“I was tired of feeling this way. I was tired of everything, and I just wanted it to end.... What would happen if I lit the entire place on fire? What if I just stayed perfectly still and did nothing?”

Kicking ASSpergers is the triumphant memoir of one man’s journey with autism and his quest for happiness and self-empowerment despite the many challenges life throws at him. Detailing his struggles with acute anxiety, depression, OCD, psychosis, and suicidal ideation, as well as social stigma and medical bias, Jeremy Tolmie moves through his childhood, from the moment he was adopted by loving parents, through brutal school years being bullied and teased, and into adulthood, where he attempts to hold down a job, attend college, and live semi-independently. Over time, Jeremy starts to alienate the people in his life with his erratic and dangerous behavior, and finds himself in and out of various living situations, including psych wards. When he meets Dave Ray, a home share provider, Jeremy starts to learn how to “trust the process” and how not to let autism rule his life. 

Written with humor, honesty, and compassion, Kicking ASSperger’s breaks down stigma and dismantles myths and assumptions about autism. This unique voice tells an inspirational story of friendship, trust, and perseverance in the face of adversity.