, Australia.