Launched at the IoD, London, 24th October 2017, Laurence Mitchell’s book ‘Aspie and Me’ delves into the mind of Hartley, a character who lives with Asperger’s.

What’s the book all about?

Following Hartley, a character living with Asperger’s Syndrome, readers are shown how he thinks differently to everyone else as a result of having Aspie in his life. Suffering abuse, tragic loss and social exclusion, Hartley battles daily with his ‘demon’, Aspie. Peering through a window into Hartley’s life, the reader follows his developing successful business in London’s antique trade, global travels, marriage and the birth of his three children and his yearning for appreciation and love. Ultimately leading to commit murder to gain recognition.

This book is for you if you are a reader who loves to explore alternative ways of thinking and complex psychological thrillers.

It is for you if you want or need to understand what is it like to live with:

• Asperger’s Syndrome; Autism; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Obsessive Compulsive Disorder;
• Suicidal tendencies;
• Panic or anxiety attacks;
• Thinking differently to other people;
• Deep communication challenges;
• No understanding of the consequences of your actions;
• A serious lack of confidence;
• Daily lifestyle challenges;
• Inherent sensory issues; and
• Amplified or multiple sensory awareness and emotions.

This book is intended to be a hand to reach out to those who are challenged with similar conditions or labelled unnecessarily. Here, the author shows that having a relationship with an Aspie can be beyond your wildest dreams

Drawing from moments in Laurence’s life, Aspie and Me shows people they never alone, offering guidance and emotional support.

I do not know whether this view is true or not. It may be a little extreme. But what I am sure of is that people with autism can make a real contribution in the workplace, provided their employer understands that certain allowances may need to be made for them. Firms are obliged to make such allowances for an employee who cannot climb stairs, but it sometimes seems to be beyond them to do so for a person who needs – for example – to work in quiet surroundings without distraction. Forty years ago, people in wheelchairs were unable to get work. Let us hope it does not take as long before things change for people with autism.”

– Dr Rory Allen, Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London

Over the years since, he has dedicated much of his time and energy to understand the worlds of those touched by Asperger’s and to being in a space where he can help people to live rich, full lives by embracing life. It has become much of his life’s work.”

– Rasheed Ogunlaru, Coach, Speaker and Author, Soul Trader – Putting the Heart Back into Your Business

Who is Laurence Mitchell?

Laurence has lived with behavioural traits which have prevented him from fulfilling his goals. Aged 49, he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD.

In 2004 Laurence’s wife took her own life, leaving him to care for his three children alone. However, social services thought his condition too dangerous to be fit enough for the role of a responsible parent and his 14-year-old daughter was to be put into care.

Laurence found support from a specialist Asperger’s support school, learning how to live with the condition. After being introduced to a life coach in 2016, Laurence found a way to live without the labels which had constrained him throughout his life. He launched www.lifewithoutlabels.co.uk in 2008 and speaks at autism conferences all over the world.

Laurence’s website: www.lifewithoutlabels.co.uk Laurence’s blog: https://t.co/E1Ysz0re5y

Laurence’s twitter: https://twitter.com/AspieandMe

Filament Publishing twitter: https://twitter.com/FilamentNews