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Send in the Idiots: Stories from the Other Side of Autism

kamran nazeer

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A remarkable, elegantly written portrait of four autistic men and women, and what their struggles and triumphs reveal about this baffling condition, and about us all.

In 1982, when he was four years old, Kamran Nazeer was enrolled in a small school in New York City alongside a dozen other children diagnosed with autism. Calling themselves the Idiots, these kids received care that was at the cutting edge of developmental psychology. Twenty-three years later, the school no longer exists.

Send in the Idiots is the always candid, often surprising, and ultimately moving investigation into what happened to those children. Now a policy adviser in England, Kamran decides to visit four of his old classmates to find out the kind of lives that they are living now, how much they've been able to overcome―and what remains missing. A speechwriter unable to make eye contact; a messenger who gets upset if anyone touches his bicycle; a depressive suicide victim; and a computer engineer who communicates difficult emotions through the use of hand these four classmates reveal an astonishing, thought-provoking spectrum of behavior.

Bringing to life the texture of autistic lives and the pressures and limitations that the condition presents, Kamran also relates the ways in which those can be eased over time, and with the right treatment. Using his own experiences to examine such topics as the difficulties of language, conversation as performance, and the politics of civility, Send in the Idiots is also a rare and provocative exploration of the way that people―all people―learn to think and feel. Written with unmatched insight and striking personal testimony, Kamran Nazeer's account is a stunning, invaluable, and utterly unique contribution to the literature of what makes us human.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6,2006

This edition

Format
224 pages, Hardcover
Published
April 4, 2006 by Bloomsbury USA
ISBN
9781582346199
ASIN
1582346194
Language
English

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kamran nazeer

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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Squidword
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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An interesting premise and well executed.

However, I only didn't like the implication of the phrase “getting better”.

What it really means is that we get better at masking, not at actually being a neurotypical person.

This idea presents an important aspect to consider.

When we talk about “getting better” in the context of dealing with certain conditions or behaviors, it's crucial to understand the true nature of that improvement.

In this case, the focus on masking rather than truly becoming a neurotypical person highlights the complexity of the situation.

Masking can have both positive and negative implications.

On one hand, it may allow individuals to fit in more easily in social situations.

On the other hand, it might prevent them from fully expressing themselves and experiencing genuine acceptance.

Therefore, it's essential to explore and address these issues to ensure that the concept of “getting better” is more accurately defined and understood.
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chubar
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A truly fascinating book delves into the lives of the author's former classmates (alongside 2 teachers). It meticulously examines the lives they have led and the profound impact that autism has had on them.


The writing style is rather unique, presenting a departure from the ordinary. It is not a straightforward or simple read, yet it holds a certain allure that makes it worthy of recommendation.


As one delves into the pages, they are drawn into a world filled with the struggles, triumphs, and unique perspectives of those affected by autism. The author's细腻描绘 brings these lives to vivid life, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the challenges and joys they have experienced.


Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex and often overlooked world of autism and the individuals whose lives have been touched by it.

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Samisphere
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Kamran Nazeer, who now holds the position of a policy adviser in Whitehall, was dispatched to a school in New York City catering to young autistic children at the tender age of four.

He tracks down four of his former classmates and provides a vivid description of what their lives are like in adulthood, or were at the time he located them. Andre has emerged as a computer scientist and communicates through the use of puppets. Randall is a bike messenger in Chicago and is in a relationship with the wealthy Mike. Craig, on the other hand, has written speeches for senators and even for Senator Kerrey when he ran for president. Regrettably, he wasn't able to interview Elizabeth, but instead, he interviewed her remarkable parents as she had committed suicide. He also conducts interviews with his teacher and the school administrator, yet their interviews carry a certain tinge of sadness.

Each of his peers has achieved some measure of success since leaving school, with the exception of Ira and Rebecca. The title of the book is derived from something Craig would say echolailically during their school days together. While I didn't have an intense love for this book, it does possess an interesting quality that keeps the reader engaged.

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Vladimir0538
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book is extremely well researched. One can clearly sense that a great deal of thought and love has been invested into it. At times, such an abundance of elements might lead to a sloppy composition, but in this case, it has been edited to absolute perfection. Non-fiction books typically lean towards the all-knowing perspective, leaving little to no room for the reader's imagination. Memoirs, on the other hand, often tend towards the all-feeling aspect, which is yet another form of knowing, but not necessarily one that provides education. Nazeer, however, manages to bridge these two gaps. He offers a unique take on a topic that numerous others have written about, yet few truly know from the inside.


Indeed, it could have been more aptly titled "Stories from the inside of Autism" as Nazeer has made a concerted effort to place the reader inside the experience, rather than on the "other side" as if looking over a wall. It's a seemingly small semantic change, but it makes a huge difference. Nazeer doesn't seem autistic (in fact, he is pronounced "cured" at the end), yet because he has had that experience, he is able to tell his cohorts' stories in an authentic and engaging manner.


I'm not entirely certain to whom I would recommend this book. However, if you read it and found the storytelling style appealing, you might also enjoy "Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity" by Katherine Boo. This latter book revolutionized the way I perceive the possibilities for nonfiction.
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Snwoto
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I truly felt like an idiot while reading this.

Even though I have experience working with autistic kids, there were numerous things that I completely misjudged or simply had no knowledge of. "Send in the Idiots" provides a remarkable explanation of how diverse, wise (in a way that we, the so-called real idiots lack), and genuine the inner world of autistic people is and how it manifests.

The stories of Kamran's group mates are both deeply explanatory and yet not imposing the author's truth. He simply offers a rich and descriptive insight, leaving it up to us to draw any conclusions if we so desire. I truly relished the chapter about Kamran and Creg's adventures. Their perspective on politics is entertaining, mainly because it is so accurate. I adored the fact that the author is so direct about Bush and his policymakers. The descriptions of Andre's puppets, Randall's relationship with Mike, Elizabeth's ways of coping with her complex condition, and their teachers' attitude towards Kamran perfectly depict the reality of autistic people. This not only educates the reader but also unconsciously offers useful advice on communicating with those who are a bit different from us.

"An invaluable addition to the literature of autism" is written on the back cover of the book [by Spectator]. I wholeheartedly agree. It indeed inspires me to seek out other books on this topic written by those who truly know, the insiders. I'm ready to be immersed and face my own ignorance.
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Jimbo11
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It really annoyed me when that particular fellow continuously locked the writer in the bathroom just because the writer was talking over his puppets.

I understand that he is autistic, but that doesn't serve as a valid excuse for such rude behavior.

This book is quite interesting. There is a certain amount of political talk in it, which you might not appreciate if you are a conservative, given that Kamran Nazeer is a political speech writer.

Nevertheless, it offers a fascinating insight into adult autistic individuals. It presents a perspective that we don't encounter nearly enough. Most of the time, the perspectives we hear are from parents who are worried and stressed.

We truly need to have more perspectives from adult autistic people.

Also, we must get rid of functioning labels.

This isn't a very good review because it has been quite some time since I read this book. I probably should reread it to provide a more comprehensive and accurate assessment.

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DeuxExKane
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Autism is a complex neurological disorder that has long been a subject of intense study and fascination. However, there is often a one-sided view of autism that focuses on its challenges and limitations. This article offers an insightful and surprising look at "the other side of autism."


Contrary to popular belief, individuals with autism can possess unique talents and abilities. Some may have exceptional memory skills, allowing them to recall detailed information with ease. Others may have a remarkable aptitude for art, music, or mathematics. These hidden strengths often go unnoticed or are overshadowed by the more visible aspects of autism.


Furthermore, people with autism can have a deep and profound understanding of certain topics. Their intense focus and attention to detail enable them to explore and master areas that others may find difficult. This can lead to remarkable achievements and contributions in various fields.


In conclusion, it is essential to look beyond the traditional perception of autism and recognize the diverse range of qualities and capabilities that individuals with autism can possess. By doing so, we can gain a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of this disorder and provide better support and opportunities for those affected by it.
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Sann_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book presents an intriguing premise.

Kamran Nazeer, who is autistic himself, undertakes the task of tracking down several of his former autistic classmates to discover how they are faring as adults.

Among them, there is an engineer who employs puppets as a means of communication, a speech writer who had worked for Kerry's presidential campaign, and an account of Kamran spending time with the family of a girl who unfortunately committed suicide.

The insights that he shares are truly enlightening, eye-opening, and interesting. Even though the writing style might be a little on the dry side, it doesn't overshadow the value of the content.

I found this book to be an enjoyable read. It offers a unique perspective into the lives of autistic individuals and their experiences as they navigate adulthood.

It makes one reflect on the diversity within the autistic community and the various ways in which people with autism can lead fulfilling lives.

Overall, it's a book that I would recommend to those interested in learning more about autism and the human experience.
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