Validating

Incredible and validating to hear so much of my life on a page as a late-diagnosed autistic person.

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Can I give it more stars please?

I would (and regularly do!) recommend this book to absolutely everyone, autistic or otherwise, to get the most realistic, accurate and heartfelt account of autistic life ever put into words. I'm also an autistic/ADHD teacher, and to hear specific and relatable anecdotes of personal and professional experiences just felt so affirming and permission-giving. I wish everyone could understand this, so read the book!

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It helped me

This book helped me understand my daughter- aged 33. I wish this book had been written 30 years ago.

Now a real conversation can begin between me and my daughter.

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Enlightening and simple truth

As an late diagnosed autistic person this for me is the most useful text I have ever read in my entire life. Thank you Pete for sharing your experince, thoughts and hopes. Your book has shone a light on my lifetime of suffering in a neurotypical world which gives me hope for my future and for those I share it with. 🙏

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Listen to it, Read it, Learn from it

As an Autistic person I feel truly SEEN for the first time, for a Neurotypical person you will truly SEE for the first time…

An Education… 🙌🙌

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My god! That’s me!!

Since being self-diagnosed two years ago I have read everything about Asperger’s on Audiobooks and YouTube that I can find but this is the first time I have recognised myself so completely. Thank you Peter.

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brilliant

reviews are hard, the subject is personal. I feel seen and understood. currently trying to figure out how to get through autistic adulthood and autistic parenthood without burnout. It's hard but some of it needn't be. it's so hard to take up space and stand up for things that neurotypical people find ridiculous or incomprehensible.

Onward to a more accessible future and a kinder inner voice.

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Just different, not less.

If you’re diagnosed later in life, read this. If someone you love is autistic, read this. If you’re going to roll your eyes and say “but everyone gets sad sometimes”, fk off.

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Clear, Informative, and Compelling

This book is a masterclass in explaining the autistic experience, and why you should care. The narrative is clear, concise, and while not pulling any punches, never veers into the gratuitous.
Many clear descriptions are provided regarding how our society is letting down autistic people, and the terrible harm that is occurring as a result.
This is a book that should be read by all employers, teachers, police officers, mental health professionals, parents, and politicians. I am autistic, and throughout the narrative, I saw myself, my situation, my experience, and the monumental difficulties I face dealing with a world seemingly determined to reject me. I know many other autistic people reading it will feel the same. But it’s vital that this book is read outside the bubble of the autistic community, particularly by those who can exert power and influence over the direction our society takes. If you’re not autistic, and you only ever read one book about autism, this is probably the book for you.

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4 people found this helpful

This book is up there with the best!

Congratulations to the author!
I am a 60 year old autism sufferer and lets face it unless we’re fortunate to live in the correct environment we do suffer. I was bullied incessantly, ignored at school and failed miserably academically until by a stroke of luck I was accepted into the RAF. I had a good selection of honest friends and partners who made me consider my behaviour. I learnt somewhat haphazardly the social norms. Each one of us has a different individuality of autism the same way neurotypical types are individuals.
Once you know that you are autistic and accepting it can be a tough ask for some, you can manage yourself much better although it’s like groundhog day most days, personally I can forget everything I’ve considered the very next day! It’s a slow process.
The perceived model of autism needs to change, there is so much difference between those on the spectrum that we all get incorrectly grouped together. Some of course need more help than others but we all need the compassion of understanding.
I think we can all agree that schools, secondary rather than primary fail to support and understand autism. Until we adapt our schools to be more aware of autism and to cater for them we’ll keep churning out pupils who are out on a limb once schooling has finished.
1 hour a week teaching and discussing different social structures and how to accept others would go a long way for a start.
Until something happens in our education system many will continue to struggle unnecessarily.
Thankfully we’re moving in the right direction.
Good luck to everyone on the spectrum and remember we’re not all creative or mathematical geniuses!!!!
Love to you all x

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