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Literally: A Joyful Guide to the Ups and Downs of Being Autistic
A joyful, realistic and relatable guide to being autistic, whether you know you are, think you may be or love someone who is.
There are three reasons why this book is called Literally:
Number 1: Autistic people can take things literally.
Number 2: This is a literal book. Clear in its language, easy to understand and accessible.
Number 3: It’s relatable. What do you say when someone says something so profoundly relatable that it connects to your own experience perfectly? ‘LITERALLY!’
Tenuous fourth It looks great on a front cover.
Illustrator and content creator Ella Willis was 22 when they were formally diagnosed with autism but this was no surprise. Growing up they felt like they’d surely been dropped on earth by aliens and would eventually be rescued. Social blunders, overstimulation, intense joyful special with the label of autism, these experiences made so much more sense.
In Literally, Ella is here to help you navigate all parts of being autistic, destigmatize neurodivergence and offer accessible, practical and hopeful advice. From getting a diagnosis to self-diagnosis, stimming to masking, navigating relationships to sensory issues, Ella uses their personal story, research, illustrations and interviews to provide a clear-eyed view of the autistic experience,
This is the book to help you – or your loved ones – thrive.
There are three reasons why this book is called Literally:
Number 1: Autistic people can take things literally.
Number 2: This is a literal book. Clear in its language, easy to understand and accessible.
Number 3: It’s relatable. What do you say when someone says something so profoundly relatable that it connects to your own experience perfectly? ‘LITERALLY!’
Tenuous fourth It looks great on a front cover.
Illustrator and content creator Ella Willis was 22 when they were formally diagnosed with autism but this was no surprise. Growing up they felt like they’d surely been dropped on earth by aliens and would eventually be rescued. Social blunders, overstimulation, intense joyful special with the label of autism, these experiences made so much more sense.
In Literally, Ella is here to help you navigate all parts of being autistic, destigmatize neurodivergence and offer accessible, practical and hopeful advice. From getting a diagnosis to self-diagnosis, stimming to masking, navigating relationships to sensory issues, Ella uses their personal story, research, illustrations and interviews to provide a clear-eyed view of the autistic experience,
This is the book to help you – or your loved ones – thrive.
- GenresNonfiction
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 4, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 10, 2026
I can honestly say that I have never been hooked on a non-fiction book until I read this. This book is an incredibly engaging and easy read whilst also being packed full of facts, statistics and personal experience. From the sporadic illustrations to the information being broken up into short paragraphs throughout it was just a genuine pleasure to read. I also think this is (literally) the best named book ever as I was constantly thinking 'literally!' As I was reading.
I have followed Ella for a very long time and have experienced their journey of diagnosis with them from the start but it is such a genuine joy to read something so comprehensive and such a wonderful culmination of all their work over the last few years. They have absolutely smashed this one out the park. Well done Ella!!
I have followed Ella for a very long time and have experienced their journey of diagnosis with them from the start but it is such a genuine joy to read something so comprehensive and such a wonderful culmination of all their work over the last few years. They have absolutely smashed this one out the park. Well done Ella!!
June 12, 2026
5 Stars!
This is such a well-written and informative book about autism. Ella is a very good writer, has done extensive research, and brings a very important perspective on autism. Taking the diagnosis criteria too literally is something a lot of late-diagnosed autistic people have done, and this book explains how that can be the case.
And yes, this book did make me say "Literally" out loud many times throughout :)
This is such a well-written and informative book about autism. Ella is a very good writer, has done extensive research, and brings a very important perspective on autism. Taking the diagnosis criteria too literally is something a lot of late-diagnosed autistic people have done, and this book explains how that can be the case.
And yes, this book did make me say "Literally" out loud many times throughout :)
June 5, 2026
This is such a joyful book. I think whilst it’s excellent for people who identify as autistic it’s also a very helpful book for anyone who has friends, family or people they work with who are autistic. So that is probably most of us. I have been reading lots of books about neurodiversity and this definitely one of my favourites. The writing style making it the easiest to read and I love that lots of the pages are punctuated by drawings and writing in bold and these also helped maintain my attention and interest.
The book starts by explaining the assessment process, including the screening process. Even if you have already had an assessment or don’t want an assessment I think being talked through this is really interesting and for others understanding how an autistic person can experience an assessment is very helpful.
The rest of the book looks at the authors experience covering subjects such as stimming, masking/ unmasking and empathy. Whilst coping strategies are explored along with the joyous aspects the negative aspects of neurodivergence is not ignored, this is not the autism is just a blessing book you’ve been looking for. I think the author explains empathy and the difficulty that can be experienced in a way that I seen it explained before, I think it was most helpful and a bit of a revelation. I think just reading that part made the whole book worth it. I’m not going to explain this, spoiler and all that. If you are autistic I think it will really help you to explain to others the difficulty in working out the social norms and how we are expected to behave because it’s so complicated!
