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Funny, You Don't Look Autistic by Michael McCreary Published by Annick Press on March 12, 2019
Genres: Adult Nonfiction
Format: eBook (179 pages)
Source: Library
Purchase: Amazon • IndieBound
Add Book: Goodreads
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 is the author’s journey of becoming a comedian while autistic, and not just an “autistic comedian,” but one who can make anyone laugh, while still representing those of use who are not neurotypical. I did appreciate that he mentions that he’s too young to be writing a memoir (he was 22), because his life is just getting started. Sure, those early years were interesting, but I think further down the line he’d have more insight into these events. As it is though, I liked his conversational tone and was immediately drawn into his journey. I especially liked the included charts and diagrams, which added to the humor, but in the “it’s funny, cause it’s true” sort of way.
I did enjoy my short time with Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic. It came to me at a time where I had just begun my own diagnosis journey, so it was a nice to get someone else’s experience. Even if that someone had the privilege of being a boy who was diagnosed right off the bat, and I’ve been struggling into my thirties. I still felt seen though and could relate to the general feelings, if not the specifics. But we’re all different anyway, and this is just one person’s experiences. I do think the author will have more interesting stories to tell in the future, so hopefully he’ll either finish that documentary he mentions, or writes a fully formed memoir or autobiography when he’s older.
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