I plan to read this during People April. I'd like to hear the audiobook because she narrates it. I have an autistic son and it was fairly easy to get his diagnosis, but I have so many friends with daughters who have talked about how hard it was to get a diagnosis. It often took years and so much money to pay for testing out of pocket. It angers me so much when medical providers say "you don't look autistic." We actually had a doctor who wanted to remove that diagnosis in my son's medical records based on being with my son for 15 minutes because he was able to hold a conversation during an appointment. It's maddening.
And now there's a news agenda suggesting that "too many" people are going for diagnosis. It makes me cross as having that self-knowledge or that understanding if it's your child is so helpful.
I’m Scottish and autistic so this book meant a lot to me. I got so furious at how she was treated by doctors, I was much luckier in that respect. I appreciate you pointing out that autism is still under diagnosed and that the criteria was often based on boys. Btw, April is also Autism Acceptance Month so you timed that well!
The number of times she was failed appalled but didn't surprise me alas. It's good to know the book was meaningful for you. How do you feel about it being called autism "acceptance" month? Some of my autistic friends find that quite irritating. whilst recognising the intention was to use a more active phrase than autism awareness.
I didn't even clock the difference! Interesting difference, and I'm also curious now how it's recevied by the community affected.@@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711
That sounds like an interesting book. I think it's great that famous people write/talk about their experiences of being neuro divergent, it normalises it. I watched a documentary on famous comic novelist and was stuck by how many of the 'quirky personality traits' I shared with him. I look back and think they're not personality traits: I don't have proper dopamine functioning.
I've seen Fern Brady a few times and I love her comedy but I haven't picked this up yet. I did wonder how bleak it was going to be so I'm glad to be forewarned. Great discussion as always.
