Name: Funny, You Don't Look Autistic
ISBN: 9781773212579

Michael McCreary

Like many others on the autism spectrum, 20-something stand-up comic Michael McCreary has been told by more than a few well-meaning folks that he doesn't "look" autistic. But, as he's quick to point out in this memoir, autism "looks" different for just about everyone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Diagnosed with ASD at age five, McCreary got hit with the performance bug not much later. During a difficult time in junior high, he started journaling, eventually turning his pain e into something empowering--and funny. He scored his first stand-up gig at age 14, and hasn't looked back. This unique and hilarious #OwnVoices memoir breaks down what it's like to live with autism for readers on and off the spectrum. Candid scenes from McCreary's life are broken up with funny visuals and factual asides. Funny, You Don't Look Autistic is an invaluable and compelling read for young readers with ASD looking for voices to relate to, as well as for readers hoping to broaden their understanding of ASD.

A Comedian's Guide to Life on the Spectrum

Funny, You Don't Look Autistic

Ali Angco

Izza

3.25 stars | Listened to this audiobook while playing Animal Crossing. Some parts were funny, some a little more serious, but overall, for me, it was just an okay read. 

Disclaimer: I had no idea who Michael McCreary was before I picked this up. Maybe I would've enjoyed it more if I had...

Lysh (She/Her)

This was not what I was expecting, and that is ok. I downloaded this from my local library as part of the #biglibraryread, running from 23 March to 13 April, and I appreciate that a book celebrating diversity and understanding is being provided to the masses in this manner. If you are intersted, for the length of the reading period, the audiobook and ebook are available online with no waiting period. There are unlimited digital 'copies', so everyone can read the book at the same time. How cool! 

Michael McCreary has written this memoir to document his life. He was diagnosed with ASD at age five and tells us all about his desire to perform from a young age. Eventually this drove him into stand-up comedy and to the person he is today. This is an own voices memoir that recounts what it is like to live with autism and the many social challenges that were presented to him - together with how he overcame these, how his thinking worked in different scenarios, and the reactions of those around him. This is an important text for readers with ASD to relate to and see themselves in, and for other readers hoping to educate themselves about the experiences of someone with ASD. We are reminded throughout the book that when you've met one person with ASD, you've met one person with ASD. In no way is this an explanation of what life is like for ALL individuals on the spectrum, but it is certainly a start in building further understanding for those on the outer. As a teacher of children, diagnosed and undiagnosed, I can only see the good in this celebration of diversity. The only thing that I would have liked more of is some information about McCreary's brother to show more of that side of ASD, but I understand that this would have been difficult for him to include at the time of writing given the circumstances.

Funny, You Don't Look Autistic A Comedian's Guide to Life on the Spectrum

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