{about John} I was born in Athens, Georgia in the hot summer of 1957. My father was preaching in Ila — pronounced EYE-LA — Georgia, that summer. Both my parents were in college when I was born. We moved every few years while my father worked his way through college until finally settling as a professor of Philosophy in Amherst, Massachusetts.

I was always a problem child — often sad, a loner, unable to make friends. My parents sent me to a number of different schools, and I saw a number of different therapists, but none of them had the answers. Asperger’s Syndrome had not yet been “discovered” as a diagnosis in those years. I dropped out of high school in the tenth grade.

Luckily, my Asperger’s gave me a rare insight into electronics. Using that knowledge, I joined a band, which led to a bigger band, which led to a bigger band… I ended up designing special effects guitars for KISS by the late 1970s. From there, I made the leap into a real job as an engineer with a major toy and game company. I moved up the corporate ladder for ten years, when I hit a wall.

My Asperger’s — still un-diagnosed but alive and well in me — kept me from fitting into the corporate world.

I quit my job. I began fixing Mercedes and Land Rover cars in my driveway. I never had to worry about fitting in with the world of machines. Soon, I was immersed in them.

From that beginning, J E Robison Service grew into one of the most successful independent repair businesses in New England. We specialize in Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Rolls Royce and Bentley motor car work. Our company is known nationwide for our restoration and customization work, especially on Land Rover, Rolls Royce, and Bentley vehicles.

One day, a therapist with a lust for Land Rovers walked in the door at JE Robison Service, and we became friends. After studying me closely, he introduced me to Asperger's Syndrome, and the knowledge changed my life forever. It took some time, and a lot of hard work, but a loser kid became a winner adult.

With the publication of Look Me in the Eye, I've started off on a new career. I am currently hard at work on my next book, and I've been amazed to learn I'm in demand as a speaker.

In addition, I have started working with Elms College to develop their graduate program in autism and Asperger's.

I've just added a new date - September 15 in Dallas. I'm moving toward spring with a full schedule, but I do have some spots left. And don't forget - you can sign up for my credit courses based on the ideas of Look Me in the Eye at www.elms.edu. My March 20 class is filling up fast. If you'd like to put an event together, contact Sally Itterly, my speaking agent, at sitterly@thelavinagency.com.

Feb 9, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Join me for Brain Health - Body Wealth - a series of presentations sponsored by the Board of Overseers of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on the power and benefits of cognitive health. Read the full description on my regular blog and on Facebook.

Groundbreaking research at The Center for Brain Health (CBH) at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is transforming the way we grow older by recognizing the centrality of a healthy brain in the aging process. The focus of the Center is the development of technologies and interventions aimed at the earliest detection of brain disorders; the prevention of neurocognitive decline and the preservation of brain fitness across the age-span; and the repair and rehabilitation of impaired brain function to forestall chronic deterioration and its effect on general health. By accomplishing these goals, CBH will extend the overall health, societal productivity, and quality of life for elders.

If you would like to join me please contact Kirsten Doyle at (617) 667-7331 or email kdoyle@bidmc.harvard.edu.

Feb 24, Madison, NJ

Drew University - Annual Winter Lecture series Join me from 4-7PM for a reception, talk, and Q&A. For more information contact Jim Hala at 973-408-3297 or jhala@drew.edu

Mar 12, Washington, DC

I'll be doing an evening program followed by a book signing at Ivymount School. Contact Monica Adler, director of the Model Asperger Program, for more details. Ivymount School 301.469.0223

Mar 12, Rockville, MD

I'll be at "Diamonds in the Rough: Smart Kids who Learn Differently" at the University of Maryland The Ivymount folks will be at this conference as well, if you come to my March 11 talk and can't get enough . . .

Mar 13, Reading, PA

I'll be the keynote speaker for Easter Seals of Pennsylvania's annual Autism Conference in Berks County. I'll speak, have a q&a, and sign books between 9AM and 1PM

March 20, Chicopee MA

I'll be teaching my first graduate course at Elms College, The Asperger Mind. Sign up at www.elms.edu. Participants earn graduate college credit and continuing ed. Look for my courses online and at Elms again in the fall. Call 413 265-2314 to register with Elms.

Mar 23, Worcester, MA

Assumption College

April 14, TN

East Tennessee Medical College

April 20, 2010, Eau Claire, WI

I'll be appearing at several classes and programs at the University of Wisconsin's Eau Claire campus. I'll be speaking at 7:30 p.m. in Zorn Arena, and the public is invited. Check back closer to April for more details.

April 23, 2010, Philadelphia, PA

I'll be the keynote speaker for the PEN Autism Network 5th annual Conference hosted by the University of Pennsylvania

May 1, 2010, Garden City, NY

Join me at Adelphi University for the AHA /Asperger Syndrome and High Functioning Autism Association’s spring conference: Issues in Independent Living for Adolescents and Adults on the Autism Spectrum.

Sept 15, 2010, Dallas, TX

I'll be the keynote speaker for Dallas Metrocare Services at their luncheon fundraiser. Will you be in Dallas? Be sure and stop by if you are . . .

Oct 8, 2010, Waterloo, IL

I'll be the keynote speaker for Teacher's Institute at
Monroe-Randolph Regional Office of Education

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Here is a link to order the original hardcover edition of Look Me in the Eye, bad language and all. http://bit.ly/LHslq

This link takes you to the revised and cleaned up paperback edition, in the current printing http://bit.ly/Opiz4

(c) John Elder Robison online at www.johnrobison.com

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