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M
M, así es como me gustaría que me llamaras. Más adelante te diré por qué.
Bienvenidos a mi mundo. Es dulce y amargo, y está enmarañado. La ansiedad es como una bestia que me acecha por todas partes y me impide tener una vida normal. Quiero una vida NORMAL.
Quiero ser como las otras chicas de mi edad, las que saben qué decir y qué hacer. Quiero estar con Lynx, el amor de mi vida, de labios carnosos y pelo engominado. ¿Por qué parece que existo en un plano completamente distinto al de los demás? ¿Y qué se supone que significa eso de «normal»?
Las alumnas de la escuela Limpsfield Grange han escrito este libro con la ayuda de Vicky Martin, su profesora de escritura creativa.
Bienvenidos a mi mundo. Es dulce y amargo, y está enmarañado. La ansiedad es como una bestia que me acecha por todas partes y me impide tener una vida normal. Quiero una vida NORMAL.
Quiero ser como las otras chicas de mi edad, las que saben qué decir y qué hacer. Quiero estar con Lynx, el amor de mi vida, de labios carnosos y pelo engominado. ¿Por qué parece que existo en un plano completamente distinto al de los demás? ¿Y qué se supone que significa eso de «normal»?
Las alumnas de la escuela Limpsfield Grange han escrito este libro con la ayuda de Vicky Martin, su profesora de escritura creativa.
93 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2015
15 people are currently reading
922 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 18, 2025
Thank God awareness of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome in girls and women is spreading. For years it was believed that only males were able to be on the Autism Spectrum, this has led to a tidal wave of diagnosis in females as it's recognised that traits can be very different between the two.
I was diagnosed myself with Asperger’s at age 43. So I’m very aware how women and girls flew under the radar for a very long time. It’s not perfect year but it’s a million times better these days in it being recognised early. The main voice in this book is teenage "M" who shares her story with autism, being a teenager and wanting to be "normal".
I am so thrilled to see these amazing girls speaking out and sharing their stories. It's heart-warming, funny, sad at times and educational. It's a short read but carries a powerful message.
Reading how life is with Autism as a teenager from an inside perspective is priceless. I've always said the best way to understand Autistic people is to talk to them and let them tell how it is. M does that in this book.
Written by the students of Limpsfield Grange, a school for girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder with communication and interaction difficulties, M is for Autism draws on real life experiences to create a heartfelt and humorous novel that captures the highs and lows of being different in a world of normal.
This is one if the rare schools in the world for girls with ASD, I'd watched a documentary about this school lately which showed me the amazing understanding the teachers and staff had of these girls, all with ASD, but all very individual.
M's story is great. I hope that you'll read the book to understand Autism/Asperger's from a more personal angle. I give this book 4 paw prints from Booklover Catlady.
Let the voice and lives of girls and women on the Autism Spectrum shine out everywhere!
I was diagnosed myself with Asperger’s at age 43. So I’m very aware how women and girls flew under the radar for a very long time. It’s not perfect year but it’s a million times better these days in it being recognised early. The main voice in this book is teenage "M" who shares her story with autism, being a teenager and wanting to be "normal".
I am so thrilled to see these amazing girls speaking out and sharing their stories. It's heart-warming, funny, sad at times and educational. It's a short read but carries a powerful message.
Reading how life is with Autism as a teenager from an inside perspective is priceless. I've always said the best way to understand Autistic people is to talk to them and let them tell how it is. M does that in this book.
Written by the students of Limpsfield Grange, a school for girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder with communication and interaction difficulties, M is for Autism draws on real life experiences to create a heartfelt and humorous novel that captures the highs and lows of being different in a world of normal.
This is one if the rare schools in the world for girls with ASD, I'd watched a documentary about this school lately which showed me the amazing understanding the teachers and staff had of these girls, all with ASD, but all very individual.
M's story is great. I hope that you'll read the book to understand Autism/Asperger's from a more personal angle. I give this book 4 paw prints from Booklover Catlady.
Let the voice and lives of girls and women on the Autism Spectrum shine out everywhere!
