Invisible Differences: A Story of Autism, Adulting, and Living Life in Full Color

by Julie Dachez, Mademoiselle Caroline (illustrator)

Translated for the very first time in English and available now in softcover, Invisible Differences is the deeply moving and intimate story of what it’s like to live day-to-day with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Marguerite feels awkward, struggling every day to stay productive at work and keep up appearances with friends. She’s sensitive, even irritable at times. She makes her environment a fluffy, comforting cocoon, alienating her boyfriend. The everyday noise and stimuli assaults her senses, the constant chatter of her coworkers working her last nerve. Then, when one big fight with her boyfriend finds her frustrated and dejected, Marguerite finally investigates the root of her After a journey of tough conversations with her loved ones, doctors, and the internet, she discovers that she has Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a result, her life is profoundly changed—for the better.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

see https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julie_D...

Reviews

[booksonthefloor]

I am not rating this book because the version I read is dated, using "Asperger's Syndrome" instead of autism throughout the book. It was originally published in English in 2020 and it appears that in France, which has been very slow moving in looking at neurodiversity, it is possible that this term is still being used. In the US, the legacy of asperger's syndrome being tied to Nazi party has largely diminished the use of that diagnosis in the autistic community.

it appears a new version is coming out in September 2025 that removes asperger's from the title and I am wondering if other changes to the book will make it feel more modern. This would need to include the suggested resources, which feature largely allistic/ablist sources, particularly for children.

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was easy to read and I got through it in just one sitting. I think it really effectively captured overstimulation visually with the changes in color and font. The story was a little bit superficial, with ableism being presented in pretty blunt ways, but it's still an important story to tell and I found many parts moving. I wish the author had done more research into OCD, since they portrayed it as something that others should make accomodations for, similar to autism, when that is usually counterproductive and just makes OCD worse. It's a nuanced topic that I kid of wish they had stayed away from if they were not going to address it in depth. It was also eye opening about the challenges facing the autistic community in France. This feels like it would be a really helpful introduction to one slice of the autistic experience.

[Corinne The Hobbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story about what it means to be autistic in France and one woman's journey of self discovery and self acceptance. Also has helpful further info in the back. I just wish we knew more about her life after - her bio mentions kids ... I want to know how she found love after... did she find a life partner who was more accepting than Florin?

[emre · Rating 4 out of 5]

yetişkinlikte otizm tanısı almaya dair çok tatlı, içten ve tanıdık bir öyküydü. çok sevdim. ama marguerite'in kitap boyunca konuştuğu, temas ettiği onca fransız vatandaşı içinde bir tane bile siyah/kahverengi derili insan olmaması enteresan geldi. :d

[Tuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling illustrations and story of real life work in modern world plus love friends and family too

[Omar Rodriguez-Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book with a mission to educate.
The fact that the subtitle was changed from “A story of Aspergers […]” to “A story of Autism […]” is telling.

[Nicole Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic representation of Level 1/Asperger's Autism in adult women! This should be required reading.

[Seutonius X]

Good/fine

[Django · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully translated and positively reaffirming for a community that's continually misunderstood.