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The Nine Degrees of Autism: A Developmental Model for the Alignment and Reconciliation of Hidden Neurological Conditions
The Nine Degrees of Autism presents a much-needed positive tool for understanding the developmental process of autism, and to facilitate the improved mental health and well-being of individuals on the spectrum. The ground-breaking model charts nine distinct stages of development - from pre-identification, to learning to live with changes in self-image following a late diagnosis, through to self-acceptance and wellbeing. Using the model as a framework each chapter focuses on a particular stage of the process. Experts provide personal insights into the environmental and societal challenges faced by individuals with autism, and dispel a number of popular misconceptions.
The positive developmental model described in this book will encourage people on the Spectrum to accept themselves by focusing on their gifts rather than weaknesses, and to avoid identifying with negative medical classifications. The developmental process which the authors describe is also applicable to other hidden neurological conditions such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Aphasia, and ADHD.
The book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the real nature and experience of autism and will also be essential reading for a range of professionals seeking to work more effectively with individuals on the spectrum."
The positive developmental model described in this book will encourage people on the Spectrum to accept themselves by focusing on their gifts rather than weaknesses, and to avoid identifying with negative medical classifications. The developmental process which the authors describe is also applicable to other hidden neurological conditions such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Aphasia, and ADHD.
The book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the real nature and experience of autism and will also be essential reading for a range of professionals seeking to work more effectively with individuals on the spectrum."
210 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
10 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 7, 2016
This book troubles me. There are many contributing authors who I respect, and there is definitely good writing present within the book. They offer empowering, positive insights from the lives and experiences of people who I think have a lot to offer. However, it is packaged as an authoritative "developmental model". While there are many passages in the book which stir familiarity, the path mapped out does not represent my story. It assumes authority, but fails to retain it with reference to unreliable "facts" and a constrained model.
It is a difficult thing to challenge ideas accepted by a certain population, it means that I expose myself as a target for zealots. So let me state that I support the personal empowerment and creation of a positive environment for autistic people. As I said above there is much in the book that is good. However, there is content in the book which excludes people who remember troubling times when they were very young or have real problems as an adult. For example:
3rd Degree of autism: "The key difference between the second and third degrees of autism is that the individual does not suffer initially at the second degree stage; but later adverse environmental factors cause suffering at the third degree stage. Typically, the individual would be a target of abuse and he or she would struggle to cope with normal social conventions."
6th Degree of autism: "The fifth principle: there is nothing wrong with you"
9th Degree of autism: "Any remnants of a “deficit model” of thinking have been eliminated by this stage of the autism journey."
The model represented by the above is one where individuals are mistaken if they believe themselves to have "deficits" due to autism. Idealistically this is also seen in the thinkers who believe that every human is a natural expression of human diversity, and is therefore perfect as they are. It does not account for the fact that people do have strengths and weaknesses, likewise autism does have positives and negatives. It is possible to accept the range of human diversity as natural and also accept autism as having difficulties as well as strengths. This integration of beliefs is well presented in the excellent chapter:
7th Degree of autism: "Although this book has shown that autism exists before birth, some will still focus on deficits and impairments. Current patterns being shown by brain imaging technology in individuals with autism are indicating there are reasons for exploring our autistic strengths rather than just areas of difficulties"
Perhaps it is the inconsistencies, like the above, that trouble me? Inconsistency should be expected with different authors writing each chapter. However, these are important concepts that are being discussed and though the chapter on acceptance (7th degree) allows for people who know they have difficulties, the message is not upheld in other areas of the book. This excludes those people who recognise their own difficulties and live with required supports in place.
The chapter on the 9th degree of autism has case stories of traditionally successful people, but it (along with the 8th degree) is too prescriptive about what being valuable to world means when living an autistic life. In my opinion a better close to this book would have been to discuss quality of life and including case studies of a wider variety of people from across the autism spectrum who have found quality in living. Instead we are presented with a number of people who have achieved a fairly traditional definition of success. Included in this group are some famous historical figures whose autism diagnosis is conjecture: Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Vincent van Gogh. Inclusion of these people is unnecessary, as shown by the people prior to the historical figures, there are plenty of suitable role models in the world today. This final chapter presents autism as a blessing that confers creativity and intelligence. While it may do that for some, it perpetuates the stereotype that all autistic adults are misunderstood genius types. It is possible to be valuable and experience self-value without having these qualities.
