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Being Autistic
You're autistic - but what does that really mean? Welcome to the ultimate guide to understanding who you are and what it means to be autistic! In this fully illustrated graphic guide to what it means to be autistic and discover the differences between sensory seekers and avoiders, why you might find some things super easy and other things extra challenging and even begin to understand and navigate all of your big (and small) feelings. Best of all, learn what makes you totally unique. You might just come away with some cool facts to share with your friends and family!
160 pages, Paperback
Published July 18, 2024
7 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 24, 2024
TL;DR recommendation in brief: 5/5 stars, absolutely recommend for the target (middle grade) audience PLUS I recommend to anyone who cares about someone who's Autistic and would like a simple plain-language explanation of how autism often presents and how Autistic people often experience the world.
My full review, and for context I am Autistic, I have several Autistic children, and I was diagnosed in my early-30s:
I am sitting here seriously about to cry because of this book. It's SO clearly explaining what being Autistic is like and how we can experience things and present to others…. The illustrations are fantastic. and it's easy to read.
Oh my goodness, they have already mentioned, in a child-friendly way, the DOUBLE EMPATHY PROBLEM originally coined by Autistic autism researcher Damian Milton. I'm going to share that little section in its entirety because it's so important!
The double empathy problem, child-friendly edition, page 42:
"It can be extra hard for autistic and non-autistic people to communicate well together. This is neither person's fault; we are just more likely to communicate and think differently to each other.
"When two people whose brains work differently communicate with each other, both of them can misunderstand what the other person is trying to say.
"A well-known autistic man called Damien (sic) Milton calls this the 'double empathy problem'. When people experience the world differently (like autistic and non-autistic people do), they can find it hard to understand each other. Neither person communicates incorrectly they just communicate differently to each other."
I…. am overcome with many feelings that I can't put into words because I struggle with interoception (which was also just explained in a child-friendly way a few pages back!).
Other books I've read about how to interact with non-autistic people have felt overwhelming and discouraging, but this one feels friendly and encouraging. The words-to-illustrations ratio feels comfortable and relaxed. There are empty spaces on some of the pages to allow for a full thought to exist on the next page.
Now I'm sitting here actually crying and I cannot see the computer screen because I had to take my glasses off so I'm typing this without being able to see. They are explaining tone of voice in musical terms. Simply explained. I now understand more about tone of voice, after reading just under two pages from this book (50-51) than I ever understood before in 41 years of living and experiencing communication with other people.
Fifteen minutes until the bookstore closes, maybe nobody will come in and I can just finish reading and cry in peace. Wow. I should probably plan to read autism books, newly released and written by autistic people, when I'm not working at the bookstore… it's a convenient time, of course, but apparently sometimes there are feelings.
Oh my goodness, the part about sarcasm is SO relatable and hilarious and painful all in one! In one of the illustrations on pg. 66 there's a mum saying, "I just *love* when I spend an hour cooking and nobody eats it." and the (Autistic) child is all, "Oh, well good! I don't feel bad about not wanting to eat this now!"
I have been that child. So many times. LOLOLOLOLOLOLSOB (because now I know it's sometimes hurtful to misinterpret sarcasm)
Wow. I didn't stop to take notes after that. Just read it all the way through. They talked about alexithymia, about meltdowns/shutdowns… just so many strategies, so much information, packed into such a digestible and easily understandable book!
I now have a book to recommend to parents of elementary and middle school Autistic children FOR their children. Even if the children don't read the book, the parents can read it and pass along the information in ways that the child finds easier than reading if that's the case.
Communication issues, schedule issues… executive functioning…
I wish so much that this book had been around when I was in the target demographic. I still learn things about myself from reading books like this, but it would have been life-changing in so many positive ways to have had this information 30+ years ago!
This book was just fantastic. I truly could not have liked it better (although I do usually side-eye retroactive diagnosing of famous people from the past) so wow. Definitely going to keep this one on my bookstore's shelf in the future!
~Betsy
My full review, and for context I am Autistic, I have several Autistic children, and I was diagnosed in my early-30s:
I am sitting here seriously about to cry because of this book. It's SO clearly explaining what being Autistic is like and how we can experience things and present to others…. The illustrations are fantastic. and it's easy to read.
Oh my goodness, they have already mentioned, in a child-friendly way, the DOUBLE EMPATHY PROBLEM originally coined by Autistic autism researcher Damian Milton. I'm going to share that little section in its entirety because it's so important!
The double empathy problem, child-friendly edition, page 42:
"It can be extra hard for autistic and non-autistic people to communicate well together. This is neither person's fault; we are just more likely to communicate and think differently to each other.
"When two people whose brains work differently communicate with each other, both of them can misunderstand what the other person is trying to say.
"A well-known autistic man called Damien (sic) Milton calls this the 'double empathy problem'. When people experience the world differently (like autistic and non-autistic people do), they can find it hard to understand each other. Neither person communicates incorrectly they just communicate differently to each other."
I…. am overcome with many feelings that I can't put into words because I struggle with interoception (which was also just explained in a child-friendly way a few pages back!).
Other books I've read about how to interact with non-autistic people have felt overwhelming and discouraging, but this one feels friendly and encouraging. The words-to-illustrations ratio feels comfortable and relaxed. There are empty spaces on some of the pages to allow for a full thought to exist on the next page.
Now I'm sitting here actually crying and I cannot see the computer screen because I had to take my glasses off so I'm typing this without being able to see. They are explaining tone of voice in musical terms. Simply explained. I now understand more about tone of voice, after reading just under two pages from this book (50-51) than I ever understood before in 41 years of living and experiencing communication with other people.
Fifteen minutes until the bookstore closes, maybe nobody will come in and I can just finish reading and cry in peace. Wow. I should probably plan to read autism books, newly released and written by autistic people, when I'm not working at the bookstore… it's a convenient time, of course, but apparently sometimes there are feelings.
Oh my goodness, the part about sarcasm is SO relatable and hilarious and painful all in one! In one of the illustrations on pg. 66 there's a mum saying, "I just *love* when I spend an hour cooking and nobody eats it." and the (Autistic) child is all, "Oh, well good! I don't feel bad about not wanting to eat this now!"
I have been that child. So many times. LOLOLOLOLOLOLSOB (because now I know it's sometimes hurtful to misinterpret sarcasm)
Wow. I didn't stop to take notes after that. Just read it all the way through. They talked about alexithymia, about meltdowns/shutdowns… just so many strategies, so much information, packed into such a digestible and easily understandable book!
I now have a book to recommend to parents of elementary and middle school Autistic children FOR their children. Even if the children don't read the book, the parents can read it and pass along the information in ways that the child finds easier than reading if that's the case.
Communication issues, schedule issues… executive functioning…
I wish so much that this book had been around when I was in the target demographic. I still learn things about myself from reading books like this, but it would have been life-changing in so many positive ways to have had this information 30+ years ago!
This book was just fantastic. I truly could not have liked it better (although I do usually side-eye retroactive diagnosing of famous people from the past) so wow. Definitely going to keep this one on my bookstore's shelf in the future!
~Betsy
June 19, 2025
Loved it! I needed a easy-on-the-brain read (I've been super Overstimulated) and this book was the perfect pick. I love the illustrations Rebecca Burgess did, and I highly recommend the book for autistic kids and their peers because it's amazing how well explained it all is. I wish there was something similar in my own language, this is perfect.
January 9, 2026
I think this is aimed at 8-12 year olds so a super quick read for me, but BRILLIANT. I got it out the library to have a look at its suitability for my 8 year old, and I’m definitely going to get us a copy. Really clear descriptions of different autistic traits. I loved how the author talked positively about being autistic whilst also acknowledging some of the challenges autistic children might experience, and simultaneously making it clear that there are lots of other things about a person beyond their neuro-type.
I’m going to give our copy to other people in my son’s life as it’s so easy to read and digestible, and a nice reminder that the “non-autistic” way doesn’t mean the “right way”. An important message for me as a parent to remember too - especially after the Christmas period which can often feel a little tricky for a variety of reasons!
I’m going to give our copy to other people in my son’s life as it’s so easy to read and digestible, and a nice reminder that the “non-autistic” way doesn’t mean the “right way”. An important message for me as a parent to remember too - especially after the Christmas period which can often feel a little tricky for a variety of reasons!
January 12, 2026
We purchased this for our recently diagnosed 9-year-old daughter who didn’t really have a firm grasp on what being autistic meant outside of “my brain works differently to others”. She really loved the book and told us that it helped her understand more (although couldn’t really pinpoint what it was she loved or how exactly it helped)!
I wanted to read it after her to improve my understanding as well !It’s beautifully written and perfect for this age. I’ve been able to refer back to parts of the book to help my daughter understand situations more, for example interrupting people mid conversation. I love how author uses the terminology “autistic” and “non-autistic” rather than “neurotypical”.
Additionally, the comic format was appealing to my art obsessed child and the illustrations are inclusive and adorable. Would highly recommend this for any child as well as their families.
I wanted to read it after her to improve my understanding as well !It’s beautifully written and perfect for this age. I’ve been able to refer back to parts of the book to help my daughter understand situations more, for example interrupting people mid conversation. I love how author uses the terminology “autistic” and “non-autistic” rather than “neurotypical”.
Additionally, the comic format was appealing to my art obsessed child and the illustrations are inclusive and adorable. Would highly recommend this for any child as well as their families.
July 17, 2025
I love this book. It was a neat recap about a lot of learning difficulties and what people who are autistic and aren't autistic can be like. It helped me unlock some memories and the format was very easy to understand. The comic style was simple and made the book engaging. Sometimes books which are there to help bore me because they are all words and facts and pure blocks of text.
I think this was a good start for me learning more about autism and coping mechanisms for overstimulation. I struggle with those things due to a different condition, however the special interest section had me smiling. I think this will be a useful book for all ages. It was very simply laid out and even explored various communication styles, technologies available and the spectrum of autism.
I think this was a good start for me learning more about autism and coping mechanisms for overstimulation. I struggle with those things due to a different condition, however the special interest section had me smiling. I think this will be a useful book for all ages. It was very simply laid out and even explored various communication styles, technologies available and the spectrum of autism.
November 11, 2025
what a beautifully put together and relatable graphic novel to help kids, parents, and others understand what being autistic means and may feel like.
my son and I immediately related to so many of the scenarios described, almost as if the author was describing us.
I thought this may have been too long a book to keep my son's attention, however, even though we did read it in smaller chunks, he kept wanting to read more after one chapter or section was done.
this book helped us both and created valuable conversations between us.
after reading this book, my son felt proud to be and has identified more as being autistic
my son and I immediately related to so many of the scenarios described, almost as if the author was describing us.
I thought this may have been too long a book to keep my son's attention, however, even though we did read it in smaller chunks, he kept wanting to read more after one chapter or section was done.
this book helped us both and created valuable conversations between us.
after reading this book, my son felt proud to be and has identified more as being autistic
April 30, 2025
Read this with my son. Very enlightening and helped him to see himself and understand more about himself. It also allowed us to have discussions and open up conversations on certain topics he resonated with.
I recommend this to all autistic and non autistic people to learn more.
I recommend this to all autistic and non autistic people to learn more.
May 8, 2025
This was an excellent guide for the intended audience (middle grade) but I would recommend to anyone who wants to understand and learn how to support autistic folks.
May 29, 2025
"Being Autistic" is a remarkable book written by Niamh Garvey, an author and former nurse who is also autistic. This insightful short book works as a guide of sorts and is crafted specifically for autistic children. It helps autistic children gain a clearer understanding of what it means to be autistic and validates their experiences.
The book provides concise and compassionate explanations, with stylised yet relatable and accurate illustrations of various behaviours and ways of thinking that are often present in the lives of those with autism. This makes the book accessible and reassuring for families and young autistic readers. It's an empowering resource that truly aids autistic children in better understanding themselves and navigating their surroundings with confidence.
From describing the autistic experience in specific situations to embracing autism as one of the many traits one has, this book is inclusive and empowering.
It also uses a dyslexia-friendly layout and fonts, ensuring that different reading experiences and preferences are accommodated.
A highly recommended read for autistic children and families, especially those who are seeking a better understanding of who they are and their experiences.
The book provides concise and compassionate explanations, with stylised yet relatable and accurate illustrations of various behaviours and ways of thinking that are often present in the lives of those with autism. This makes the book accessible and reassuring for families and young autistic readers. It's an empowering resource that truly aids autistic children in better understanding themselves and navigating their surroundings with confidence.
From describing the autistic experience in specific situations to embracing autism as one of the many traits one has, this book is inclusive and empowering.
It also uses a dyslexia-friendly layout and fonts, ensuring that different reading experiences and preferences are accommodated.
A highly recommended read for autistic children and families, especially those who are seeking a better understanding of who they are and their experiences.
November 1, 2025
This is by far the best book for children on autism that I’ve found. It does an incredible job of conveying the complexity of neurodiversity and autism in a way that children can understand, with no oversimplification, no incorrect stereotypes, and no negative messages - there is honest discussion of the challenges, but within an overall neuroaffirming stance. Much of the book describes different autistic traits, which together provides a pretty comprehensive view of the neurotype. I particularly appreciate that each one begins with "Some (but not all) autistic people…" as this constantly reminds the reader that autism can look very different from one person to another, and so indirectly invites self-reflection on whether or to what extent that trait applies to them, making the autism diagnosis not a confining identity but a framework for self-understanding.
