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Late Bloomer: How an Autism Diagnosis Changed My Life
Introducing a bold new voice in Australian nonfiction, Late Bloomer is a heartfelt coming-of-age memoir that will change the way you think about autism.
Clem Bastow grew up feeling like she’d missed a key memo on human behaviour. She found the unspoken rules of social engagement confusing, arbitrary and often stressful. Friendships were hard, relationships harder, and the office was a fluorescent-lit nightmare of anxiety. It wasn’t until Clem was diagnosed as autistic, at age 36, that things clicked into focus.
The obsession with sparkly things and dinosaurs. The encyclopaedic knowledge of popular music. The meltdowns that would come on like a hurricane. The ability to write eloquently while conquering basic maths was like trying to understand ancient Greek. These weren’t just ‘personality quirks’ but autistic traits that shaped Clem’s life in powerful ways.
With wit and warmth, Clem reflects as an autistic adult on her formative experiences as an undiagnosed young person, from the asphalt playground of St Joseph's Primary School in Melbourne to working as an entertainment journalist in Hollywood. Along the way she challenges the broader cultural implications and ideas around autism, especially for women and gender-diverse people. Deconstructing the misconceptions and celebrating the realities of autistic experience, Late Bloomer is as heartbreaking as it is hilarious, and will stay with you long after the reading.
Clem Bastow grew up feeling like she’d missed a key memo on human behaviour. She found the unspoken rules of social engagement confusing, arbitrary and often stressful. Friendships were hard, relationships harder, and the office was a fluorescent-lit nightmare of anxiety. It wasn’t until Clem was diagnosed as autistic, at age 36, that things clicked into focus.
The obsession with sparkly things and dinosaurs. The encyclopaedic knowledge of popular music. The meltdowns that would come on like a hurricane. The ability to write eloquently while conquering basic maths was like trying to understand ancient Greek. These weren’t just ‘personality quirks’ but autistic traits that shaped Clem’s life in powerful ways.
With wit and warmth, Clem reflects as an autistic adult on her formative experiences as an undiagnosed young person, from the asphalt playground of St Joseph's Primary School in Melbourne to working as an entertainment journalist in Hollywood. Along the way she challenges the broader cultural implications and ideas around autism, especially for women and gender-diverse people. Deconstructing the misconceptions and celebrating the realities of autistic experience, Late Bloomer is as heartbreaking as it is hilarious, and will stay with you long after the reading.
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2021
80 people are currently reading
1805 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
September 14, 2021
This is exactly the kind of memoir I love – where the writer takes their personal experience, in this case being diagnosed with autism at 36, and extrapolates out to systemic issues and the experiences of others. Bastow beautifully reflects on her life as a neurodiverse person in a neurotypical world. It’s revealing and insightful and funny. The 80s references are a delight. It’s such an honour to see the world through the eyes of someone who experiences and processes it differently to oneself.
July 25, 2021
Disclaimer: Clem is my friend, and I’m named in the acknowledgements of this one.
Clem Bastow’s Late Bloomer: How An Autism Diagnosis Changed My Life seems like it should be uncontroversial. It’s a memoir, and you can’t argue with Bastow’s lived experience. When Bastow talks about autism, she backs everything that she says with sources and interviews, and she acknowledges the popular “wisdom” that it is very easy to disagree with — while giving completely understandable reasons for the disagreement. There’s a great deal of centring “autism parents” in society at the expense of autistic children, and Late Bloomer shows exactly why this is not the approach.
Late Bloomer is funny and informative, and written by an absolute legend. Hopefully this will become a text that people will consult rather than listening to the condescending, harmful and dehumanising rhetoric spouted by popular, celebrity endorsed “charities”.
Bastow’s work is a good jumping off point for further research, pointing out where you do and don’t want to go, but it’s also a more than workable memoir. My only issue with it comes down to user error: I didn’t realise I was at the end, and I turned the page and ended up in the epilogue, which is more of an appendix. The emotional climax (such a thing is possible — Clem’s finale is quite affecting) was drowned out and I had to go back. It’s Less’s Proust problem all over again.
(On a personal level, it’s weird to read a memoir of someone that you know. Parts of Late Bloomer can be found almost verbatim in my Facebook Messenger history. This will of course not be the case for most readers.)