1st degree of autism: "Most of the people who made major advances in art and science have Aspergic characteristics (a form of high-functioning autism)."
9th degree of autism: "Silicon Valley and other geographic hubs of technical innovation often are full of largely unrecognized ninth degree autistics."
Has anyone thought through the consequences of attempts to normalise autism by including most intelligent or creative people in the autism spectrum? It is an easy hypothesis to test. Take everyone in a professional workplace or university and determine the percentage that are autistic. If a significant number of them are autistic then the hypothesis is correct, however if the diagnosis rate is closer to the 1-2%, as seen across the general population, then it can be proven wrong. Personal experience suggests the hypothesis is incorrect - the majority of people around me when I studied were not autistic, the majority of people in the workplace are not autistic. So, I did a quick fact check, and found at least one study:
"we examined prevalence of ASD in students at a single university both diagnostically and dimensionally, and surveyed students on other behavioral and psychiatric problems. Dependent upon the ascertainment method, between .7 per cent and 1.9 per cent of college students could meet criteria for HFASD"
From "College students on the autism spectrum: Prevalence and associated problems" Autism, November 2011 15: 683-701, by White, Ollendick, Bray
Is this really an issue? I think so. It gives all of those successful intelligent or creative people an incorrect idea of autism when they are told they are included in the autism spectrum. It therefore allows the world to underestimate the struggles and achievements of autistic people. By holding up traditional success and Albert Einstein (etc) as the the ultimate autistic, it becomes another way for autistic people to feel they failed if their own life is less auspicious. Quality of life is a better goal than failing to meet the definition of "normal" autism this book describes.
To close, there is a lot in this book that is helpful, the chapters by Wenn Lawson and Stephen Shore are standouts. However, it needs broader analysis, better editing for idea consistency, and significant change to the content in a number of chapters to become an authoritative "developmental model". In terms of being empowering for autistic people the 2nd, 8th and 9th degrees of autism are particularly problematic - they made me feel faulty.
It is a difficult thing to challenge ideas accepted by a certain population, it means that I expose myself as a target for zealots. So let me state that I support the personal empowerment and creation of a positive environment for autistic people. As I said above there is much in the book that is good. However, there is content in the book which excludes people who remember troubling times when they were very young or have real problems as an adult. For example:
3rd Degree of autism: "The key difference between the second and third degrees of autism is that the individual does not suffer initially at the second degree stage; but later adverse environmental factors cause suffering at the third degree stage. Typically, the individual would be a target of abuse and he or she would struggle to cope with normal social conventions."
6th Degree of autism: "The fifth principle: there is nothing wrong with you"
9th Degree of autism: "Any remnants of a “deficit model” of thinking have been eliminated by this stage of the autism journey."
The model represented by the above is one where individuals are mistaken if they believe themselves to have "deficits" due to autism. Idealistically this is also seen in the thinkers who believe that every human is a natural expression of human diversity, and is therefore perfect as they are. It does not account for the fact that people do have strengths and weaknesses, likewise autism does have positives and negatives. It is possible to accept the range of human diversity as natural and also accept autism as having difficulties as well as strengths. This integration of beliefs is well presented in the excellent chapter:
7th Degree of autism: "Although this book has shown that autism exists before birth, some will still focus on deficits and impairments. Current patterns being shown by brain imaging technology in individuals with autism are indicating there are reasons for exploring our autistic strengths rather than just areas of difficulties"
Perhaps it is the inconsistencies, like the above, that trouble me? Inconsistency should be expected with different authors writing each chapter. However, these are important concepts that are being discussed and though the chapter on acceptance (7th degree) allows for people who know they have difficulties, the message is not upheld in other areas of the book. This excludes those people who recognise their own difficulties and live with required supports in place.
