Stories of Autistic Joy

by Laura Kate Dale

'I love that I don't need to feel ashamed at my happiest, and that my joy no longer needs to go through a filter before it's ready to see the light of day' Laura Kate Dale and 15 other autistic authors from around the globe, open the door and invite you in to explore and celebrate the candid, uplifting and intimate moments of autistic joy. More often than not autism is viewed through the lens of struggles and challenges - Stories of Autistic Joy is here to shift that narrative and turn the spotlight onto the unique joys that shape autistic people's lives. Joy comes in all shapes and loving relationships, fantasy writing, building soft forts, echolalia, peaceful solitude, Pokemon, stimming freely and unmasking for the first time. So, step inside and explore the diverse and heart-warming stories from around the world and celebrate what makes experiencing autistic joy so special.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Nonfiction, Disability, Adult, Memoir, Anthologies

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2023

About the author

So, who am I? I've spent the last years as a freelance games critic, written for pretty much every gaming publication under the sun, and have a passion for digging down to the stories PR teams are not eager to talk about.

I love weird little indie games about sex imps living in Anne Hathaway's mouth, big sprawling JRPGs, and serious in depth discussions of the artistic value of video game character buttock designs.

I'm always looking for interesting stories about games, the people making them, and the stories that happened along the way to store shelves. If you've got a hot scoop, drop me an email or hit me up on Twitter.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm grateful to have been able to read these accounts of autism in real life. I found myself preferring the writing of the guest authors rather than the title author, and I also think the title doesn't quite match up with the book's content.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spurred so many feelings and emotions. I found it to be beautiful in both the positive moments but also the sad. There was so much to relate to and if not, only opening your mind and heart to experiences of others that you don’t directly share. There was maybe one or two chapters that was quite long winded (for me) where I didn’t quite understand them but I think I will re-read the book a second time and give those another try. All in all I’d highly recommend the book. I’m so used to reading self help books trying to understand myself and others in a more informative and often pessimistic approach (almost victimized) but this was truly a fresh approach of hearing some positive outlooks, some accepting yourself moments and seeing the beauty and joy in one’s uniqueness and challenging the ‘norms’. Plus the book cover gave me joy in itself 😂🙌🏻 thank you to the author and those who shared their stories.

[Smit Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. As a person on the autism specturm there are stories that I felt spoke to me personally and brought me to tears. There are also stories from a perspective I've never felt and gave me a new perspective on how this, as such a complex condition, can manifest for different people and bring them joy. And there are parts that are just amusing and tickle my brain.

But all of it is beautiful, stories of people finding joy in their own lives in different ways, connect by one thing.

If you're autistic or not, or even just unsure, I strongly recommend this book.

[Sarah S. Smee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays from autistic authors was a refreshing change from the vast majority of writing about autism. Each person described the things about autism that bring them exceptional joy. My only critique is that I wish there had been a wider range of geographic diversity and interests. The lead author wrote 1/3 to 1/2 of the essays, and some of the content in those felt a bit repetitive. On the whole, a lovely, affirming look at the autistic experience.

[Caroline Clark · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m autistic and this book brought me no joy :(

[Kate G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for relating to other autistic people, made me feel less alone

[Michael O'sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting idea hampered a little by its execution. I did enjoy a lot of essays but the content of each got a little repetitive at times.

[Carter Olendzenski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly ate this book up. It brought me so much joy to read about what brings others like me joy, and being able to relate to so much of it. My favorite short story for sure was the nesting one!

[Adam Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I love that I don't need to feel ashamed at my happiest, and that my joy no longer needs to go through a filter before it's ready to see the light of day."

Stories of Autistic Joy edited by Laura Kate Dale is for any neurotypical who thinks auties aren’t always on the other side of the idealism spectrum. Dale and 15 other autistic authors from around the globe open the door and invite you in to explore and celebrate the candid, uplifting and intimate moments of autistic joy. More often than not, autism is viewed through the lens of struggles and challenges.

Some people on the spectrum are different, of course. Many auties would try to overcome lower social skills and communication or can’t interact with anyone. But with enough patience and calmness, we can interact with someone through a close support connection…and when that happens, we can have our joyful inevitabilities.

[Lucy Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories of Autistic Joy (Edited) By Laura Kate Dale ☺️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely loved this book, it was so lovely to read stories from so many perspectives and to see parts of myself as well! So joyful and fun to read 🫶