She was astonished that this was received very badly, she was rude; but it was simply a “fact” to her. She learned from that and similar incidents to act according to her perceptions of what others expected of her: and to “mask” her autistic behaviours wherever possible, such as making noises, counting objects like lino tiles, repetitive behaviour (‘stimming”, self stimulation). I was diagnosed autistic at 44 and this book was recommended to me as one that would be useful, and it was. By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions.

The second, which is reflected in the title, is that we need to move away from the harmful myth that children grow out of autism; and replace it with the knowledge that, with the right supports, they can grow IN to their authentic autistic selves. In articulating her experience of the world as an autistic person, the author also helps neurotypicals to view ourselves through another lens.As my children grew, I continued to learn about autism but it was a long time before I really processed the fact that females can be autistic. I think this would be especially helpful for those who are newly discovering their Autistic identity and those wondering if they might be Autistic. My relationship with masking has changed fundamentally since my diagnosis, although I would have to say that it is still evolving.

The interview part of the diagnostic process was a bit of an eye-opener, so much so that I was really pleased to have my husband with me. There were definitely moments when I found myself thinking “if only I had known I was autistic then”; I imagine how much different my life would have been if I had been able to understand and articulate what I needed. It can be read from cover to cover, but you could just as easily pick and choose the chapters which interest you the most. I hope it helps them to communicate their needs to the people around them and to advocate for the things they need to live theirlife. A better exposé of the strengths autistic people possess and the challenges they experience would be hard to find!For a long time I didn’t think I needed a formal diagnosis because I was at a stage in my life where I assumed it wouldn’t make much difference. This was a profound awakening – throughout her life she had been masking her true self and this effort had come at great physical, mental and emotional cost. Learning that non-autistic people see, hear and feel the world so differently was mind-blowing for me! I would love to say that I bravely take my mask off at all times in all situations, but I’m not quite there yet. They express a reluctance to “label” their child and worry that being identified as autistic will damage the child’s self-esteem.

It is also packed full of useful information including facts and suggestions to help make the lives of Autistic people easier. Often these appear to have been honed over many years of experience, particularly since learning about her Autistic identity, and finding supports within the Autistic community. I hope that the book gives non-autistic readers some insight into what it is like to be an autistic person. You will find yourself wanting to know more, and for this the author includes References and Resources at the end of the book.

This will also be a great book for non-Autistic people who would like to learn more about autism, particularly about the experiences of Autistic adults and how to support them. Doctors don’t cure autism, and people don’t grow out of it, autistics grow into autism, they learn to cope with the world their way. There are probably a lot of adults who may be having the same thoughts and feelings you were when considering exploring an autism diagnosis.