September 29, 2017
I have definitely been on a middle grades fiction kick lately, and more importantly, I have been on a books about autism kick. When I did a quick search for middle grades fiction about autism one day, most of the books listed were books I had already heard about, but there was one book that grabbed my attention that I had never seen on any other similar lists--M is for Autism. The description of the book said that it was written by a group of students at a school for girls with autism, and I found myself immediately excited to order the book and read it. What set this book apart for me is the fact that it's a work of fiction and written by those on the spectrum (with the help of their creative writing teacher), so I knew it would offer an important insight into the lives of those with autism.
The book is primarily narrated by a 13-year-old girl who calls herself M. M can't understand why she can't be "normal" like the rest of the kids in her classes, thinks her father must have left because of her, gets frustrated with her mother's misunderstandings of her, and sees her anxiety as a ferocious creature that is constantly stalking her and threatening to overtake her. M doesn't seem to fit in with any of the kids in her class, and her pain and frustration becomes more clear during her meetings with a counselor. Part of the book is narrated by M's mother, which give the reader a bit more understanding of her struggles to understand her daughter while desperately seeking signs of her reciprocated love.
At only 93 pages long, some of which are primarily illustrated, M is for Autism is a very quick read. M's inner thoughts are fascinating to read, especially during the moments when she feels on the brink or in the midst of a meltdown. During one point of the book, while at a classmate's party, a couple of parents talk about her, and one says, "Is that the girl they think might have Asper...or what's the other one? Autistic? Is she the one who's always off school, at the hospital? It's the disease where you get obsessed with numbers and they say lots of criminals have it? It is, isn't it? Dyslexia? Or autism or the other one?" As she listens, M tells the reader, "Adults do this. Doctors do this. Teachers do this. Neighbours do this. Mum's friends, they talk about me as if I can't hear."
M touches on two incredibly crucial points here. The first is the dangerous misconceptions that surround autism, and the second is the way others discuss those with autism in their presence. If you have read many of my review about books about autism, you might know that my youngest son has autism. This is something that my husband and I struggle to address with others and be conscientious about at all times, but we still witness it almost on a daily basis. M's story reiterates that those with autism are fully aware of the words and behaviors of others toward them, but her story also does so much more.
By telling M's story, the students of Limpsfield Grange School have told their own stories and have done everyone a valuable service. Not only have they provided awareness that autism doesn't just affect boys and helped readers get priceless insight into how autism works, but they have also helped parents and caregivers of kids with autism, like myself, be more aware of their own behaviors and provided those with autism with a book that just might help them understand more about this thing called autism that seems to take up so much of the space around and within them. M's counselor's messages to M about her value as a person being about so much more than her autism were something that all people should hear, and I'm incredibly grateful that I discovered this little gem of a book.
My only complaint about M is for Autism is that I wanted so much more (and that incorrect use of it's instead of its early in the book...but I digress...). Luckily for me, I discovered the existence of M in the Middle: Secret Crushes, Megal-Colossal Anxiety, and the People's Republic of Autism, a 352-page follow-up to M is for Autism. I can't wait to read it and share my thoughts for everyone soon!
The book is primarily narrated by a 13-year-old girl who calls herself M. M can't understand why she can't be "normal" like the rest of the kids in her classes, thinks her father must have left because of her, gets frustrated with her mother's misunderstandings of her, and sees her anxiety as a ferocious creature that is constantly stalking her and threatening to overtake her. M doesn't seem to fit in with any of the kids in her class, and her pain and frustration becomes more clear during her meetings with a counselor. Part of the book is narrated by M's mother, which give the reader a bit more understanding of her struggles to understand her daughter while desperately seeking signs of her reciprocated love.
At only 93 pages long, some of which are primarily illustrated, M is for Autism is a very quick read. M's inner thoughts are fascinating to read, especially during the moments when she feels on the brink or in the midst of a meltdown. During one point of the book, while at a classmate's party, a couple of parents talk about her, and one says, "Is that the girl they think might have Asper...or what's the other one? Autistic? Is she the one who's always off school, at the hospital? It's the disease where you get obsessed with numbers and they say lots of criminals have it? It is, isn't it? Dyslexia? Or autism or the other one?" As she listens, M tells the reader, "Adults do this. Doctors do this. Teachers do this. Neighbours do this. Mum's friends, they talk about me as if I can't hear."