September 9, 2025
I think this book gives the best and clearest description of autism that I've ever found. It's written for children, so it's simple, but the simplicity makes it clearer for adults as well. Garvey describes autism realistically and positively, from the point of view of someone who sees it as a form of diversity and not just a problem. She has autism herself, so she understands the autistic experience and represents it well.
I would recommend this book to anyone, child or adult, who wants to better understand how autism presents and what it feels like to be autistic.
I would recommend this book to anyone, child or adult, who wants to better understand how autism presents and what it feels like to be autistic.
March 2, 2025
My 7 year old and I are both newly diagnosed as autistic. I bought this book for him and I hope he will get a lot out of it, but honestly, also for me, it is the best explanation of the contours of autism I have encountered.
One of the things I love is how she repeatedly states of autistic traits that "some (but not all) autistic people" behave or feel in some way. It now lives in my head as a way of framing autistic traits.
One of the things I love is how she repeatedly states of autistic traits that "some (but not all) autistic people" behave or feel in some way. It now lives in my head as a way of framing autistic traits.
May 11, 2025
very informative!
i'm doing a 100 kidlit books a year challenge to really learn what the kidlit market is and how to become a good children's illustrator when i added this book to my list. beyond informative book even as a adult reading it, i learned alot about Autistic and neurodivergent in a way that keeps a open mind and makes me wonder about the many ways we think and do things differently. plus the art was a great touch, made it fun to learn again!
i'm doing a 100 kidlit books a year challenge to really learn what the kidlit market is and how to become a good children's illustrator when i added this book to my list. beyond informative book even as a adult reading it, i learned alot about Autistic and neurodivergent in a way that keeps a open mind and makes me wonder about the many ways we think and do things differently. plus the art was a great touch, made it fun to learn again!
August 31, 2025
An excellent book that explains Autism in a simple, positive way. My son, who is autistic, really loved this book. He understands more about himself now and can put a name to some of his struggles. It helped him understand why he feels or does certain things. I wish everyone who interacts with him or others who are autistic would read this book so that they can really grasp what it means to be autistic.
August 27, 2024
A must-read for anyone who is either autistic or has an autistic person (specifically an autistic kid!) in their life. I'm 20 and have been diagnosed for around ten years and I still learned new concepts in this--the focus bits explained why I have a hard time focusing on boring things like math but can compile spreadsheets of the women of Marvel and DC comics for fun.
July 24, 2025
Finding Out
I am old and just figuring things out now, but this book is awesome for kids and adults as it is so clear. Maybe it is because I am the way I am, but having things so clearly described including facial expressions used in the book was really helpful. Definitely recommend for anyone, at any age, who is thinking about themselves in relation to autism.
I am old and just figuring things out now, but this book is awesome for kids and adults as it is so clear. Maybe it is because I am the way I am, but having things so clearly described including facial expressions used in the book was really helpful. Definitely recommend for anyone, at any age, who is thinking about themselves in relation to autism.
July 8, 2024
How I have wished for a book like this. It is as supportive and respectful and explanatory as I could have hoped! Spot-on level and tone for elementary-age kids. I want to get copies in the hands of all our therapists and advocates and aides and counselors etc.
November 15, 2024
I love Rebeccas's illustrations, and Niamh has an amazing way of explaining things in a way that is clear, inclusive, supportive and affirming. This is such a great resource and is all around full of awesome.
March 23, 2025
Roan Read! This was a great resource for kids wanting to know more about autism, or even adults. It explained things in very easy to understand terms, and the pictures really helped communicate more complex ideas. Roan loved it, and wants to read more books like it
October 23, 2025
Like other children's books, this one helpfully shares basic level understanding - in this case, of autistic people. It's very positive about understanding oneself and others. I'm considering buying a copy to reference.
August 31, 2024
I wish I’d had this book when I was a kid.
March 17, 2025
Political correctness ruined this for me, so I won’t be reading this to students any time soon. Kids don’t need to be preached at.
April 19, 2025
Absolutely brilliant book. Great reading for children and adults alike. Very easy to read with really understandable information and insight. Couldn't recommend more.
May 19, 2025
Super friendly to read and understand.
May 31, 2025
Very well done, accessible language, great font and layout, diverse, and engaging. Relatable.
August 21, 2025
Rating: 2.75/5 ⭐️
this was a fun and informative read.
this was a fun and informative read.
November 24, 2025
Excellent book - would recommend to anyone to read this to learn about and understand autism!
December 3, 2025
brilliant
December 26, 2025
Hard to rate this as I’m not familiar with the subject, but glad to have learnt more about autism.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews