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The Secrets of My Spectrum: eBook
"I didn’t find out I was autistic until I was diagnosed at 13 years old. When I was given books about Autism / Asperger's or watched television shows, I felt so much of what it's like to be autistic was missed out. At 16 I wanted to help other kids like me to know they’re not alone and give them something to show their parents if they're not feeling able to explain their struggles. That’s why I wrote; The Secrets of My Spectrum." ~ Callum Knight (Author)
The Secrets of My Spectrum offers a one-of-a-kind insight into the Autism Spectrum —written by a sixteen-year-old. It is part memoir and part guidebook into gaining a deeper understanding of the autism spectrum.For years, Callum struggled to navigate the world he lived in and meet social expectations before being told he was autistic at age thirteen. Wishing others understood more about the challenges of being on the spectrum, the teen shares his insights, perceptions, reactions, and experiences, from the triggers that lead to anxiety and shutdowns to tips for coping with stressful situations such as travelling, socialising, and communicating.With honesty and forthrightness, The Secrets of My Spectrum explores the challenges—and the great gifts—that come with living on the spectrum.📚The print books contain pages for personal notes.✅ Suitable for all ages & genders.Table of IntroductionCommunicationTravelSocialisationFocusAnxietySoothing Behaviours / StimmingEmpathy / Accepting GiftsEducationMeltdowns/ShutdownsOverthinkingSensory ChallengesAppointmentsLiteral / Visual ThinkingUnexpected SituationsSpecial InterestsGood Days and BadConclusionCrisis & Helpful People
The Secrets of My Spectrum offers a one-of-a-kind insight into the Autism Spectrum —written by a sixteen-year-old. It is part memoir and part guidebook into gaining a deeper understanding of the autism spectrum.For years, Callum struggled to navigate the world he lived in and meet social expectations before being told he was autistic at age thirteen. Wishing others understood more about the challenges of being on the spectrum, the teen shares his insights, perceptions, reactions, and experiences, from the triggers that lead to anxiety and shutdowns to tips for coping with stressful situations such as travelling, socialising, and communicating.With honesty and forthrightness, The Secrets of My Spectrum explores the challenges—and the great gifts—that come with living on the spectrum.📚The print books contain pages for personal notes.✅ Suitable for all ages & genders.Table of IntroductionCommunicationTravelSocialisationFocusAnxietySoothing Behaviours / StimmingEmpathy / Accepting GiftsEducationMeltdowns/ShutdownsOverthinkingSensory ChallengesAppointmentsLiteral / Visual ThinkingUnexpected SituationsSpecial InterestsGood Days and BadConclusionCrisis & Helpful People
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2019
61 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 4, 2020
Absolutely brilliant
I would definitely recommend this book i learnt alot from it :) you should be so proud of yourself thank you so much x
I would definitely recommend this book i learnt alot from it :) you should be so proud of yourself thank you so much x
February 20, 2024
This book gives an honest, educational insight into the life of someone who has autism.
I’m so glad I read this book and have a better understanding of autism.
Callum Knight has explained this very well and should be proud of himself.
I’m so glad I read this book and have a better understanding of autism.
Callum Knight has explained this very well and should be proud of himself.
August 11, 2020
5 stars isn't enough for this book. Great to help sufferers and carers to understand ASD and how it affects people.
May 8, 2022
I read this because my mum recommended it. She has worked with children and young adults with a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities for around 30 years, and is very knowledgeable about ASD. She thought I'd find it interesting as she found it enlightening (even with all her existing knowledge about ASD) and we have wondered for a little while whether I would qualify for a diagnosis of ASD. I found I could relate very strongly to a majority of the passages in the book, both in my life currently and from my childhood. It has given a possible explanation for many things I've wondered about, such as why I reacted a certain way as a child in certain situations, and also as an adult. I'm not sure if I will be pursuing an ASD assessment just yet (at the age of 28, I'm not sure how much benefit I'd get from one), but I've found this book very helpful and comforting. Thank you for writing it, Callum.
October 3, 2023
Insightful
Recently read this book as my 13 year old is going through the asc assesments. It's very insightful and so interesting to hear the side of someone with autism, especially when I see my son struggle, this book has given me a better understanding as to what is going on inside his head.
I am going to suggest my son now read it to try and make him realise he is not alone with his struggles.
Thank you.
Recently read this book as my 13 year old is going through the asc assesments. It's very insightful and so interesting to hear the side of someone with autism, especially when I see my son struggle, this book has given me a better understanding as to what is going on inside his head.
I am going to suggest my son now read it to try and make him realise he is not alone with his struggles.
Thank you.
June 4, 2023
A short and easily accessible read that is refreshingly honest. Written by a 16 year old, told in their own words, to give such an inspiring and heart warming perspective of their life and autism. Plenty to take away from this book. Highly recommended for anyone who supports children and young people and autism.
June 16, 2023
Resonated.
Such a brave reveal of 🕐 person's experien
ces. I really liked the 'what helped me' at the end of each chapter. A good read to gain an insight, with the proviso that this is one person's experiences. Saying that, I think a lot of people will find aspects of it that resonate with them/their child ...