M touches on two incredibly crucial points here. The first is the dangerous misconceptions that surround autism, and the second is the way others discuss those with autism in their presence. If you have read many of my review about books about autism, you might know that my youngest son has autism. This is something that my husband and I struggle to address with others and be conscientious about at all times, but we still witness it almost on a daily basis. M's story reiterates that those with autism are fully aware of the words and behaviors of others toward them, but her story also does so much more.
By telling M's story, the students of Limpsfield Grange School have told their own stories and have done everyone a valuable service. Not only have they provided awareness that autism doesn't just affect boys and helped readers get priceless insight into how autism works, but they have also helped parents and caregivers of kids with autism, like myself, be more aware of their own behaviors and provided those with autism with a book that just might help them understand more about this thing called autism that seems to take up so much of the space around and within them. M's counselor's messages to M about her value as a person being about so much more than her autism were something that all people should hear, and I'm incredibly grateful that I discovered this little gem of a book.
My only complaint about M is for Autism is that I wanted so much more (and that incorrect use of it's instead of its early in the book...but I digress...). Luckily for me, I discovered the existence of M in the Middle: Secret Crushes, Megal-Colossal Anxiety, and the People's Republic of Autism, a 352-page follow-up to M is for Autism. I can't wait to read it and share my thoughts for everyone soon!
July 2, 2016
"I am autistic. What the hell does that mean?"
This is a quote from the book and is also why I'm reading books about autism. I'm reading books about autism to figure out what the hell it means to have autism and to be able to identify myself with characters. I, personally, couldn't identify myself with M. The book didn't help me with giving my autism a place as much as I had hoped. These are the main reasons why I'm only giving it 2 stars. There is however one quote that does comfort me:
"You have autism. The truth is, you will need some support and guidance with life's inevitable ups and downs but you can have a glorious, fulfilled life and this is the truth too."
This is a quote from the book and is also why I'm reading books about autism. I'm reading books about autism to figure out what the hell it means to have autism and to be able to identify myself with characters. I, personally, couldn't identify myself with M. The book didn't help me with giving my autism a place as much as I had hoped. These are the main reasons why I'm only giving it 2 stars. There is however one quote that does comfort me:
"You have autism. The truth is, you will need some support and guidance with life's inevitable ups and downs but you can have a glorious, fulfilled life and this is the truth too."
August 30, 2020
This is a brilliant book offering an insight into the experiences of teenage girls who have autism as well as the perspectives of parents. It's written by girls at a school for girls who have autism and I would recommend it to anyone who works with children. It's quite a short, easy read but it's still very informative. There are similarities to Libby Scott and Rebecca Westcott's Can You See Me and Do You Know Me, however it's much shorter so the character M is less developed and it has less of an emphasis on school life. I think M is for Autism is more suitable for adults and older children whereas Can You See Me and Do You Know Me would be great to read with Upper KS2 children.
July 25, 2020
This is a great book for helping to understand autism further. It is written by girls from a school for autistic children allowing you to see autism from a child with autism perspective. I would recommend this book to anyone working with children as it helps to show how a child with autism may be feeling in different situations and how little things teachers or others do can affect a child.
January 17, 2022
Wonderful book. I work with adults with autism and will be sharing this with my colleagues. A really important insight into what the experience of autism can be for girls, which is often different to the male experience which is touted as 'typical'.
January 20, 2022
Really engaging and insightful read. I feel like it gave me peek into what people with autism experience, through both the writing and illustrations, and i would like to learn more. I wish the book was longer, i was hooked and would love to learn more about M - I'll have to check out the sequel!
March 21, 2016
M is for Autism is a book about a teenage girl with Autism written by teenage girls with Autism. This is an amazing book that shares daily trials of a girl with autism to give us a realistic understanding of what she feels and is trying to deal with. If you've ever wondered about the struggle someone with autism is dealing with, take a peek into the thoughts of M.
With complete honesty, she narrates the daily trials of desiring to be normal, feeling overwhelmed and anxious about unexpected situations, and trying to figure out who she is. M's experiences at school and home are descibed through her self-talk, meetings with her counsellor and her thoughts. She talks about anxiety and how it makes her feel when others tell her to calm down, it is not that easy. She has difficulty making friends, keeping the ones she has and dealing with her mother. It talks about the disintegration of the family due to one parent not being able to deal with their child. Some of the comments almost made me cry.
This book is appropriate for older children, teens, and adults - I highly recommend it to all three groups. It is a quick read, but will have a deep impact on how the reader views those who struggle with Autism. I liked the way this book was written from both M's view point and that of her mother's. I think we need more books like this. In the forward is says the the book is especially written for girls however, I believe that boys would also get a lot out of this story. Because more boys are diagnosed with autism than girls it is good that this book is out there so more people are aware that girls can have autism. I believe that all educators should read this book themselves to familiarize themselves with this higher functioning autism as unfortunately there were many characters in the book and in real life that do not understand and therefore not know how to react or treat these students.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
With complete honesty, she narrates the daily trials of desiring to be normal, feeling overwhelmed and anxious about unexpected situations, and trying to figure out who she is. M's experiences at school and home are descibed through her self-talk, meetings with her counsellor and her thoughts. She talks about anxiety and how it makes her feel when others tell her to calm down, it is not that easy. She has difficulty making friends, keeping the ones she has and dealing with her mother. It talks about the disintegration of the family due to one parent not being able to deal with their child. Some of the comments almost made me cry.
This book is appropriate for older children, teens, and adults - I highly recommend it to all three groups. It is a quick read, but will have a deep impact on how the reader views those who struggle with Autism. I liked the way this book was written from both M's view point and that of her mother's. I think we need more books like this. In the forward is says the the book is especially written for girls however, I believe that boys would also get a lot out of this story. Because more boys are diagnosed with autism than girls it is good that this book is out there so more people are aware that girls can have autism. I believe that all educators should read this book themselves to familiarize themselves with this higher functioning autism as unfortunately there were many characters in the book and in real life that do not understand and therefore not know how to react or treat these students.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 3, 2015
This book has so much going for it:
-the character with autism is FEMALE (why is this so rare in lit.?)
-it is based on the real experiences of young women who have autism
-the art and text is eye-catching
-the story is great
I think that sums it up. This is a must have for a high school library, especially if paired with complementary nonfiction about autism.
-the character with autism is FEMALE (why is this so rare in lit.?)
-it is based on the real experiences of young women who have autism
-the art and text is eye-catching
-the story is great
I think that sums it up. This is a must have for a high school library, especially if paired with complementary nonfiction about autism.
March 19, 2021
The love interest felt very shoehorned in.
February 5, 2022
This was okay, I am autistic myself and I didn’t really get much out of this book. In general it’s not very informative and a bit disjointed. It might be helpful to some people though.
September 17, 2021
A very brief book (which I read cover to cover in 35 minutes) which gives a glimpse into the life of an autistic girl and how she copes with day to day life and the things which us NT people take for granted.
I think it would appeal to both autistic teens and neuro typical teens as autistic teens will benefit from realising they are not alone in their anxieties and the NT teens will get an insight into just how hard life is for ASD teens. They might then gain a better understanding of the quiet geeky girl/boy in their class and know that it's not that they don't want to join in, but how hard it is for them. Inclusion is what we are aiming for.
Understanding and education are key to us all getting along and I think this book should be in every school library and all children, autistic or not, should be encouraged to read this book and it's sequel which I've not yet read but intend to.
Well done all. We need more books like this to promote understanding that we are all different in our own way and that is ok as it makes for an interesting world. How awful would it be if we were all the same?
Vive la difference, I say!
I think it would appeal to both autistic teens and neuro typical teens as autistic teens will benefit from realising they are not alone in their anxieties and the NT teens will get an insight into just how hard life is for ASD teens. They might then gain a better understanding of the quiet geeky girl/boy in their class and know that it's not that they don't want to join in, but how hard it is for them. Inclusion is what we are aiming for.
Understanding and education are key to us all getting along and I think this book should be in every school library and all children, autistic or not, should be encouraged to read this book and it's sequel which I've not yet read but intend to.
