Wonderboy

James Matthewson grew up with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's syndrome, except until the age of twenty, he didn't know it. Through poetry and the written word, James has documented an experience that will be all too familiar to many young people throughout the world. The overwhelming desire to fit in, to be 'normal' and to attempt to navigate a challenging mainstream school system is ingrained in the moving words that make up Wonderboy. The writings in Wonderboy are full of insight and eloquence. I have not so enjoyed reading a book about autism for many years. To explore and understand autism, the greatest insight may not be from a textbook but from poetry, like those written by James Matthewson and featured in this book. - Professor Tony Attwood