The chapter on the 9th degree of autism has case stories of traditionally successful people, but it (along with the 8th degree) is too prescriptive about what being valuable to world means when living an autistic life. In my opinion a better close to this book would have been to discuss quality of life and including case studies of a wider variety of people from across the autism spectrum who have found quality in living. Instead we are presented with a number of people who have achieved a fairly traditional definition of success. Included in this group are some famous historical figures whose autism diagnosis is conjecture: Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, Vincent van Gogh. Inclusion of these people is unnecessary, as shown by the people prior to the historical figures, there are plenty of suitable role models in the world today. This final chapter presents autism as a blessing that confers creativity and intelligence. While it may do that for some, it perpetuates the stereotype that all autistic adults are misunderstood genius types. It is possible to be valuable and experience self-value without having these qualities.
1st degree of autism: "Most of the people who made major advances in art and science have Aspergic characteristics (a form of high-functioning autism)."
9th degree of autism: "Silicon Valley and other geographic hubs of technical innovation often are full of largely unrecognized ninth degree autistics."
Has anyone thought through the consequences of attempts to normalise autism by including most intelligent or creative people in the autism spectrum? It is an easy hypothesis to test. Take everyone in a professional workplace or university and determine the percentage that are autistic. If a significant number of them are autistic then the hypothesis is correct, however if the diagnosis rate is closer to the 1-2%, as seen across the general population, then it can be proven wrong. Personal experience suggests the hypothesis is incorrect - the majority of people around me when I studied were not autistic, the majority of people in the workplace are not autistic. So, I did a quick fact check, and found at least one study:
"we examined prevalence of ASD in students at a single university both diagnostically and dimensionally, and surveyed students on other behavioral and psychiatric problems. Dependent upon the ascertainment method, between .7 per cent and 1.9 per cent of college students could meet criteria for HFASD"
From "College students on the autism spectrum: Prevalence and associated problems" Autism, November 2011 15: 683-701, by White, Ollendick, Bray
Is this really an issue? I think so. It gives all of those successful intelligent or creative people an incorrect idea of autism when they are told they are included in the autism spectrum. It therefore allows the world to underestimate the struggles and achievements of autistic people. By holding up traditional success and Albert Einstein (etc) as the the ultimate autistic, it becomes another way for autistic people to feel they failed if their own life is less auspicious. Quality of life is a better goal than failing to meet the definition of "normal" autism this book describes.
To close, there is a lot in this book that is helpful, the chapters by Wenn Lawson and Stephen Shore are standouts. However, it needs broader analysis, better editing for idea consistency, and significant change to the content in a number of chapters to become an authoritative "developmental model". In terms of being empowering for autistic people the 2nd, 8th and 9th degrees of autism are particularly problematic - they made me feel faulty.
January 1, 2024
In a league of its own in the world of autism writing. It includes a short section on brain level causation for autism and a 9 step development process for autistics to thrive. It's the meeting of the 'why' and the therapeutic 'what to do'.
I am deeply grateful to these authors for producing this incredible book. It's the type of book that could fundamentally change your life for the better.
I am deeply grateful to these authors for producing this incredible book. It's the type of book that could fundamentally change your life for the better.
February 8, 2026
absolutely amazing!
9 Degrees of Autism was genuinely one of the most helpful and reassuring books I have read since discovering I am neurodivergent later in life.
What I found most powerful was how clearly it explains the cycles. The ups, the downs, the overload, the withdrawal, and the rebuilding. It helped me put language and structure around things I have felt for years but never fully understood. Instead of seeing my experiences as random or as something wrong with me, the book helped me recognise patterns and internal processes that finally make sense.
Crucially, it does not frame autism as only struggle or difficulty. It holds both truths at once. There are challenges and there are strengths. There are costs and there are gifts. Reading it helped me realise that what is happening inside me is not a personal failure. It is a normal neurodivergent experience, even if I am only recognising it now.
As someone discovering this later in life, the book felt validating rather than overwhelming. It did not rush me or tell me who I should be. Instead, it gave me permission to understand myself with more compassion and curiosity. It reassured me that there is more to come. More understanding, more adjustment, more self acceptance. This is not the end of the story but the beginning of a clearer one.
