Fascinating, even if you don't have autism

I don't have autism (or at least I don't think I do), but I do have people in my life who have Asperger's (aka high-functioning autism).

My friends and family with Asperger's are wonderful, intelligent, often successful at work and sometimes have lifelong partners, but most people, including me, simply do not comprehend some of their behaviours or challenges. And in many cases, I don't think they even do!

This personal account resonates so much. I kept finding myself thinking, 'Oh yes, that's just what XXXX does', and then Laura often goes on to explain the WHY behind the behaviour.

So it's not just a personal account. It's also informative, helpful and, yes, the cliched inspirational. The inspiration comes from the fact that Laura learns to accept and deal with the diagnosis, and that both she and those in her life learn that just because people with Asperger's do things differently, that doesn't mean it's wrong. In fact, it can be often enlighteningly right.

This has certainly helped me gain perspective on my friends and family with Asperger's, but I also feel that it would help women who may not have Asperger's, but who have always felt slightly on the fringes of life, not quite sure why they don't fit in. So in that regard, it's not just about Asperger's so much as society's need to crowbar women into preconceived ideas of how women should act.

Thank you so much for writing this, Laura!

8 people found this helpful

A must read. giving hope for autistic adults.

most compelling brilliant read. i am a 54 year old female undiagnosed & searching for help. I know at least now, after reading this that I'm not alone & that there can be help for me in the big wide world. Thank you so much Laura James for telling your story.

6 people found this helpful

Odd women of the world

This is a wonderfully written book, a biography that is tenderly told and informative. Autism, for girls and women, is a tough one, not because we are autistic but because we were missed. Laura captures that so perfectly. Relating to people is a difficulty for us but Laura’s life is very relatable. Even if you’re neuro-typical you can really get to know what life can be like for us atypical folk.
My ASD review: well written and easy flow, intense empathy can happen but with balanced (wonderful) feelings of shared experiences.
The narrator, Louiza Patikas, captures Laura’s voice so well, she is clear and has an ease with the emotions in the book. My ASD review: Clear musical voice, not shouty or too high/low pitched, not annoying or nasal. Lovely way of balancing performance and narration.

5 people found this helpful

it opened my mind!

I listened to this book tas an autistic woman in her 50s. My life is utter confusion until this point, my drawers full of clothes I have no understanding I bought them the wishful thinking behind them. My boxes of jewellery hang untouched. My autism controls my life completely I make mistakes constantly and this takes away my future and my past. I read this book with clear understanding of seeing myself and it answered many questions, from my past. I carry on regardless trying to dodge the bumps in the road. We are not alone , I've learnt . I understand myself better and allow myself forgiveness for my mistakes. It's a Brilliant book, Thank You

2 people found this helpful

A Blessing ....

As a 55yr old, who is just going through the process of being diagnosed, this book has been a real blessing and an insight. I have hidden all of this from the world (thinking I was crazy).
Laura has given me moments of laughter and ‘ah-has’, others of tears and even more of ‘I can do this’.
Thank You

2 people found this helpful

Disappointing

Much of this book seemed too trivial,
personal and filtered through a textbook account of what female Aspergers is supposed to be. The writing style is journalistic, which is unsurprising , but it all seemed very superficial to me.

5 people found this helpful

It was okay

It s a bit mundane and laboured.
I no longer wish to seek a diagnosis as the author made it clear it’s not life altering.
This was helpful.

4 people found this helpful

Ladies, do you suspect you may be Asperger's?

Here is a mirror in which you will discover yourself. Well written and pleasantly read. Beautiful to listen to; it includes plenty factual information presented in a straight forward manner, although embedded on the story.

1 person found this helpful

Great for women who are new to understanding ASD.

Very insightful, would recommend to anyone who is new to austism, in particular to being woman

1 person found this helpful

Insightful, fun, easy to read,

I got into it straight away, have already shared it with my aspie son who is about to begin his journalism course, think he'll enjoy it