John Elder Robison

Author

John Elder Robison is an author and advocate known for his insights on autism, particularly through his memoir 'Look Me in the Eye'.

Born
January 1, 1964
Quotes
13
Rank
#3291

About John Elder Robison

John Elder Robison — Life and Legacy

John Elder Robison is a prominent author and advocate for autism awareness, best known for his memoir 'Look Me in the Eye'. His work provides a unique perspective on living with autism, drawing from his own experiences. Robison's key ideas revolve around the notion that being different is not a deficit but a unique trait that can lead to personal success. He famously stated, 'Normal is a setting on the dryer,' which challenges societal norms about what it means to be 'normal' and encourages acceptance of individual differences. Through his writing, he emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and understanding, particularly for those on the autism spectrum. Robison's insights continue to resonate, as they foster empathy and challenge misconceptions about autism, making his contributions vital in the ongoing conversation about neurodiversity.

Quote collection

John Elder Robison quotes

13 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

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"And now I know it is perfectly natural for me not to look at someone when I talk. Those of us with Asperger's are just not comfortable doing it. In fact, I don'treally understand why it's considered normal to stare at someone's eyeballs."

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"It does not matter what sixty-six percent of people do in any particular situation. All that matters is what you do."

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"In the past, when people criticized me for asking unexpected questions, I felt ashamed. Now I realize that normal people are acting in a superficial and often false manner. So rather than let them make me feel bad, I express my annoyance. It's my way of trying to strike a blow for logic and rationality."

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"Building up a weakness just makes you less disabled. Building a strength can take you to the top of the world."

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"Saying you "have" something implies that it's temporary and undesirable. Asperger's isn't like that. You've been Aspergian as long as you can remember, and you'll be that way all your life. It's a way of being, not a disease."

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"When Martha first met me, I was anxious and jumpy. I was always tapping my foot, rocking, or exhibiting some other behavioral aberration. Of course, now we know that's just normal Aspergian behavior, but back then other people thought it was weird, so of course I did, too. One day, for some reason, she decided to try petting my arm, and I immediately stopped rocking and fidgeting. The result was so dramatic, she never stopped. It didn't take long for me to realize the calming effect, too. I like being petted and scratched. "Can you pet me?" I say when I sit next to her."

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"Simply making myself aware of others has remarkably improved my social life. People accept me much faster now that I ignore them less."

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"I am sure antidepressants, drugs, and liquor have their place. But so far, that place is in others, not me."

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"There are plenty of people in the world whose lives are governed by rote and routine. Such people will never be happy dealing with me, because I don't conform."

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"This is a f***ing mess," I said tactfully."

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"Unlike some older brothers, I never set him on fire, or cut off an arm or leg, or drowned him in the tub."

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"And my experience in the music scene had shown me that there were places for places in the world where misfits were welcome."

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