Funny You Don’t Look Autistic: A Comedian’s Guide to Life on the Spectrum by Michael McCreary

Stars: ****

Annick Press (2019)
Teen Nonfiction/Autism
176 pages

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.

Summary: 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.

Funny You Don’t Look Autistic

I always love reading about autism and it was nice to read a book from an adult with Autism. As the author is trying to make a point of, Autism looks different for different people. He actually has an autistic brother too and while his brother is non verbal and can’t live on his own, Michael is able to function mostly on his own and has a job as a stand-up comic.

While sharing stories from his childhood and teenage years, he shows us who he is, other than someone with Autism. This is Teen Nonfiction and so is made for ages 12+ in mind. I definitely agree with the age. I was a bit shocked though to find the F-word once in the book. I don’t think that should be in a book for teens but at least it was only once. There is also an adult joke but it’s okay because if the teen understands it, they’ll find it funny and if they don’t understand it, they aren’t hearing anything inappropriate.

I think it’s a great book for anyone who wants to know more about Autism or being a comic (or both!) The book is both informative about Autism and just funny stories of life.

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