Well done all. We need more books like this to promote understanding that we are all different in our own way and that is ok as it makes for an interesting world. How awful would it be if we were all the same?
Vive la difference, I say!
July 28, 2023
This book is between 3-4, but closer to 3. 3 1/3 maybe?
Anyway
I read this book translated to danish.
As an autistic woman, who was recently diagnosed. Then this book was really something I could relate to, and I am so happy i read it, because it made me feel good and seen, and also understood. It also made me think about a lot of things, that I hadn’t thought of in that way, and explained a lot of situations to me.
The writing of the book, was kind of meh. But it was also written from a 13 year old girl’s perspective, and perhaps maybe it was the translator. I am going to read it in english as well; I was told the style of writing was a lot better.
Honestly just read this book if you’re thinking about it
It’s a quick read, and you can or will learn a lot from it. Maybe about yourself, or someone else.
I finished it in one setting, and it only took me an hour to read.
Read it. So relatable, and it put words into things I didn’t know how to put words into.
Anyway
I read this book translated to danish.
As an autistic woman, who was recently diagnosed. Then this book was really something I could relate to, and I am so happy i read it, because it made me feel good and seen, and also understood. It also made me think about a lot of things, that I hadn’t thought of in that way, and explained a lot of situations to me.
The writing of the book, was kind of meh. But it was also written from a 13 year old girl’s perspective, and perhaps maybe it was the translator. I am going to read it in english as well; I was told the style of writing was a lot better.
Honestly just read this book if you’re thinking about it
It’s a quick read, and you can or will learn a lot from it. Maybe about yourself, or someone else.
I finished it in one setting, and it only took me an hour to read.
Read it. So relatable, and it put words into things I didn’t know how to put words into.
August 28, 2021
This was a very short but amazing read, congrats to the students of Limpsfield Grange School and thank you. The illustrations while a little hard to focus on at times, (for me at least) depicted the amount of jumbled and overcrowded information that an autistic person can receive on a day-to-day basis. And it shows the amount of pressure is placed on that person, because of the judgemental world around them. Fiona was a really good and patience Counselor for M and I really like her.
August 9, 2020
Nice book for teenagers to read and understand they are not the only ones feeling this way, that they are misunderstood by others sometimes. I do not know much about Autism, I may read up more about it in the future. For me this book was good as it was not too heavy on info, just enough to understand what someone with autism might deal with during a school day. I could relate to the anxiety side of things which I suffered with in school.
May 4, 2025
Once again, a very challenging read, but important and worthwhile. Some of it spoke to me, but not all of it. But after all, autism is a different experience for everyone.
February 6, 2022
An insightful view into the world as experienced by a teenager who, towards the end of the book, gets a diagnosis of autism. I only stopped short of giving it 5 stars as I wanted to know more!
August 21, 2023
A really insightful and illuminating book - written by teenage girls with autism, for (not exclusively) teenage girls with autism. Very moving. The addition of the counsellor voice and mum is a fantastic as it provides an extra layer to understanding autism, diagnosis and differences within day-to-day life, school & relationships. I gained a lot of perspective from this book and it has made me reflect on my own practice for the future.
May 2, 2018
Amazing book. Gives insight on how someone with Autism sees the world, and what they need and don't need from other people.
July 29, 2024
I borrowed this book from my workplace's little free library and gave it a read. All I have to say is that I wish I'd had this when I was 13, because then life would have made so much more sense.
Definitely recommended for all.
Definitely recommended for all.
August 14, 2015
My 12 year old's review:
I liked this book because the character and what happens to her describes me a lot - for example having her own little world to escape to when things get too much, and her anxiety about things which I struggle with a lot too but I am also autistic.
My review:
I liked the way this book was written from both M's view point and that of her mother's. As a person with autism who is also a mother of someone with autism I found this book describes what I go through fairly accurately, though I would like to believe that I understand more of what my son endures than M's mother did. M's experiences at school and home pretty much mirror what I remember of high school and my teen years. It's unfortunately also much like what daily work is like now as the anxiety still runs through me like a constant undercurrent to everything else that is happening, although I have built up better coping mechanisms as an adult. I think we need more books like this and also it would be better if it didn't say in the forward that it is especially written for girls because my son really enjoyed this book, and found it a good support for what he is experiencing...and I wouldn't want other boys to be put off enjoying it because the forward said it wasn't written for their gender.
I liked this book because the character and what happens to her describes me a lot - for example having her own little world to escape to when things get too much, and her anxiety about things which I struggle with a lot too but I am also autistic.
My review:
I liked the way this book was written from both M's view point and that of her mother's. As a person with autism who is also a mother of someone with autism I found this book describes what I go through fairly accurately, though I would like to believe that I understand more of what my son endures than M's mother did. M's experiences at school and home pretty much mirror what I remember of high school and my teen years. It's unfortunately also much like what daily work is like now as the anxiety still runs through me like a constant undercurrent to everything else that is happening, although I have built up better coping mechanisms as an adult. I think we need more books like this and also it would be better if it didn't say in the forward that it is especially written for girls because my son really enjoyed this book, and found it a good support for what he is experiencing...and I wouldn't want other boys to be put off enjoying it because the forward said it wasn't written for their gender.
January 21, 2024
I really loved the layout of this book. The font was easy to read, illustrations were relevant, quirky and helped with understanding the words.
I really liked how her counselling sessions were always on blue pages and her Mum's perspective on pink pages.
I wished it was longer however this is a perfect length for a child with autism to read.
I also think teachers and parents should read it too - and not just parents who have kids with autism but neuro-typical as well. It would help them understand not only what other parents go through but their children's friends as well. Eg in the story bin liner lady had no clue how to be compassionate and kind. There is too much judgement out there and this book helps!
I really liked how her counselling sessions were always on blue pages and her Mum's perspective on pink pages.
I wished it was longer however this is a perfect length for a child with autism to read.
I also think teachers and parents should read it too - and not just parents who have kids with autism but neuro-typical as well. It would help them understand not only what other parents go through but their children's friends as well. Eg in the story bin liner lady had no clue how to be compassionate and kind. There is too much judgement out there and this book helps!
August 14, 2018
Must Read! I am a middle school teacher who often works with autistic students. This book gives insight to the beautiful mind of autism. I loved that the book also shared family insights. I think this book would be entertaining and enlightening to anyone that loves teenagers whether they are autistic or not.
July 17, 2015
Excellent! Love it !
December 13, 2025
Rounded up to the full five stars because real teenage girls who are autistic inspired and helped to write & illustrate this.
I will use quotes from the book to let them speak for themselves, rather than just write my own words about it.
M's mother wants to hug her daughter. M's a fan of a character on TV who hugs her mom. M says, "I wish I liked hugs."
The school has a Friendship Bench in the recess area. If a child sits there, somebody is supposed to come over and try to be supportive. M sat there one day. Nobody came over.
"Sometimes I find it easier to talk to boys than girls. I find boys straightforward. They just ask a question and I answer it. I ask a question and they answer it."
Mom says, "All I want is for someone to listen to me, to understand that something is not as it should be. I am the parent, I know my child. Doctor, health visitor, ear specialist, hearing test, psychiatrist. Do any of these people talk to each other?"
"More boys get a diagnosis. People think it's a boy's condition but it's not.... More and more girls are being diagnosed with autism."
Fiona is an excellent counselor. She helps M realize that there's nothing wrong with her. There's no reason to strive for normal because there's no such thing as normal. A label helps in many ways, but a person is much more than a label.
TLDR - read the book. (It's short and engaging so don't put it off.)
I will use quotes from the book to let them speak for themselves, rather than just write my own words about it.
M's mother wants to hug her daughter. M's a fan of a character on TV who hugs her mom. M says, "I wish I liked hugs."
The school has a Friendship Bench in the recess area. If a child sits there, somebody is supposed to come over and try to be supportive. M sat there one day. Nobody came over.
"Sometimes I find it easier to talk to boys than girls. I find boys straightforward. They just ask a question and I answer it. I ask a question and they answer it."
Mom says, "All I want is for someone to listen to me, to understand that something is not as it should be. I am the parent, I know my child. Doctor, health visitor, ear specialist, hearing test, psychiatrist. Do any of these people talk to each other?"
