Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships

Decoding Social Mysteries Through the Unique Perspectives of Autism

By: Veronica Zysk, Sean Barron, Temple Grandin PhD

Narrated by: Marlin May

Born with autism, both Temple Grandin and Sean Barron now live famously successful social lives. However, their paths were quite different. Temple's logical mind controlled her social behavior. She interacted with many adults and other children, experiencing varied social situations. Logic informed her decision to obey social rules and avoid unpleasant consequences. Sean's emotions controlled his social behavior. Baffled by social rules, isolated and friendless, he made up his own, and applied them to others. When they inevitably broke his rules, he felt worthless and unloved.

Both Temple and Sean ultimately came to terms with the social world and found their places in it. Whether you are a person with autism, a caregiver in the autism community, or just someone interested in an outsider view of society, their powerful stories will enthrall and enlighten you.

©2017 Temple Grandin and Sean Barron (P)2017 Future Horizons

Definitely an eye opener! A must read by everyone!

This book was an eye opener for me as a parent of a child with ASD and as a teacher. So many things make sense now and I feel I can help my own child and my students better.

So that's what my life has been about

From start to finish, the words of this book have validated my self discoveries over the last 20+ years of personal exploration. It gave insight, direction, encouragement, resources and support to varying degrees in every chapter. Although I have had the 2005 hardcover book for many years now, this updated audio version gave me the opportunity to catch the terms and conditions of issues that I had become aware of in myself. it is such a relief to hear these things spoken by other people. The real life stories of action processes created and successfully used to move into being contributing members of society opened doors to possibilities for my life.

Great story and good read!

Both Dr. Grandin and Sean Barron give excellent advice to those on the spectrum and their loved ones on coping with life with autism. I am recommending this book as an effective tool for therapists and their clients.

Excellent information for people with ASD or not

Great analysis and comparison of human behavior within or without the spectrum. Requires at least part two. Useful and entertaining.

Even Better Than I Expected

I received a review copy of this book.

I was initially interested in this book without having read the subtitle or description and assumed it was mere social observation. That it was about autism increased my interest significantly, both due to my career as a Direct Support Professional and some developments in my home life. It did not at all disappoint. I found this book both thoughtful and moving. I feel safe to say that if it is not my favorite nonfiction book that I have read this year, it is a close second. My only real criticism is that this particular book did not lend itself to the audio format, and I would recommend anyone for whom traditional books are an option purchase or borrow a physical copy rather than the audiobook.

Great Read

I really enjoyed listening to the audible for this book. As an adult with ASD, this book gave me a lot of insight. It’s also provided me with knowledge and tools to apply to every day life. It’s definitely helpful and provides great information.

Linda Mossey

This book allows me to see from the ASD perspective. I will keep these 10 rules in mind as I try to help young adults build work ethics and manage his or her emotions. Thanks

With 2 authors there should have been 2 narrators.

The content was alright. The information was helpful to a degree, although, it was more geared towards explaining the autistic/aspie perspective to neurotypicals. That is all well and good, but I was hoping more for a breakdown of unwritten social rules for autistics/aspies by autistics/aspies. There was still some useful information; just not what I was looking for.

Also the audiobook needed two or three narrators instead of a mere one. This book is at times a collaboration on basic subject, but some parts are being attributed to a specific author. Within the physical book there are different shades of lines next to each part to better distinguish who is talking. The audiobook does not have this. The sections start with "Sean speaks" or "Temple speaks", but with some of the sections being on the longer side having two narrators to establish some better distinction would have been a vast inprovement.

Great book about life.

This book is amazing. The message and how it is presented is perfect. If you think the book needs editing then I think you may not understand the message. Not everyone thinks, feels, understand the same. What is normal and what society says it is... is not for many folks... I am ready to meet Temple... she is my hero.

Illuminating.

Fantastic read. Reassuring that others struggle with the same basic social skills, and informative. Glad I had a chance to learn from their mistakes and revelations.