Most of all, 9 Degrees of Autism gave me hope. Hope that things can become easier once they are understood. Hope that my internal world is not broken, just different. And hope that learning how I work will allow me to live with more balance, clarity, and kindness towards myself.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone discovering their neurodivergence later in life, or to anyone wanting a deeper and more humane understanding of what autism really looks like from the inside.
9 Degrees of Autism was genuinely one of the most helpful and reassuring books I have read since discovering I am neurodivergent later in life.
What I found most powerful was how clearly it explains the cycles. The ups, the downs, the overload, the withdrawal, and the rebuilding. It helped me put language and structure around things I have felt for years but never fully understood. Instead of seeing my experiences as random or as something wrong with me, the book helped me recognise patterns and internal processes that finally make sense.
Crucially, it does not frame autism as only struggle or difficulty. It holds both truths at once. There are challenges and there are strengths. There are costs and there are gifts. Reading it helped me realise that what is happening inside me is not a personal failure. It is a normal neurodivergent experience, even if I am only recognising it now.
As someone discovering this later in life, the book felt validating rather than overwhelming. It did not rush me or tell me who I should be. Instead, it gave me permission to understand myself with more compassion and curiosity. It reassured me that there is more to come. More understanding, more adjustment, more self acceptance. This is not the end of the story but the beginning of a clearer one.
Most of all, 9 Degrees of Autism gave me hope. Hope that things can become easier once they are understood. Hope that my internal world is not broken, just different. And hope that learning how I work will allow me to live with more balance, clarity, and kindness towards myself.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone discovering their neurodivergence later in life, or to anyone wanting a deeper and more humane understanding of what autism really looks like from the inside.
February 5, 2019
I attempted to read this book and it gave me great hope because my son has autism, but toward the middle it started talking about personality growth and that most people who are autistic consider suicide at that point, it made me literally nauseated as my son has been suicidal as a child because of his low frustration tolerance and I choose to read no further in a book that refuses to coach and help instead of openly announce that it is a mental health practioner's trade book, and not a self-help book for either relatives or those with autism themselves. this book is dangerous to those without a support system. I am outraged, as someone with the education of a mental health practioner who Is not practicing... this is beyond dangerous. Reader's beware!
January 30, 2019
How to get from 1 to 9
From the time you find out to being the best person you can be. It is a journey. This book helps you cope better wherever you are on this journey. It has a positive tone. With a lot of help and tips from people who have been through or helped others through this journey to the end. Which is findings your right fit. To get the very best fit of life for you and your close important others. And people who your life may touch.
From the time you find out to being the best person you can be. It is a journey. This book helps you cope better wherever you are on this journey. It has a positive tone. With a lot of help and tips from people who have been through or helped others through this journey to the end. Which is findings your right fit. To get the very best fit of life for you and your close important others. And people who your life may touch.
November 13, 2018
Very interesting book for those wanting to know about the varying stages of autism diagnosis and acceptance. The variety of authors who contribute to the various degrees gives the narrative a refresh for each chapter. I can certainly identify with the stages and I'm not at my 9th degree yet!
June 5, 2024
I will read anything on autism that I can get my hands on, in order to try to better understand myself. This is a strange mixture of scholarly text book and populist (but veering towards the former), and was informing and thought provoking
May 20, 2021
This journey is like reading my life. 😅
Want to read
October 15, 2022Referenced in Older Autistic Adults In Their Own Words: The Lost Generation by Wilma Wake, Eric Endlich, & Robert Lagos (2021).
February 11, 2023
Simply just amazing - cannot recommend this book enough.
Thank You to all the contributors!!!
Thank You to all the contributors!!!
January 24, 2025
The most consequential book on the subject of autism. Written by autistics for autistics. Absolutely life changing read
December 12, 2016
He really tries to shoehorn is unique experience in dealing with his aspergers diagnosis, and tries to generalize it to everyone proposing a "model". However chapters 6 and 7 are very interesting because they deal with self acceptance.
Read
May 23, 2016good reads give away gives a better understanding of autism and its prolems
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews