i looove this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i was diagnosed as autistic back in 2019, and was quite confused. as a child, i was very "naughty" and "energetic". i often got detention, and was bullied. i stimmed a lot in class, making me an easy target. i only had one friend throughout elementary school, which made it rough for me. when i got to middle school, i began to mask more.. stopped stimming, ignored the fact that i was having a sensory overload at a party and said i was fine... ect... i feel lucky that i got diagnosed, as i'm hispanic and a woman. but i think i should say less about me and more about the book... this book is written by an autistic person, so this is no "gluten-free diet autism solution" book. the author writes about a wide variety of people, not just white boys who like trains. one of my favorite experiences shared in the book is timotheus's story. he shares a lot about being an autistic black man, and his life in high school, which i find very interesting. i love how many queer people are talked about as well!!!!! another thing i enjoyed reading was alcoholism, drug use, and masked autism. once, my dad told me that what if many homeless drug addicts and such are actually undiagnosed autistic. i think he has a good point with this one. i also like how special interests are seen as something fun, and to be celebrated. i want to pursue the things i like, such as japanese fashion and geography (i really like romania), but i often feel like i would get criticized for it. this book has taught me that if you attempt to mask your special interests, you'll wind up very burnt out. this is because your special interest brings joy. thank you, for writing this book. i really enjoyed it 🩷🩷 from, manka

Informative and insightful