Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello everyone, I've been digging about for more information on autism since my diagnosis 2 years ago and have come up with a lot of books (141 at last count and growing by the month).
My question here is whether there is any place on this or another forum that reviews these?
For example some are aimed at the carers of profoundly autistic children and adults, some are aimed at the less profoundly autistic / aspbergers adults with almost a manual of how to live with the different traits and others are more academic and probably more of interest to therapists.
A few are just misinformed or badly written, some are like a workbook to help children develop to their full potential and others are more of a life story - a real mish mash of styles and contents.
I'm happy to try to build a review process and work through these but there is no point reinventing the wheel if this has already beed done.
So for part 1 - does this exist? If so, where?
Part 2 will happen if this does not exist and ask how would it be best to structure the reviews.
I have everything in DRM free PDF or EPUB files so may be able to pass these to anyone who wants to join in the review process. I'm not sure how this is perceived by the mods but please feel free to tell me if this is a no-go.
Hello. Below I have posted a link to a spreadsheet of autistic experience/neurodivergence related books:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1N9A6SUxJPr2j03p5d48-Moxe9dKexfxdNgeOG007ayA/htmlview
As others have stated there are numerous other posts about book recommendation on autistic experience.
Thanks for the list. Some writers you haven't included are Katherine May, Robyn Steward, Fern Brady, Sarah Hendrickx, Charlotte Moore, Laura James, Sonny Jane Wise, Eva A. Mendes, Rudy Simone.
I have not compiled this list, it was created by Neuropride Ireland. These authors are great additions! I am really looking forward to reading Sonny Jane Wise's book 'We're All Neurodiverse' which will be released in November. Robyn Steward hosts a brilliant podcast called 1800 Seconds on Autism, in case you are interested. It is very funny.
I definitely recommend revisiting Fingers in the Sparkle Jar when you are able to concentrate, it is great!
This Person (Ottilie) said:I'm trying to prioritise since my diagnosis and immersing myself in other autists content is high on my list.
This is the best idea, we as autistic people are experts on our own experiences. We can learn so much from sharing our lived experience with other members of our autistic community.
As you are probably aware, there is lots of great autistic led content on autistic experience including this brilliant YouTube channel called Aucademy. There are some brilliant videos on this channel about autistic discovery.
https://aucademy.co.uk/
https://youtube.com/@aucademy6195
Six Common Reactions to Autistic Discovery:
https://www.youtube.com/live/oo34mppLMqE?feature=share
I hope this video and this autistic community helps you understand your own profile. We are here for you!
You are very welcome! Please do say if I am giving you too much information and it is overwhelming.
This Person (Ottilie) said:But not only that, it's leading us to acceptance and that's something I realise now that I've rarely experienced.
Exactly! I hope you feel accepted in this community, everyone needs to feel like they belong.
I started reading Fingers in the Sparkle Jar last year then stuff happened and I've been unable to concentrate much. I'm trying to prioritise since my diagnosis and immersing myself in other autists content is high on my list. Today I had the opportunity to wash, put pyjamas on and just be in my house without trying to achieve anything. Podcasts seem to be more easily accessible when I feel overwhelmed. I love being able to share what helps. Thank you for reminding me what great content there is! But not only that, it's leading us to acceptance and that's something I realise now that I've rarely experienced.
This Person (Ottilie) said:I love how Robyn and Jamie are openly themselves.
So do I! I really like all the episodes but I think my favourites are ‘Neurotypicals are baffling’ and ‘Monotropism Changed My Life’. Robyn and Jamie make a very funny duo!
Have you listened to the most recent series? I definitely recommend it, Series 4 only came out a few months ago.
Have you read Chris Packham’s memoir -‘Fingers in the Sparkle Jar? It’s great.
I really liked the Chris Packham interview because he talked about neurodiversity in other species. The episode with Dr Wenn Lawson was great too. I don't know if I have a favourite, do you? All the episodes are informative and I love how Robyn and Jamie are openly themselves.
Thanks for the Squarepeg podcast recommendation, it sounds great! What is your favourite episode of 1800 Seconds on Autism?
I really like the hosts, they’re very funny!
Yes I know 1800 Seconds on Autism. Another podcast you may like is Squarepeg, which is interviews with autistic women and non binary people hosted by Amy Richards. That doesn't exclude people that don't identify as female or non-binary from listening. All autistic voices contribute to our collective understanding and changing perspectives of what autism is.