Wired Our Own Way: An Anthology of Irish Autistic Voices

by Niamh Garvey (Editor)

Wired Our Own An Anthology of Irish Autistic Voices is the first collection of personal essays written by autistic Irish adults. One in twenty-seven Irish school children are now diagnosed as autistic, and autism is entering the general population's consciousness much louder than it did in the past. As understanding about autism spreads, more and more adults are now finding out that they are autistic. This anthology shines a light on how important autism identification is, and how the label of 'autism' can enhance ones self-understanding and self-compassion.

Throughout this collection of essays, the writers highlight how the lived-experience of autism varies drastically from one autistic person to another, and show that there is no one way to be autistic. From meltdowns to mental health, from being diagnosed in early childhood to being diagnosed in late adulthood, from cultural perceptions of autism to employment, the essays explore the huge range of diversity within the autistic Irish experience.

Contributors  

Jen Wallace

Liam Coulson

Nuala O'Connor

Jane Cadman

Eric Robert Crowley

James McClean

Roisin Riley

Fiacre Ryan

Justin Bakker

Naoise Dolan

Colm Brady

Freya von Noorden Pierce

Jennifer Poyntz

Stefanie Preissner

Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan

Emil Eliot Osiński

Stuart Neilson

Caoimhe O'Gorman

Adam Harris

Priyangee Guha

Mike McGrath-Bryan

Aisling Walsh

Cliona Kelliher

 

Genres: Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Ireland

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2025

Reviews

[Conor Tyrrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It won’t take an average reader 2 weeks to read this book, like it did me. Every single one of these incredibly powerful essays had me ruminating and thinking about my own diagnosis and how common an experience it is for autistic people to think they’re broken, damaged, wrong, losers… a very well collected series of great essays by some amazing people. Well worth the read and worth reading well. At just over 200 pages most people could probably get it finished in a day but the stories told within should stick with you for a lot longer.

[Kayla Boaz]

I really enjoyed Naoise Dolan’s metaphor of autism feeling like speaking a different language. I also really enjoyed hearing Nuala o’Connor’s experience with having comorbid ADHD and autism.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of essays!

[Liam Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wired Our Own Way is the first anthology of personal essays written by autistic Irish adults, and #NiamhGarvey curated it such that all different kinds of autistic people with varying levels of ability get to speak for themselves.
One in twenty Irish people are autistic. It's funny to me that we are called an epidemic. That isn't the word I would use for our pacing, rhythms, gift, struggles, or symptoms. Our understanding of neurodiversity is shifting so quickly.
Most writing on autism comes from doctors obsessing over kids. Grateful to have gotten to read more from inside.
We need more firsthand voices instead of clinical takes on who and what we should be.
In Māori language, autistic = "takiwātanga" - "in their own time and space".

[Wyndham Chalmers · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A neurodivergent brain is not a malfunctioning neurotypical brain. I don't have a defective version of what you've got."

Wired Our Own Way - Naimh Garvey (editor)

A beautiful anthology highlighting autistic voices across Ireland.

This is a must read for anyone working in the disability space, anyone supporting a loved one, or for anyone who is autistic themselves. Garvey curated such a diverse array of personal experiences and it was such a joy and honor to experience even a small part of the author's lives.

4 stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Hannah Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book which anyone should read to deepen their understanding of autism. Really well put together as it features many Irish people’s own unique stories. A really moving, powerful piece of work put together by Niamh Garvey

[Briandooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. It captures the diversity of the Irish Autistic experience well.

[Lou Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary collection of essays and should be read by every individual, neurotypical and neurodiverse alike!

[Anne Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, impactful and insightful 👏

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

really beautiful book. thank you to everyone involved

[Patrycja Krotowska · Rating 4 out of 5]

🤍

[Diarmuid Angland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into a wide range of irish autistic people’s thoughts, experiences, reflections, hopes and journeys.