The book has a helpful technique of highlighting new or maybe more important words in bold and there is then a glossary at the end. I felt this demonstrated how thoughtful the author was. There was a sense of inclusivity throughout the book which I always appreciate. The inclusion about ARFID, whilst brief, I feel was important.
I am planning on buying the book to have it as a resource in work for patients and staff.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
The book starts by explaining the assessment process, including the screening process. Even if you have already had an assessment or don’t want an assessment I think being talked through this is really interesting and for others understanding how an autistic person can experience an assessment is very helpful.
The rest of the book looks at the authors experience covering subjects such as stimming, masking/ unmasking and empathy. Whilst coping strategies are explored along with the joyous aspects the negative aspects of neurodivergence is not ignored, this is not the autism is just a blessing book you’ve been looking for. I think the author explains empathy and the difficulty that can be experienced in a way that I seen it explained before, I think it was most helpful and a bit of a revelation. I think just reading that part made the whole book worth it. I’m not going to explain this, spoiler and all that. If you are autistic I think it will really help you to explain to others the difficulty in working out the social norms and how we are expected to behave because it’s so complicated!
The book has a helpful technique of highlighting new or maybe more important words in bold and there is then a glossary at the end. I felt this demonstrated how thoughtful the author was. There was a sense of inclusivity throughout the book which I always appreciate. The inclusion about ARFID, whilst brief, I feel was important.
I am planning on buying the book to have it as a resource in work for patients and staff.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fun, lighthearted, yet genuinely necessary exploration of life as an autistic woman, particularly through the lens of late diagnosis and everything that follows after finally finding the language for yourself.
as a late diagnosed neurodivergent woman myself, this is exactly the kind of book i wish younger me had stumbled across while taking those first shaky steps into acceptance, adjustment, and learning to choose myself rather than endlessly performing for others.
there’s warmth that makes the guidance feel approachable rather than clinical. it balances humour with honesty, acknowledging the exhaustion, confusion, masking, and quiet grief that can come with realising how long you’ve moved through the world misunderstood, even by yourself.
this is also an ideal book for those who love autistic people and want to know more. or who want to expand their knowledge on neurodivergent people. 🌻
personally, i’m now quite far into my own journey, so much of the advice and reassurance here are things i’ve slowly gathered along the way through lived experience. but that almost made me appreciate it more, because of the relatability, and this will absolutely be a beacon of light for the people who need it most.
🧠 an accessible and compassionate look at late diagnosed autism
💗 balances humour with genuine emotional honesty
🌱 thoughtful reflections on masking, identity, and self acceptance
📚 exactly the kind of handbook many neurodivergent women deserve earlier in life
a gentle but important read that i know will find the right people at exactly the right time.
thank you so much to the author and publisher for the arc.
as a late diagnosed neurodivergent woman myself, this is exactly the kind of book i wish younger me had stumbled across while taking those first shaky steps into acceptance, adjustment, and learning to choose myself rather than endlessly performing for others.
there’s warmth that makes the guidance feel approachable rather than clinical. it balances humour with honesty, acknowledging the exhaustion, confusion, masking, and quiet grief that can come with realising how long you’ve moved through the world misunderstood, even by yourself.
this is also an ideal book for those who love autistic people and want to know more. or who want to expand their knowledge on neurodivergent people. 🌻
personally, i’m now quite far into my own journey, so much of the advice and reassurance here are things i’ve slowly gathered along the way through lived experience. but that almost made me appreciate it more, because of the relatability, and this will absolutely be a beacon of light for the people who need it most.
🧠 an accessible and compassionate look at late diagnosed autism
💗 balances humour with genuine emotional honesty
🌱 thoughtful reflections on masking, identity, and self acceptance
📚 exactly the kind of handbook many neurodivergent women deserve earlier in life
a gentle but important read that i know will find the right people at exactly the right time.
thank you so much to the author and publisher for the arc.
June 4, 2026
rounded up from 4.5⭐️
absolutely loved this one and honestly I think everyone should read it - whether you're researching autism, you've been diagnosed or you're neurotypical and want to understand more about your autistic friends.
this book covers so many areas in depth but also in language that is easy to read. it goes into detail about the assessment process, autistic traits such as sensory issues and routine, and the highs and lows of autism. the 2nd and 3rd parts were especially interesting with a lot of very relatable stories! it was also very affirming and made me feel so seen.
this is a very inclusive book that included a few sections written by people of diverse backgrounds. it speaks to wide variety of experiences of autism which was really helpful as it is something that is so often stereotyped.
such a good read and one that I will likely dip in and out of as and when I need to!
absolutely loved this one and honestly I think everyone should read it - whether you're researching autism, you've been diagnosed or you're neurotypical and want to understand more about your autistic friends.
this book covers so many areas in depth but also in language that is easy to read. it goes into detail about the assessment process, autistic traits such as sensory issues and routine, and the highs and lows of autism. the 2nd and 3rd parts were especially interesting with a lot of very relatable stories! it was also very affirming and made me feel so seen.
this is a very inclusive book that included a few sections written by people of diverse backgrounds. it speaks to wide variety of experiences of autism which was really helpful as it is something that is so often stereotyped.
such a good read and one that I will likely dip in and out of as and when I need to!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to attend an event hosted by Pan Macmillan, where I got to meet Ella Willis and pick up a copy of their book.
