Life and Love

Zosia Zaks has Asperger Syndrome. Although she completed her master's degree in technical journalism from Polytechnic University in 2000 and held a variety of writing and editing jobs, it was various vocational and social challenges that led to her diagnosis at age 31. Now, with a clearer understanding of autism and how it impacts her life, Zosia has managed to face these challenges with creative ideas and innovative compromises. She now works as a heavy equipment operator in the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825. This type of work allows her to go from project to project and is concrete in nature. She also runs a website that allows visitors to customize jewelry. Additionally, she lectures and conducts workshops nationally on issues of importance to the autistic community; consults with families, couples, and adults on the spectrum to find ways to meet challenges based on autistic strengths; and serves on the Advisory Board of GRASP, the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership. She is married to her partner Gena. They live just outside New York City with their fifteen-month-old twin daughters, Ruby and Eislyn, and their cat, Zero.

What a gift! Life and Love is the first book I have read that simplifies life with autism without being simplistic. Not only will this book change the lives of millions living with autism, it will also change the way that social service providers comprehend, interpret, respond to, and communicate with us all. And, applause! Fro the first time, we hear the 'invisible' voice of women with autism. We hear about the abuse of gender bias and vulnerability to social/sexual abuse, which is prolific in our world but, shockingly, remains one of the darkest secrets in our community. You are my hero, Zosia!" —Dena L. Gassner, MSW, Center for Understanding"What better way to hear ideas than from a peer? Zosia Zaks is an adult with Asperger Syndrome. Her book uses task analysis to proactively tackle the many day-to-day activities of life: from planning a visit to the grocery store, to the more complicated and potentially worrisome concerns involving relationships, doctor visits, and asking for help. Her kind and organized style helps to lessen anxiety and assist readers in gaining independence. For those on the spectrum, independence can be fraught with anxiety, but Zosia's book, enhanced by bold and effective pull-outs, can help independent life come closer to reality." —Pat Schissel, CSW, president, AHA/AS/PDD, parent of an adult with Asperger Syndrome, and adjunct faculty, Long Island University, C.W. Post"Through the lens of autism Zosia packs her book with practical solutions for successfully getting through routines and tasks of life at home, the community, and employment. Charting new ground, she also forges ahead with insights and life experience-based suggestions for meeting the challenges of all types of relationships, including roommates, co-workers, friends, family, and intimate others. In the process, Zosia shows us all - whether autistic or not - how to live and love as better human beings." —Stephen Shore, author of Beyond the Wall, editor and contributor of Ask and Tell, board member of the Autism Society of America, executive director of Autism Spectrum Disorder Consulting