Such a brave reveal of 🕐 person's experien
ces. I really liked the 'what helped me' at the end of each chapter. A good read to gain an insight, with the proviso that this is one person's experiences. Saying that, I think a lot of people will find aspects of it that resonate with them/their child ...
January 17, 2024
Insightful
Read this book in two days. Found it very insightful on how an autistic person's deals with everyday life. Having an Autistic child myself, it helps me to better understand her thought process and how to possibly help her deal with them better. Thank you for writing this book.
Read this book in two days. Found it very insightful on how an autistic person's deals with everyday life. Having an Autistic child myself, it helps me to better understand her thought process and how to possibly help her deal with them better. Thank you for writing this book.
January 22, 2024
Brilliant!
A fantastic read of how having autism has been a challenge for Callum, but at the same time his determination to make the best of his life given his neurological differences. I encourage everyone to read this to gain an insight into how people with autism live everyday and feel we can all learn to be more understanding and accommodating to all neurodivergent people.
A fantastic read of how having autism has been a challenge for Callum, but at the same time his determination to make the best of his life given his neurological differences. I encourage everyone to read this to gain an insight into how people with autism live everyday and feel we can all learn to be more understanding and accommodating to all neurodivergent people.
July 1, 2023
This book is a refreshing read, succinct and direct. I could relate to, and understand everything discussed. I particularly liked the part you mentioned about describing model cars, with headlights etc, being on realistic roads following the Highway Code. Thanks Callum for writing it.
August 13, 2023
really insightful
This book made me really consider how my son feels when he has meltdowns and has encouraged me to really look for triggers and discuss this more with him. Great book thank you
This book made me really consider how my son feels when he has meltdowns and has encouraged me to really look for triggers and discuss this more with him. Great book thank you
September 16, 2023
5 star rating isn't enough for this book. I felt so understood while reading this book, and related to it so much. I like how it's got someone's personal life and experiences in it to help others understand that they're never alone and not the only one going through it.
November 21, 2023
I bought this for my son, and I have also read this.
A great book which gives insight about being autistic from a teenager's prospective. Totally recommend buying this if you are supporting an individual who is autistic or are autistic yourself.
A great book which gives insight about being autistic from a teenager's prospective. Totally recommend buying this if you are supporting an individual who is autistic or are autistic yourself.
February 29, 2024
I received this book today around 2pm and around 7pm I finish read, I believe it can say a lot about how much I loved this book, as a AuDHD myself I say that it is a book that should be read by autistic and non-autistic people.
February 21, 2025
Very helpful
A very interesting book, that hopefully will help people go some way to understanding how people with Autism cope with the difficulties of day to day life, nicely written in a conversational style making it very easy to understand.
A very interesting book, that hopefully will help people go some way to understanding how people with Autism cope with the difficulties of day to day life, nicely written in a conversational style making it very easy to understand.
June 1, 2025
Brilliant insight into an autistic mind
Thank you for writing this book. It’s really helped me to understand things my son experiences and given me ideas of how to help him. I’ll be recommending this to lots of people!!
Thank you for writing this book. It’s really helped me to understand things my son experiences and given me ideas of how to help him. I’ll be recommending this to lots of people!!
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November 18, 2020Great read
A very informative read, explained in a easy way for us . Would recommend reading .I have recommend my daughter's teachers to read it for information.
A very informative read, explained in a easy way for us . Would recommend reading .I have recommend my daughter's teachers to read it for information.
October 15, 2021
So eye opening. This was really useful to me and I can imagine it being a really good read for others too. This has deepened my understanding of autism and I think that other people should read it.
November 23, 2021
Very funny insightful book
January 1, 2023
Such a good book for teachers , family and friends of autistic children…. In fact an informative read for everyone
January 16, 2023
One of the most insightful books I've read. Very well done for being brave enough to share your story.
February 19, 2023
Very good
Very good book related to it in alot of ways. Would recommend this book to anyone autistic and anyone wanting to understand it more.
Very good book related to it in alot of ways. Would recommend this book to anyone autistic and anyone wanting to understand it more.
April 6, 2023
Insightful, thought provoking and helpful.
April 11, 2023
What a great insight in to the mind of a young lad and his coping strategies. Definitely reinforced my need to get myself an official diagnosis.
October 17, 2023
A great quick read full of personal details of the author. Inspiring that he can be so honest and gave me an interesting insight. I’ll pass it on to my daughter, family and others. Highly recommend.
October 20, 2023
Brilliant insight for any young person, family member, or professional to understand Autism and the challenges faced. It also gives you coping strategies to try.
October 26, 2023
Interesting and thought provoking book.
December 27, 2023
Great read
One of the best books I have read in a long time and a great inside for anyone who wants to understand autism more
One of the best books I have read in a long time and a great inside for anyone who wants to understand autism more
January 13, 2024
Absolutely brilliant, as a parent of an autistic little girl it was refreshing to gain more insight 🥰
February 9, 2024
A great insightful read - thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews