Book Nook: A Long Walk Down a Winding Road

More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. And 35 percent of young adults with autism have not had a job or received postgraduate education after leaving high school. Faced with many challenges, individuals on the spectrum have different and unique ways to carve out a better and fulfilling life for themselves.

I recently had the chance to review a book told from the perspective of somebody living on the autism spectrum,.A Long Walk Down a Winding Road: Small Steps, Challenges & Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens by author Sam Farmer offers advice and simple steps for people looking for greater happiness and success in spite of the challenges and adversity that often interfere with these pursuits. Interwoven with real stories of personal triumphs, Farmer reframes the conversation around autism and Asperger’s—which too often veers into negative territory in the public consciousness. 

This book is more than just a memoir - it also encourages acceptance of autism and a reframing of perspective away from it being considered a disorder. By embracing his “Aspie” profile, Farmer found his pathway towards self-love and understanding.

Farmer says, “My hope is that my reflection and guidance may help others address certain challenges which tend to be shared by autistic and non-autistic folks alike.”

What inspired you to write A Long Walk Down a Winding Road?

This book as well as all of my blogs, coaching videos and public presentations comprise what I call my “paying it forward mission”, inspired by my deceased parents’ collective legacy. They wholeheartedly devoted themselves to the betterment of so many, including me. When my mother passed away, I could no longer pay her back for all she had done to help me move forward, so I decided instead to “pay it forward” to others who might benefit from my ideas and insights, and to do so in her memory. My mission intensified after the passing of my father a year or so later, soon after which I began to write this book.

What do you hope readers gain from A Long Walk Down a Winding Road?

y sincere hope for the readers of this book is that it inspires and/or helps them carve out better lives for themselves and achieve greater happiness and success. Furthermore, for those readers who are non-autistic, I hope that the book also leaves them with an understanding of what it can be like to live with autism, not from the perspective of somebody who works with or cares for others with autism but instead from the perspective of somebody who has actually walked in these shoes for 50 years.  

You argue that autism should not be viewed as a disorder or disability, and yet, is still worthy of special interventions, therapies and assistance as if it were a disorder. Can you provide more information on this point?

Autism is an integral part of who I am, and I am far from being the only one on the autism spectrum who feels this way. As such, I look at it as a “profile” which carries unique attributes and challenges rather than as a disorder or disability. Furthermore, my own experience has taught me that viewing autism as a disorder or disability is counterproductive when it comes to the all-important process of building self-esteem. With that being said, special interventions, therapies and assistance are nonetheless of critical importance to those on the autism spectrum, many of whom are trying to find their way in a world shaped by social and behavioral expectations that were inevitably created and are enforced by the non-autistic majority.    

SAM FARMER wears many hats, among them father, husband, musician, computer consultant, and autism spectrum community contributor. Diagnosed later in life with Asperger’s Syndrome, he writes blogs, records coaching videos, and presents at conferences and support groups for the Asperger/Autism Network. In this fashion, Farmer aims to share stories, ideas and insights as to how one can achieve greater happiness and success in life despite the challenges and adversity which both autistic and non-autistic folks often face.

To learn more, visit samfarmerauthor.com.

A Long Walk Down a Winding Road: Small Steps, Challenges, & Triumphs Through an Autistic Lens is available for on Amazon.

You can also check out this guide for people with ASD using the internet