The Autistic Experience: Silenced Voices Finally Heard

by Joe James, Marie-Laure Del Vecchio

' My autism and ADHD are as integral to me as my sense of personal ethics ' --Lettie
' That clearly visible line for everyone else was non-existent for me, and often I was ridiculed '--Parnel
' Questioning authority? I was seeking clarification! ' --Loukas
' I hate eye contact but I do it in order to look normal ' --Diana

These are Autistic Voices, and this is  The Autistic Experience .

Curated by psychologist and psychotherapist Marie-Laure Del Vecchio, and the Autistic Photographer, Joe James, whose own experience of trauma drives his mission to create an inclusive society. This book is a brave, unflinching and ultimately optimistic collection of stories about life in the lens of autism.

Sometimes sad, sometimes funny, often shocking and always eye-opening, these stories from people across the globe explore all aspects of autistic life - from the earliest childhood memories to the challenges facing the autistic parent or grandparent. From school days to office life, from teenagers to those in their seventies, across all genders, from people who are homeless to NASA scientists,  The Autistic Experience  explodes the myths around autism and celebrates the right to be autistic.

Taking a deep dive into controversies like the 'causes' of autism this is, above all, a book that speaks to the hundreds of thousands of people both with and without an autism diagnosis who need to know that to live in a more inclusive, adjusted and autism-friendly environment is a right worth fighting for.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autistic Spectrum Disorder

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Painful, but powerful. Everyone should read this book. Understanding autism will make the world a better place. And that understand begins by reading, learning and being open.

[Skye-blu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book

Everyone should read this book, especially people who work with the public, be that children or adults. It's vital Autistic people are understood and valued in society. Autism training needs to change drastically as it's stuck in the dark ages and is nowhere near fit for purpose. People who are meant to understand autism have no idea at all. GPs, other health professionals, teachers, SENCOs, nursery staff... It's vital they all read this book as I've never come across any "professional" yet who has a clue about autistic women. Amazing book.

[Hayley Hobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a year since my autism diagnosis and this book brought me comfort. It was interesting to read about other autistic and neurodivergent peoples stories and experiences from around the world. I found a lot of it very personal and relatable.
It also provided advice for parents, medical professionals and school staff which is useful and beneficial.

I highly recommend reading this book especially if you are neurodivergent or know someone who is. A real eye opener and one of the best books on autism I have read so far.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learnt so much! Didn't know about stims or different autistic traits in women Vs men for example. Had no idea about pain thresholds or why saying things like "well everyone is on the spectrum" are so naive, unhelpful and even offensive. Very disappointed but not overly surprised about the general healthcare provision, misunderstanding and treatment of autistic people. Very saddened by the traumatic experience of many autistic people who are often victims of bullying, ostracism and ignorance. I feel like we have a lot to learn and need to get to a position where we better value diverse thinking and diverse brain structures! After all, great minds think differently.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an autistic person diagnosed at age 7, I still learned things from this. Everyone should read this book to finally create some sorely needed understanding of the Autistic neurotype

[The Bookshop Mons · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Interesting insight
- Positive outlook
- A bit repetitive
- Limited scope of the positive outlook

J.

[AD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. A must read for every parent, medical professional, teacher, senco. Insightful and packed full of #ActuallyAutistic people’s stories. Insightful and full of raw, emotional honest truth that everyone can learn from.

[Billy Kid · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You're not alone. I hear you. I see you. You're a valid person. Autism is an intrinsic part of you and that's not something to ever be ashamed of.

Lola, 27, England

Thanks Lola, it means a lot.

[Alison Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

Very insightful. So many people given a voice. Which gives a voice to so many more. I hope this book is read by many.