¡No Seas Tan Changa!: Growing Up 'Too Sensitive' with Undiagnosed Autism and ADHD in Puerto Rico

by Camil I. Aponte Román

155 pages, Paperback

Published April 14, 2026

Reviews

[Andrea Beatriz Arango]

Happy Monday ☀️

Sharing this debut with you all today because although I read a lot of (neurodivergent) memoirs, I don't think I've ever in my life read one by a Puerto Rican born and raised (and currently living) in the archipielago. And it hits different. It really does.

If you've followed me for a long time, you know I'm a big proponent of writing incredibly specific rather than universal stories, and this book does exactly that. Because remember: 🚨 There is no such thing as too much intersectionality or too many identities! 🚨 And if someone tells you that they can go kick rocks.

I personally saw so much of myself and my loved ones in Camil's CHANGA, despite our very different life paths, and the research side notes and extensive back matter were an academic bonus that felt like a soft pet on the head.

So yeah. Mis amiguis! You know who you are 👀. Go read this one ASAP. You won't regret it and I guarantee it'll make you feel seen.

(Trigger warning: it does cover exisiting in PR during/post Hurricane María.)

[Lauren Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a powerful memoir that made me think differently and with more empathy about all human interactions. As a parent, understanding your child can be tough. As a teacher of almost 20 years, I found this book incredibly helpful in seeing kids for who they are and how they need to be supported. The educational value is presented in a way that feels natural, approachable, and relatable. The writing style is engaging and impactful. I would highly recommend this book for both parents and educators!

[Alberto Chiecchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and a must read. It's extremely well written. It is really a "narrative manual" (as the author calls it). The story is touching, captivating, and even humorous at times, and, by presenting the neuroscience through the story, it makes everything more understandable and relatable. Everyone should read this book.

[Jomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡No Seas Tan Changa! From @harmonicdivergence
My Rating 5/5

This book gave me so much feeling in just a few pages, I got this book mainly because I wanted to support Camil. But I didn’t realized that I was going to be in a spiraling tornado of emotions. This is a great book, for a quick read between large series of books. Is a Self-Awareness for Autism and ADHD, and a living In Puerto Rico as an Undiagnosed human being. This book felt like home, I’m a Late Diagnosed Puerto Rican with AuAdhd, so I felt SEEN and VALIDATED. The Struggles in our culture of being Too “Changa” and not realizing that I’m having a meltdown because something is giving me sensorial issues.

I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK 100%
For Neurodivergent people and specifically for Neurotipical people, because this is a great manual to try and understand a part of the spectrum.

[Claire Cummings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited to share this with friends and family as I believe it is important to understand neurodivergent perspectives from those who actually live them. This book was both informative and engaging.