Book review: showcasing the brighter side of autism
June 30, 2025
Alex Manners from book cover That’s not right! My life with Asperger’s
Exposure’s autistic author, Max Ferreira reads how a young person with Asperger’s experiences the world
When I research about autism and compare it with my own, it’s fascinating to learn the resources and unique lives of young people with the same learning condition.
One day I discovered a book that addresses what it’s like to have autism. It’s called That’s not right! My life with Asperger’s. Published in 2019, it’s about a young person called Alex Manners sharing his real experience living with Asperger’s Syndrome. He was diagnosed at the age of 10.
Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of autism that makes people see the world differently and affects their behaviour in terms of repetition, routine, obsession and social difficulties.
In each chapter, along with quotes, Alex shares his thoughts, memories and adventures with Asperger’s Syndrome. He also talks about going through changes, sensitivity, discovery and reaching to where he is today.
Compared to the book, The Reason I Jump which talks about Naoki Higashida’s life of being non-verbal with severe autism, Alex Manner’s story is based on the other side of the autism spectrum disorder.
Alex states in his book, “I had always viewed my Asperger’s as something positive and something that I feel lucky to have. There were many challenges that I had to face, especially whilst at school.”
As a young person with autism I understand what Alex has gone through, with his family trying to make his life as least stressful as possible. And no school experiences are the same for young autistic people, whether it’s lack of understanding or limited resources.
I found Alex’s book uplifting, encouraging, relatable and well put together
Alex describes his days at primary school as like being in prison. Despite the negativity, Alex showcases the brighter side to his Asperger’s Syndrome, such as having a special interest in football and wearing colourful clothes to express himself. He also shares his way to reduce his anxiety, like watching children’s TV shows, playing sports and having loyal people in his life for help. Speaking of football, Alex managed to achieve his quest to watch matches at all 92 football League clubs in the UK.
What Alex Manners presents is that anyone with autism, not just Asperger’s, is on the same page, facing similar challenges and barriers as we get older. With support, guidance and positivity you can achieve anything within your ability.
For example, filmmaker Chris Eden-Green, creator of Steam Locos in Profile didn’t let his Asperger’s Syndrome hold him back and said in my interview for Exposure, “With passion, perseverance and hard work you might be pleasantly surprised!”
Overall, I found Alex’s book uplifting, encouraging, relatable and well put together. This is a really useful guide to help young people with autism and learning difficulties, who need motivation, awareness and positivity with the challenges we go through in life.
Like Alex, I talk about my experience of autism to Exposure and, down the line, I gain confidence and experience in the youth media industry, and what I’ve written is very rewarding for me. I highly recommend giving the book a try which you can buy on Amazon and check out Alex’s unique website.
