Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express

Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express | Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete, Rj Peete

pick

Though sad and frustrating at times I believe this is a particularly good look at how autism has effected the particular kids this book is about as teenagers. Being a teenager is a particularly emotional and frustrating time and that shows in the book.
I only wish there were more books like this, written by and from the perspective of the people with autism so we could see a wider ranger of experiences captured in writing.

Reviewsbylola

Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express | Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete, Rj Peete

so-so

I am struggling with reviewing this book. On one hand, I think it is such a vital book because there aren‘t a wide range of books for autistic kids and their families, especially when the kid is a teenager. But I wanted this to inspire me, and instead it made me sad. Charlie (RJ) just seems as if he is treated as a burden, and as if he feels his autism is a horrible sentence. I don‘t doubt the struggles AT ALL, but it hurts to imagine my ⤵️

Reviewsbylola daughter feeling that way. I don‘t want the Peetes to sugarcoat anything, but it just left me feeling a bit hopeless. And as scared as I am for my daughter‘s future, I‘ve never felt hopeless. I know my youngest daughter will also face struggles with having an autistic sister but Callie (Ryan) spoke of RJ as if he as afflicted with some terrible condition. I just want my children to see each other for who they are. I am definitely keeping this ⤵️ 7y

Reviewsbylola On my shelf and will revisit it as the years go on. I had added a copy to Genevieve and Florence‘s bookshelf but I might remove it. I just don‘t know. 🤷🏼‍♀️ 7y

Cinfhen That‘s a beautiful review ❤️your girls are blessed to come from such a loving & supportive family. I‘m sure they will continue to grow & learn to be each others cheerleaders! 7y

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Reviewsbylola Thank you! I struggled with this because obviously the Peetes have their own story to tell and I don‘t want to diminish that in any way. @Cinfhen (edited) 7y

emilyhaldi That's disappointing but you're right, each story is different and her feelings don't have to reflect yours. ❤️ 7y

Kalalalatja What an insightful review. Every person and family are different, so their story doesn‘t have to end up being your story, but I can only imagine how it must feel to read this book ❤️ 7y

Mdargusch Very introspective review. I guess every time you read a book it‘s just more knowledge. Not good or bad just more. 7y

arubabookwoman Have you read #ToSiriWithLove? The author has twin teenage sons, one with autism, one without. I liked it very much, but it is not without controversy. 7y

Reviewsbylola I have it on my TBR! @arubabookwoman 7y

Weaponxgirl This is a lovely review. Dyo mind me asking if they felt like it was awful because of how others treat them? I have a brother with aspergers and work with children with autism and it's often seemed like the availability of sensitive services ect shapes how people view it. Hope you don't mind me asking as I know it can be sensitive and every individual and situation is different. 7y

Reviewsbylola I absolutely don‘t mind. @Weaponxgirl To me, it seemed as if Charlie viewed autism as an affliction, which is totally valid, but no one seemed to try to point out what was so special about him. They all just went along with ASD being this horrible life sentence. His sister was always focusing on how everything they did had to be catered around Charlie‘s needs. If she did have to rescue him from a negative social scenario, it was always in a ⤵️ 7y

Reviewsbylola Grumbling, frustrated way. I just wish it were more balanced. I can‘t imagine anyone with ASD would come away from reading this book feeling good about themselves. I do think though that it‘s good in the sense that it‘s relatable. @Weaponxgirl 7y

Weaponxgirl Thank you for the reply, I really appreciate it. This is an area I'm really passionate about and whilst it's important to be realistic about some of the problems that can arise I think it's so important to focus on the positive and what we can do to help them shine. 7y

Reviewsbylola I totally agree. I spent most of the book unsure of how I felt because truthfully, most of the scenarios they talked about rang true to some degree. @Weaponxgirl 7y

CarolynM Speaking as the mother of a 21 yo aspie who scores pretty high on the tests herself, I think you've hit the nail on the head when you talk about people seeing it as an affliction. My thinking is that it's just a different way of seeing the world, a different way of being. Of course there are degrees of difference and just how different you are has a big impact, but understanding, both of the different thinking and by the different thinker is 👇 7y

CarolynM What it's all about. Your concerns for your other daughter are also valid, my so called normal daughter has had some struggles with this, when she was younger a bit like what you have described from the book. We tried hard to make sure there was family time that was all about her too. Now at 18 I think she gets it but is finding it hard to establish an independent adult relationship with her brother. I'd be happy to talk more if you want 7y

Reviewsbylola Thanks so much for sharing @carolynM. ♥️ I definitely can see that the issue will arise as far as my ASD daughter getting more attention. My younger daughter is only three but she already notices it in some aspects. She is so jealous of all the therapy her sister gets to do. 😂 It will be interesting to see how their relationship grows as they get older. 7y

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Reviewsbylola

Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express | Holly Robinson Peete, Ryan Elizabeth Peete, Rj Peete

Having a child on the autism spectrum can be challenging. You don't always know how to help them. Genevieve can have trouble regulating her emotions. Something that can seem insignificant to the rest of us can throw her into a tailspin that is hard to recover from. Reading is one of her comforts. Everyday she carries one of her favorite books to school as a comfort object. I'm so glad books give her security. #sweetchildomine #lyricalapril

Cinfhen

Reviewsbylola #tbt because this picture is almost three years old 😭 8y

398.2 Love this! 8y

Cinfhen I love that books are your daughter's comfort object 💗📚💗This post gives me all the feels 😘😘and it's awesome that your girls have each other and a whole family full of love 💞💞 8y

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britt_brooke 💚💚💚 8y

Roselyn_Reads 💕 8y

KarenUK 💗💗💗 8y

melbeautyandbooks ❤️💜 8y

Alfoster 💛💛💛👏👏 8y

katedensen ❤️❤️❤️ Love this. How old is she? My younger brother (who's in his mid 20s) has ASD. 8y

TrishB Beautiful 💞 8y

mrsamandahood I love this. So sweet 💛 8y

LauraAndTaraAndBooks 💛💛💛 8y

Tnovo So adorable!! 8y

Reviewsbylola She is four and pretty high functioning. I have a male cousin that is your brother's age with more severe ASD. @katedensen 8y