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I really enjoyed this book. Eliza writes in a way that makes it easy for the reader to just get it - it feels like she is talking to you as you read and I found this style kept me engaged.
 

There are so many valuable tips throughout - for example giving instructions in writing rather than verbally, sensory adaptations, and most importantly asking the individual what support they need. As the book points out, this isn’t a one size fits all situation. There is a list of tips at the end, but they could do with being numbered (I think they aren’t due to the conversational style, but the book talks about how to give information and says written is better than verbal so it doesn’t follow to give the tips in a verbal style). Also the tips throughout the book would stand out more if in bold. Suggest buying a paperback and highlighting them yourself or they are easy to miss.
 

At the time of writing, Eliza says the waitlist for an autism assessment nationally is around 3 years. It will vary area to area and just to share how long this wait can be for some - it’s currently at 7 years where I live!!!!
 

I do have one thing would be remiss of me not to highlight around language.
 

People with autism have been identified as one of the priority population groups for targeting with suicide prevention interventions. Eliza highlights this in the book - it’s brilliant that she raises awareness of this. However… she uses the term commit suicide. Suicide was decriminalised around the 70s and we really need to steer away from this term and use less stigmatising language when it comes to talking about suicide. (I did feed this back which I wouldn’t normally do but its important and I loved the book and want to recommend it)
 

As above, a really good book! It’s engaging and full of helpful insights and tips. I feel like I just want to sit and have a cup of tea with the author and put the world to rights! A really valuable resource that I think would help many to understand and challenge stereotypes around autism.

Posted by Westcountrybumpkinbookworm  05.03.25

NB:  A note from Awesome Scribblers United. Out of respect to another worthy cause, the references to committing suicide have been changed to 'end their life by suicide'.