Literally is a literal and honest guide to being autistic, a guide I wish I'd had when I was going through the process of being diagnosed a few years ago. Ella Willis talks about their experiences as a late diagnosed autistic person and explains autism in a language that is more accessible.
It is such a helpful book and I had many 'ah-ha' moments whilst reading. I have read it cover to cover but I shall definitely be flipping back to certain sections because Literally is such an invaluable resource to help understand both myself and my autistic friends and relatives.
Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan for the proof!
Literally is a literal and honest guide to being autistic, a guide I wish I'd had when I was going through the process of being diagnosed a few years ago. Ella Willis talks about their experiences as a late diagnosed autistic person and explains autism in a language that is more accessible.
It is such a helpful book and I had many 'ah-ha' moments whilst reading. I have read it cover to cover but I shall definitely be flipping back to certain sections because Literally is such an invaluable resource to help understand both myself and my autistic friends and relatives.
Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan for the proof!
May 6, 2026
I absolutely loved this book and it could not have come at a better time. I’ve been trying to pluck up the courage to go to the GP to ask for a referral for an autism assessment and this book has given me the information I need to feel confident in pursuing this further.
Ella has created an amazing and easy to understand guide to autism. It’s a mix of their own personal experiences as an autistic person, backed with research and medical information. They have also gathered information from a diverse range of autistic individuals to share their experiences. I really enjoyed the top tips at the end of each chapter, with recommendations to help ease distress and discomfort associated with daily challenges.
I really enjoyed Ella’s illustrations throughout too.
I really connected to this book, it has helped me to understand myself a lot better and challenged the preconceived assumptions and stereotypes that I didn’t realise I had about autism. I highly recommend that everyone reads this book, as I think everyone can take something away from this.
This was without a doubt a 5⭐️ for me.
Ella has created an amazing and easy to understand guide to autism. It’s a mix of their own personal experiences as an autistic person, backed with research and medical information. They have also gathered information from a diverse range of autistic individuals to share their experiences. I really enjoyed the top tips at the end of each chapter, with recommendations to help ease distress and discomfort associated with daily challenges.
I really enjoyed Ella’s illustrations throughout too.
I really connected to this book, it has helped me to understand myself a lot better and challenged the preconceived assumptions and stereotypes that I didn’t realise I had about autism. I highly recommend that everyone reads this book, as I think everyone can take something away from this.
This was without a doubt a 5⭐️ for me.
June 9, 2026
this was such a joy to read! super digestible with an engaging writing style; filled with both personal stories & really great information that i found useful as someone who realised they were autistic as an adult. (i have annotated the ever living crap out of it) i know a lot of autistic non fic can be redundant for autistics who aren’t children or young teens but personally i think this book will work for a lot of people. this will for sure lead me to pick up more non fiction, i loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was diagnosed about 5 years ago & ever since, I have been seeking answers to better understand myself. Ella has included soooo much in this book/audiobook that has further expanded my knowledge of autistic thinking & myself. It is truly a book I will refer back to time & time again
June 12, 2026
“I'm not saying I'll never party or travel or do big life things again, I'm sure I will, but I watch people around me do things with such ease. I watch others tick off bucket list travel destinations or celebrate a swanky job promotion and I know it could never be me.”
May 15, 2026
My hope for this book is that its widely read not just be neurodivergent people, but also neurotypical people. I think that they would learn so much about the reality of the neurodivergent reality.
I was late diagnosed 5 years ago now, at the age of 38. Now at 43 i am still trying to work through the years of not understanding myself and am trying to learn who i am without my mask. It is a process.
This book was so wonderful to read. At times it was like a warm reassuring hug, promising me that i wasn't alone. At others it felt raw and open and made me very emotional.
And it also helped me learn about things that other autistic people can experience that i don't myself which is always helpful.
It is honest and unfiltered, and yes, literal. Ella writes in such an easy to read and personable way, it feels like you are talking to a friend.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I was late diagnosed 5 years ago now, at the age of 38. Now at 43 i am still trying to work through the years of not understanding myself and am trying to learn who i am without my mask. It is a process.
This book was so wonderful to read. At times it was like a warm reassuring hug, promising me that i wasn't alone. At others it felt raw and open and made me very emotional.
And it also helped me learn about things that other autistic people can experience that i don't myself which is always helpful.
It is honest and unfiltered, and yes, literal. Ella writes in such an easy to read and personable way, it feels like you are talking to a friend.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews