This is a comprehensive study of one woman's autism and, as such, it will be extremely helpful for anybody who thinks they might be autistic themselves or who knows somebody who has been diagnosed with autism. The book is also abundantly illustrated with—often humorous—examples of when Thom-Jones has not always got the situation right, providing many humble, but relatable experiences. If I had to boil it down to two key themes, the first would be that we need to stop seeing autistic people solely through the lens of our challenges and trying to ‘fix’ us so we fit in, and start seeing our strengths and valuing the meaningful contributions to society that come from our differences. Over a number of years, Thom-Jones realised she may also be Autistic, and with much trepidation, sought a diagnosis for herself.

In articulating her experience of the world as an autistic person, the author also helps neurotypicals to view ourselves through another lens. Growing in to Autism is a must-read book for anyone who is autistic, thinks they might be autistic or knows someone who is autistic. But from the inside looking out, she was struggling to make sense of her place in the world, constantly feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, and convinced that her challenges with daily life just meant that she had to try harder. A better exposé of the strengths autistic people possess and the challenges they experience would be hard to find!I think I would have been much kinder to myself if I had understood that many of my differences and challenges were due to my neurotype and not due to some fundamental character flaw or to not trying hard enough or being good enough. From the outside looking in, Sandra Thom-Jones was living a successful life- she had a great career, a beautiful home, a caring husband, two loving sons and supportive friends. This book is perfect for anyone who is autistic, wants to learn more about autism, or just wants to read an interesting story about a person discovering themselves and being totally human.

Doctors don’t cure autism, and people don’t grow out of it, autistics grow into autism, they learn to cope with the world their way. Readers may be inspired by some of these examples to help find their own supports and accommodations. Inevitably, in telling tells her considerable skills and successes as facts, the author comes across as boastful, as indeed her autistic son warned her. Her brilliant writing demonstrates a natural voice, powerful, fearless, experienced, controlled, and without inhibition.I think this would be especially helpful for those who are newly discovering their Autistic identity and those wondering if they might be Autistic.

The interview part of the diagnostic process was a bit of an eye-opener, so much so that I was really pleased to have my husband with me. A fascinating insight into how challenging life can be when one doesn't fit into many of the normative expectations and accommodations for 'neurotypical' people. This is an edited extract from Growing in to Autism by Sandra Thom-Jones, published 30 August (MUP). On the other hand, she lists aspects of autism that are an advantage in certain professions, like, as she says, academe.Here I was, a person with an abject fear of failure and a strong need for control, who had gone through school with the absolute conviction that anything less than 100% on an exam was tantamount to failure. She is also careful to explain that her experiences are not universal; each Autistic person has different strengths and support needs. The “social” me, albeit predominantly social in online groups that didn’t involve face-to-face contact, was obsessed with doll collecting, knitting, country music, and living in a world where everything was pink.

This book has the propensity to make visible that which was previously invisible and to impact people that matter to us, one conversation at a time. There are some bits I couldn't relate to as I also have ADHD, however this book was a good read and a great resource for other late diagnosed autistic women, and those around them. I thought everyone lived in a world where the lights were so bright, the noise was so loud, the clothes were so scratchy, the social rules were so confusing, the constant interaction was so exhausting. Professor Sandra Thom-Jones is an autistic woman, and the very proud mother of two autistic adult sons.Success and autism, it is believed, are mutually exclusive; if you have a range of support needs, then you cannot be considered successful. Lots of detail about the way in which the author experiences the world around her and the difficulties she has faced and have been exacerbated by her delayed diagnosis. Thom-Jones’ husband often provides interpretations of non-Autistic perspectives to situations which she finds perplexing. I would read this again, mostly to skip to parts that I really felt encouraged me in advocating for myself and exploring my unique ways of doing things.