Clem Bastow’s Late Bloomer: How An Autism Diagnosis Changed My Life seems like it should be uncontroversial. It’s a memoir, and you can’t argue with Bastow’s lived experience. When Bastow talks about autism, she backs everything that she says with sources and interviews, and she acknowledges the popular “wisdom” that it is very easy to disagree with — while giving completely understandable reasons for the disagreement. There’s a great deal of centring “autism parents” in society at the expense of autistic children, and Late Bloomer shows exactly why this is not the approach.
Late Bloomer is funny and informative, and written by an absolute legend. Hopefully this will become a text that people will consult rather than listening to the condescending, harmful and dehumanising rhetoric spouted by popular, celebrity endorsed “charities”.
Bastow’s work is a good jumping off point for further research, pointing out where you do and don’t want to go, but it’s also a more than workable memoir. My only issue with it comes down to user error: I didn’t realise I was at the end, and I turned the page and ended up in the epilogue, which is more of an appendix. The emotional climax (such a thing is possible — Clem’s finale is quite affecting) was drowned out and I had to go back. It’s Less’s Proust problem all over again.
(On a personal level, it’s weird to read a memoir of someone that you know. Parts of Late Bloomer can be found almost verbatim in my Facebook Messenger history. This will of course not be the case for most readers.)
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July 11, 2021An exploration of the author’s own late-in-life autism diagnosis, and reexamination of her life through this newly acquired lens. With her trademark wit, sharply observed political analysis and pop-culture driven metaphors, Clem Bastow has written a unique story.
Unique because, as she is at pains to point out, this can only ever be her own story of autism; there is no homogenous experience of autistic life, even for the generation of women now pursuing later in life diagnosis after being misunderstood by the medical field.
Also unique thanks to the rigorous academic understanding applied alongside a thoughtful and generous insight into her own personal experiences. For too long #ActuallyAustistic voices have been missing from mainstream narratives about autism and neurodivergence. It’s a pleasure to be able to learn directly from an autistic person how their autism has shaped them as a person and influenced their life.
Late Bloomer was everything I hoped for; nerdy, joyful, unashamed and insightful.
Unique because, as she is at pains to point out, this can only ever be her own story of autism; there is no homogenous experience of autistic life, even for the generation of women now pursuing later in life diagnosis after being misunderstood by the medical field.
Also unique thanks to the rigorous academic understanding applied alongside a thoughtful and generous insight into her own personal experiences. For too long #ActuallyAustistic voices have been missing from mainstream narratives about autism and neurodivergence. It’s a pleasure to be able to learn directly from an autistic person how their autism has shaped them as a person and influenced their life.
Late Bloomer was everything I hoped for; nerdy, joyful, unashamed and insightful.
September 5, 2025
Clem Bastow has written an autobiography that incorporates medical studies of this neurodevelopmental condition. This is all new to me in terms of having it explained. My wife and I have friends whose 8-year-old daughter has autism, and this has clarified many of the issues we’ve witnessed. What we thought was a tantrum was, in fact, a meltdown. Individuals with autism do not have tantrums in the typical sense—these are meltdowns, and there is a difference. “A meltdown is an involuntary response to overwhelming sensory input or emotional stress, often leaving the individual unable to self-regulate or communicate effectively. In contrast, a tantrum is typically a goal-driven behaviour—like seeking attention or a desired object—and usually subsides once the demand is met”. Clem said as much, though she explained it through her own lived experiences.
https://abacustherapies.com/autism-me...
Readers, or in my case, listeners of the audiobook as narrated by Clem herself, will learn that those with autism often come to understand, once diagnosed, that this is part of their very identity. It becomes a source of pride and belonging to a subset, I could almost suggest. Clem also challenges the stereotypical assumption that people with autism are simply “weird.” She uses cultural references to deepen understanding of autistic behaviours such as echolalia and sensory sensitivity into an explanation for the uninitiated such as myself.
Recommended for those seeking deeper understanding of a complex issue.
https://abacustherapies.com/autism-me...
Readers, or in my case, listeners of the audiobook as narrated by Clem herself, will learn that those with autism often come to understand, once diagnosed, that this is part of their very identity. It becomes a source of pride and belonging to a subset, I could almost suggest. Clem also challenges the stereotypical assumption that people with autism are simply “weird.” She uses cultural references to deepen understanding of autistic behaviours such as echolalia and sensory sensitivity into an explanation for the uninitiated such as myself.
Recommended for those seeking deeper understanding of a complex issue.
September 11, 2021
I was super excited for this book, I don’t know Clem personally but have followed her on various social media platforms for years and think she’s one of the best contributions to my feed.
The first chapter is a brief history of Autism, Bastow’s academic skills on display. A friend told me they found this pretty dense - if this is you, keep going, as it’s not a reflection of the tone of the rest of the book.
Bastow then goes into writing about her early years at various schools and family life. She describes her experiences of being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world and frames her challenges from a social model of disability framework and through pop culture analysis (most of those references and jokes went over my head). Bastow would give some information on her experience of various Autistic traits before then discussing these more broadly.
The later section of the book (which I got more out of) is about Bastow’s adult life and finding study/career options that work for her and allow her Autism to be viewed as a strength. Bastow also explores the connection between Austism and gender identity, and Autism and abusive relationships, in a lovely nuanced way. At the very end Bastow includes a survey of sorts from lots of Autistic people which reflects their diverse range of experiences.
This is a strong book which achieves Bastow’s goals of telling her story, as well as including other voices, and being proudly Autistic.
The first chapter is a brief history of Autism, Bastow’s academic skills on display. A friend told me they found this pretty dense - if this is you, keep going, as it’s not a reflection of the tone of the rest of the book.
Bastow then goes into writing about her early years at various schools and family life. She describes her experiences of being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world and frames her challenges from a social model of disability framework and through pop culture analysis (most of those references and jokes went over my head). Bastow would give some information on her experience of various Autistic traits before then discussing these more broadly.
The later section of the book (which I got more out of) is about Bastow’s adult life and finding study/career options that work for her and allow her Autism to be viewed as a strength. Bastow also explores the connection between Austism and gender identity, and Autism and abusive relationships, in a lovely nuanced way. At the very end Bastow includes a survey of sorts from lots of Autistic people which reflects their diverse range of experiences.
This is a strong book which achieves Bastow’s goals of telling her story, as well as including other voices, and being proudly Autistic.
February 15, 2022
I felt so seen reading this. There are so many parallels in our experiences, especially in education. From the asphalt of St Josephs (though it was a different St Josephs) to “a three-time university drop-out” (chemistry, education, fine arts) to “This woman is receiving a postgraduate degree despite having never graduated from university!!” I could go on and on and on about all the connections and memories reading this evoked, but they only mean something to me. All you need to know that I took 13 pages of notes. Recommended for anyone coming to their diagnosis late like me, or who knows someone who is.
October 21, 2021
This sparkly memoir seems to have flown under the radar, but I reckon it's a keeper and will find its way into the hands of many people who seek the community and understanding Clem Bastow
has found. As a fan of her music journalism back in the day I was really drawn to those parts of the book as well as the themes of gender and sexuality. Educative but never didactic; warm and funny but not cheesy or sentimental. Witty but no showing off. Informed by research but not weighed down by it.
has found. As a fan of her music journalism back in the day I was really drawn to those parts of the book as well as the themes of gender and sexuality. Educative but never didactic; warm and funny but not cheesy or sentimental. Witty but no showing off. Informed by research but not weighed down by it.
November 15, 2025
Insightful, heartfelt and surprisingly relatable.
4.5 stars (rounded up)
4.5 stars (rounded up)
September 19, 2021
This is one of the most genuine, heartfelt and educational reads on Autism I have read in a very long time. Clem perfectly describes the solitude experienced by many of us who are not diagnosed until later in life and the beautiful yet somewhat confusing road of self discovery.
I highly recommend this read to anyone who is autistic, whether they be self identifying or diagnosed. Particularly if later in life as it can be a very overwhelming experience. I would also recommend this as a great read to family members or friends of autistic people… it may give them a different perspective on how we see, think about and feel the world
(Disclosure - the author is a contact of mine but even so, it’s an amazing read by a very talented and skilled writer)
I highly recommend this read to anyone who is autistic, whether they be self identifying or diagnosed. Particularly if later in life as it can be a very overwhelming experience. I would also recommend this as a great read to family members or friends of autistic people… it may give them a different perspective on how we see, think about and feel the world
(Disclosure - the author is a contact of mine but even so, it’s an amazing read by a very talented and skilled writer)
April 21, 2022
Life changing, affirming and relatable. Colours a lived experience of one persons’ late diagnosis and lights the path she has taken as it all started to “make sense”. So so so many facets explored I send unequivocal, over-enthusiastic nods to. Feelings of chest fuzz implore me to unabashedly find my authenticity through self-exploration and self-assuredness as I too try to manoeuvre the mental health system and ascertain my official diagnosis as a 30 something woman.
July 12, 2021
Absolutely beautiful, funny and utterly relatable. So lovely to read and relate and find that names for Autistic behaviours that I do and didn’t realise were a “thing”.
This is a lovely work that would definitely be beneficial to everybody.
Great read for me 1.25 years on from my own Autism diagnosis.
This is a lovely work that would definitely be beneficial to everybody.
Great read for me 1.25 years on from my own Autism diagnosis.
July 15, 2021
Beautiful, funny, poignant and so necessary in a world designed to accommodate neurotypical
people and at a loss at how to relate with Autistic people.
Opened my heart and my eyes.
Highly recommended read.
people and at a loss at how to relate with Autistic people.
Opened my heart and my eyes.
Highly recommended read.
January 15, 2022
So glad I read this.
That is my hard hitting review.
That is my hard hitting review.
May 23, 2022
Shall be adding this to the recommended reading list for newly diagnosed autistic women.
April 30, 2022
A frank memoir of gaining the diagnosis of Autistic as an adult, Clem shares so much of this assessment and realisation journey, alongside incredible insights into the experience of Autism. Finding a culture of belonging, discovering that so much of the challenges of growing up, battling to find a role and identity that fit, and the knowledge of experiencing things differently, has an explanation that is empowering and gives a sense of ownership.
From bullying and just not fitting in through schooling, the difficulty of maths and other specific areas, the niche knowledge and obsessions. Special Interests, such as pop culture of the 80s and 90s, scattered throughout, making this an accessible and amusing read.
Other aspects of Autism laid out to witness, understand and accommodate. The use of echolalia, and other sensory processing differences and needs. The explanation of bland food preferences! The comfort in the original, say movie or flavour. The need for predictability in areas of life under control, to combat the over-stimulation of a non-neurodiverse world.
The gender and gender diverse lens is so interesting, and fresh and needed. Navigating relationships, and also self. The diagnostic dominance for boys, and thus the research focus, diverting knowledge of the manifestation in girls and nonbinary Autistic.
Blunt critique of Autism treatments, the ableism of these extinction attempts. Insights into the long term effects.
I imagine this would be a profoundly powerful read for someone searching for a greater understanding of themselves and the world. It provided incredible insights for me around the inner experiences, challenges the old tropes and assumptions, and brings forward the necessity of building an accessible world, as a health professional.
From bullying and just not fitting in through schooling, the difficulty of maths and other specific areas, the niche knowledge and obsessions. Special Interests, such as pop culture of the 80s and 90s, scattered throughout, making this an accessible and amusing read.
Other aspects of Autism laid out to witness, understand and accommodate. The use of echolalia, and other sensory processing differences and needs. The explanation of bland food preferences! The comfort in the original, say movie or flavour. The need for predictability in areas of life under control, to combat the over-stimulation of a non-neurodiverse world.
The gender and gender diverse lens is so interesting, and fresh and needed. Navigating relationships, and also self. The diagnostic dominance for boys, and thus the research focus, diverting knowledge of the manifestation in girls and nonbinary Autistic.
Blunt critique of Autism treatments, the ableism of these extinction attempts. Insights into the long term effects.
I imagine this would be a profoundly powerful read for someone searching for a greater understanding of themselves and the world. It provided incredible insights for me around the inner experiences, challenges the old tropes and assumptions, and brings forward the necessity of building an accessible world, as a health professional.
August 16, 2022
I learnt so much reading this book - not only is this a tragic-comic memoir of Clem Bastow's childhood and young adulthood, it is also an accessible and informative introduction to our current understanding around autism. (You can just imagine Clem studiously reading up on everything around Autism once it became one of her Special Interests).
I think Clem has written this book for several key reasons; firstly, she seems to be reclaiming her childhood, now that she can re-interpret, and make sense of it, through the lens of Autism - through her words I can sense joy and relief in finally being about to contextualise behaviours that she knew to be "different" and "strange" to other people, her mood swings and vulnerabilities. There is also a joyful sense of completeness, as if she is now finally able to clearly define who and what she is; this book is her fresh public reintroduction: here is Clem, neurodiverse and queer, and now comfortable in my own skin. And having met many neurodiverse people in her journey towards and beyond her Autism diagnosis, the final key purpose of this memoir is to educate - use Clem's existing public profile to increase awareness, and bust some myths, about Autism, and about the diversity of Autistic experiences.
Read it because it is entertaining, read it because it helps you to respect and empathise with neurodiverse and differently-abled people, which might, indeed, include yourself.
I think Clem has written this book for several key reasons; firstly, she seems to be reclaiming her childhood, now that she can re-interpret, and make sense of it, through the lens of Autism - through her words I can sense joy and relief in finally being about to contextualise behaviours that she knew to be "different" and "strange" to other people, her mood swings and vulnerabilities. There is also a joyful sense of completeness, as if she is now finally able to clearly define who and what she is; this book is her fresh public reintroduction: here is Clem, neurodiverse and queer, and now comfortable in my own skin. And having met many neurodiverse people in her journey towards and beyond her Autism diagnosis, the final key purpose of this memoir is to educate - use Clem's existing public profile to increase awareness, and bust some myths, about Autism, and about the diversity of Autistic experiences.
Read it because it is entertaining, read it because it helps you to respect and empathise with neurodiverse and differently-abled people, which might, indeed, include yourself.
June 3, 2023
Insightful read!
Updating my review, because "insightful read!" is a bit shit.
I like this book, although I felt like a lot of it did not resonate as much as other books on the subject have. I also felt like the book was also a bit of a love letter to Clem's hometown area (as it was), which doesn't translate to someone reading it on the other side of the world and with frankly no interest in the suburban development of a bit of Melbourne.
So whilst definitely worth a read, and full of lots of references to studies and other writers, it didn't quite click for me. The chapter that was just quotes from other people had more of an impact on this way for me.
Updating my review, because "insightful read!" is a bit shit.
I like this book, although I felt like a lot of it did not resonate as much as other books on the subject have. I also felt like the book was also a bit of a love letter to Clem's hometown area (as it was), which doesn't translate to someone reading it on the other side of the world and with frankly no interest in the suburban development of a bit of Melbourne.
So whilst definitely worth a read, and full of lots of references to studies and other writers, it didn't quite click for me. The chapter that was just quotes from other people had more of an impact on this way for me.
September 9, 2021
Clem Bastow writes about her experience of being autistic and not receiving a diagnosis until she was in her late 30s. I’m not a neutral reader. I’m looking for insight, for understanding of autism so I can be a better mother and partner to my autistic family members. There are so many stories and observations here that I found immediately helpful and I’m already looking forward to reading over bits. I’m really impressed by the cultural translation work Clem undertakes, the generous way she tries to make autism accessible to the neuro-typical reader.
August 24, 2021
Her story feels so familiar. All the cultural touchstones of Melbourne in the 80s.
January 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It surprised me by how many times it made me laugh out loud, Clem's writing just felt so easy to read (probably because I understood mostly all the ghostbusters references) and witty. I also really liked how it went into parts of autism that aren't talked about widely and it gave some really good information on it.
March 16, 2024
Interesting book about autism from an autistic woman writer. You don't see the woman side of autism and adhd often in writing or films, so this was much needed. The book will need some getting use to, because of the different type of writing style with middle commenting in (), but it's definitely worth the read and gives a wider understanding of autism. I liked it a lot.
February 12, 2023
Got diagnosed last year; so special to read such an articulate memoir about someone autistic not only from my country, but also my state. Made me feel seen and understood; and helped me learn more about my own autistic traits. Thank you 🖤
May 26, 2025
Reading this book has changed my life!
December 31, 2023
The little dinosaurs as the section breaks! Each one is different! The whole book is just as great as that one detail indicates. 🥹
December 19, 2023
Clem Bastow narrates this audiobook herself and does a great job. The book is both engaging and informative. Diagnosed with autism at age 36, Clem reflects on her experiences growing up with the hindsight of their diagnosis. Although stressing this was their experience and not representative of all people with autism, there are a few stats and facts thrown in for good measure. The epilogue also includes the experiences of others. Highly recommended.
November 2, 2021
I feel like I have a few people around me who have discovered later in life, words to describe their life experience. Perhaps it explains struggles or difficulties from childhood through to adulthood. Why life seemed harder or different from others. How understanding neurodiversity as an adult puts your own history into context.
I've enjoyed Clem's work through media and social media so was really keen to read her book. She introduces us to the landscape of autism and capital A Autism. The differing personal ownership of a diagnosis. The book begins a little on the academic side. It felt like she was still in the grip of writing her PhD, evaluating autism through films she watched when she was young. She looks at stereotypical representation of autism in film and pop culture and how this impacts society's view. And unpacking the uncomfortable truth about Hans Asperger and the historical evaluation and treatment of neurodiversity. (spoiler - a bit horrific)
She explains echolalia and how she spoke mostly in quotes from the miovie Ghostbusters as a child. But as Clem leaves the safety of her weird port melbourne catholic primary school and heads to high school, the book begins to feel more like the memoir I'd imagined. As she relays moving high schools and finding it difficult to navigate friendships where you're the misfit. How her yet to be discovered autism actually assisted her to get a job in music journalism. Her struggle with education which eventually fell into place when she found what she loved. How abusive relationships and drinking problems defined her life for a period. There was one line in the book that floored me. While writing for Daily Life as a freelancer, she wrote about feminist issues. Sharing trauma she hadn't yet processed. 'Who was I without the all this trauma?'. And what do you write about if truama sells and you need to eat?
She discusses her move to L.A. and interviewing movie stars, using a unique approach (Vin Diesel is a D&D fan). Clem finds a great balance of story telling, self reflection and academic research. Her realisation and eventual embracing of her 'gender chaotic' or 'gender confused' identity and queerness is told with honesty and openess. Labels and identity can be a complex space to navigate. But Clem's book allows us a front row seat to experiences that might resonate with our own or those of people we love. It is a story of finding yourself and the hard road that can be. She gives space to other autistic people, highlingting the variety of personal experiences, helping us break away from stereotypes, and focussing on the diversity in neurodiversity.
I've enjoyed Clem's work through media and social media so was really keen to read her book. She introduces us to the landscape of autism and capital A Autism. The differing personal ownership of a diagnosis. The book begins a little on the academic side. It felt like she was still in the grip of writing her PhD, evaluating autism through films she watched when she was young. She looks at stereotypical representation of autism in film and pop culture and how this impacts society's view. And unpacking the uncomfortable truth about Hans Asperger and the historical evaluation and treatment of neurodiversity. (spoiler - a bit horrific)
She explains echolalia and how she spoke mostly in quotes from the miovie Ghostbusters as a child. But as Clem leaves the safety of her weird port melbourne catholic primary school and heads to high school, the book begins to feel more like the memoir I'd imagined. As she relays moving high schools and finding it difficult to navigate friendships where you're the misfit. How her yet to be discovered autism actually assisted her to get a job in music journalism. Her struggle with education which eventually fell into place when she found what she loved. How abusive relationships and drinking problems defined her life for a period. There was one line in the book that floored me. While writing for Daily Life as a freelancer, she wrote about feminist issues. Sharing trauma she hadn't yet processed. 'Who was I without the all this trauma?'. And what do you write about if truama sells and you need to eat?
She discusses her move to L.A. and interviewing movie stars, using a unique approach (Vin Diesel is a D&D fan). Clem finds a great balance of story telling, self reflection and academic research. Her realisation and eventual embracing of her 'gender chaotic' or 'gender confused' identity and queerness is told with honesty and openess. Labels and identity can be a complex space to navigate. But Clem's book allows us a front row seat to experiences that might resonate with our own or those of people we love. It is a story of finding yourself and the hard road that can be. She gives space to other autistic people, highlingting the variety of personal experiences, helping us break away from stereotypes, and focussing on the diversity in neurodiversity.
January 18, 2022
Clem Bastow opens her life to us as she deals with the knowledge of a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as an adult. Bastow, like a lot of women, was not picked up as Autistic as a child due to the fact Autism presents differently in women and girls than it does in men and boys. After a lifetime of feeling like she didn't quite fit in she sought out diagnosis in her 30s and in this book she looks back at her life and wonders what would have been different if she knew then what she knows now.
In the process she gives the reader an insight into what ASD is like from the inside. Sensory overwhelm, social confusion, work burnout from hyperfocus, gender roles, the risk of abuse due to not being able to read social cues, and how meltdowns feels from the inside are among the many topics Bastow covers in this articulate biography. She also includes short interviews with other people on the ASD spectrum at the end of the book for a wider degree of insight into the problems they face and the feelings they have to the disorder, the label, and the way they are seen and treated by the neuro-typical world.
I found this biography super interesting and it gave me a different perspective on ASD. I highly recommend it to anyone who has someone with ASD in their life and especially to anyone who deals with many people: like teachers, customer service, or managers.
In the process she gives the reader an insight into what ASD is like from the inside. Sensory overwhelm, social confusion, work burnout from hyperfocus, gender roles, the risk of abuse due to not being able to read social cues, and how meltdowns feels from the inside are among the many topics Bastow covers in this articulate biography. She also includes short interviews with other people on the ASD spectrum at the end of the book for a wider degree of insight into the problems they face and the feelings they have to the disorder, the label, and the way they are seen and treated by the neuro-typical world.
I found this biography super interesting and it gave me a different perspective on ASD. I highly recommend it to anyone who has someone with ASD in their life and especially to anyone who deals with many people: like teachers, customer service, or managers.
September 3, 2021
Brb giving this book to all of my friends and family to read to help them understand what it is like to be me. This is a Very. Good. Autism. Book. I am so grateful to Clem for writing what I don’t have the writing skills to write. I am grateful for the bit at the end that asks questions of other autistic people. And I’m grateful for the bit that the start that gives a short history of autism. And I’m grateful for the bits in the middle that talk about food habits, and workplace anxiety, and friendship/relationship struggles etc etc etc
Read this book, especially if you’re a late diagnosed autistic, and especially especially if you have someone in your life who is autistic and you want to know more about what that means for them.
Read this book, especially if you’re a late diagnosed autistic, and especially especially if you have someone in your life who is autistic and you want to know more about what that means for them.
January 13, 2022
Being a diagnosed Austic Person, I found many correlations to this book, yet as most all know with Autism, each and every person on the Spectrum has unique variances.
I found this book excellent and having written recently a book on the many domains of Autism and how to inter-relate with many on the spectrum: 'The Kingdom of A.S.E (Autism Spectrum Enlightenment), yet to be released publicly - ISB: 978-0-6453296-6-7, the awareness factors for the uneducated are certainly growing in education and thanks to books like this, will open both the minds and doors for not just those on the Spectrum, but those who are not in their appreciation of just how wonderful many on the Spectrum can enhance many domains.
I found this book excellent and having written recently a book on the many domains of Autism and how to inter-relate with many on the spectrum: 'The Kingdom of A.S.E (Autism Spectrum Enlightenment), yet to be released publicly - ISB: 978-0-6453296-6-7, the awareness factors for the uneducated are certainly growing in education and thanks to books like this, will open both the minds and doors for not just those on the Spectrum, but those who are not in their appreciation of just how wonderful many on the Spectrum can enhance many domains.
January 12, 2022
It is very rare for me to come across a personal memoir that so eloquently captures many of the experiences and thoughts I have long wanted to articulate. I love how Clem brilliantly synthesises personal anecdotes and general information about autism. While the work resonated strongly with my own experiences, this may not be the case for all readers so I highly commend Clem for acknowledging that despite some common autistic traits, this piece reflects the journey of an individual rather than purporting to be a comprehensive representation of all autistic experiences.
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