My So-Called Disorder - by Peter O'Neil (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Being identified as autistic at an advanced age is a revelation-an "aha!" moment of the first order. It's like being told, at sixty-five, "But mon ami, you are French! You did not know?" Suddenly, and for the very first time, the accent, the beret, the funny car, and your weirdly intense interest in Jerry Lewis all make sense."

Peter O'Neil had just such a "moment" after a forty year legal career, a second marriage, three kids, a granddaughter, seven unusually solitary years of college, and a lifetime of "special interests." O'Neil tells his story with humor and grace, and makes the case that autistic and otherwise neurodivergent people bring different ways of seeing and understanding to the workplace and are valuable and necessary to any human endeavor.

"A valuable and charismatic first-hand contribution to understanding the autistic experience. Peter O'Neil's witty storytelling provides an easy-to-read call to action that bravely advocates for autistic and neurodivergent professionals. O'Neil's exploration of identity emphasizes how autistic individuals can truly thrive when their unique gifts (or quirks) are met with creativity and trust." Laura Sheridan, M.A.Ed. Psychotherapist

Review Quotes

Peter's story is one of creativity, brilliance, and a determination to find justice for victims of corporate wrongdoing. Larry Baron, attorney and recipient of Lawyer of the Year by Trial Lawyers for Public Justice for his work on Anne Kirkwood v. G.M.

Our mutual obsession with Chuck Berry's music led me to Peter O'Neil and his excellent blog "GoHeadOn." The blog, and the serialized book about his infatuation with Mr. Berry, were essential reading for Berry fans. Now this absorbing memoir takes it to a higher level by linking his recently diagnosed autism to his passion for Berry and his remarkable legal career. Written with clarity and honesty, it is a lucid insight into a so-called "disorder." Fred Rothwell, author "Long Distance Information - Chuck Berry's Recorded Legacy".