[1] The book is based on the real story of an autistic teenager from Ghent, named Tim, who committed suicide because of bullying.

He considers suicide, but meets a girl online, nicknamed 'Barbie', whom he falls in love with.

They set up a meeting, and as Ben tries to commit suicide by jumping in front of an arriving train, he gets rescued by Barbie.

This book is based on the true story of an autistic Flemish teenager who committed suicide because of bullying.

[2] The novel was adapted into a film Ben X, theatrical play by Frank Van Laecke and a graphic novel by NDurie, the pseudonym of Veerle Colle.