"More boys get a diagnosis. People think it's a boy's condition but it's not.... More and more girls are being diagnosed with autism."
Fiona is an excellent counselor. She helps M realize that there's nothing wrong with her. There's no reason to strive for normal because there's no such thing as normal. A label helps in many ways, but a person is much more than a label.
TLDR - read the book. (It's short and engaging so don't put it off.)
March 15, 2021
“I’ve been pushed into a room and I’m stuck. I can see through the windows but I can’t open them and I don’t even know if I can see the same objects, people and colours as you…”. This is neurodiverse teenager M’s reality, and throughout this slim but impactful novel, our protagonist candidly bares her emotions, detailing her experiences living in a world in which she doesn’t feel she belongs. This disorienting feeling is familiar to the young authors of “M is for Autism”. The novel was created by students from the Limpsfield Grange School, a UK school for girls who live with communication and interaction difficulties, in partnership with author Vicky Martin, artist Luna Pérez Visiairas, and Autism Accreditation, in order to express how it feels to be a young woman on the spectrum. In short, “M is for Autism” is a book for teenage girls with autism, written and illustrated by teenage girls with autism. The Limpsfield Grange students provide an invaluable insight into their community for their neurotypical peers through their vivid portrayals of M’s journey juggling school drama, family dynamics and therapy on top of her autism diagnosis. “M is for Autism” is an emotional, insightful, and educational must-read for tweens and teens.
August 22, 2024
Aw, this is a great introduction to autism and a compelling book for young readers. Adults, like myself, are not the most ideal audience for this one, though, parents, carers and educators of children with ASD can appreciate this more.
M is for Autism is written by pupils, hence this is a book by pupils for pupils, and for everyone wishing to learn more about experiences with ASD. M is our main character and through her fleeting but equally grounded thoughts, we get insights into her condition (I don’t fancy words like condition and disorder much, due to some negative connotations and how vaguely, improperly or commonly they are employed but as in their neutral meanings, they are what they are. I fancy ‘differences’, plenty though) and life.
If you can, get a print copy since the print is amazing. It has a nice feel, and a great layout and design with a nice colour scheme. It makes the experience complete.
The counsellor silence? You’ve made me giggle fictional but truthful to truth, M.
M is for Autism is written by pupils, hence this is a book by pupils for pupils, and for everyone wishing to learn more about experiences with ASD. M is our main character and through her fleeting but equally grounded thoughts, we get insights into her condition (I don’t fancy words like condition and disorder much, due to some negative connotations and how vaguely, improperly or commonly they are employed but as in their neutral meanings, they are what they are. I fancy ‘differences’, plenty though) and life.
If you can, get a print copy since the print is amazing. It has a nice feel, and a great layout and design with a nice colour scheme. It makes the experience complete.
The counsellor silence? You’ve made me giggle fictional but truthful to truth, M.
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March 18, 2020This is a diverse literature book. M is for Autism provides a focused lens into the world of M, the main character, who is autistic. She dreams that she could be able to act like her other peers, but inside she feels like she lives in an entirely different "world". I chose this book because it provides very informational insight (being written by the Limpsfield Grange School, a school specifically for girls who have autism) about the mannerisms and thought processes that are common with autism.
This book fits diverse literature criteria because the main character has a disability. People with autism (and disabilities in general) are often ignored regarding juvenile literature, and when a person autism is included in a book they are usually side characters.
This book fits diverse literature criteria because the main character has a disability. People with autism (and disabilities in general) are often ignored regarding juvenile literature, and when a person autism is included in a book they are usually side characters.
September 23, 2022
Written and illustrated by students at limpsfield grange school, this is a glimpse into the day to day life of a girl on the path to being diagnosed with autism. Enough of a story to show some of the struggles she faces, how she feels when things happen around her, and how confused she can be when others don’t understand her and label her as just naughty, even her own father. Would make a wonderful fuller book if someone could write it, but it’s impressive enough as the book it is seeing as it’s written by students. Made me think. Some reviewers who have autism don’t rate it, but I think that perfectly illustrates how everyone’s approach to the world is different, and one ‘label’ doesn’t define everything about the diagnosis of autism, individuality is a relative thing.
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