Autism female rates have seen a dramatic increase in the last few years, but has our understanding of autistic women and girls done enough to match? Sure, the public’s knowledge of autism is at its highest, however, this boost in our understanding is far from evenly split to increase recognition and spearhead support for those with double X chromosomes.
But while in the past I have tried my best to explore and explain the difference between autistic women and autistic men, there are simply some things my genetic makeup makes me less qualified to do. Thankfully though, there are many phenomenal resources out there which are and do. So, today, I would like to introduce you to my current 3 favourites of these female autism books.
[Affliate links to the books can be found by clicking the red links at the end of each review.]
Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism
‘Stop! Are you ready to know what it feels like to be an autistic woman? To be immersed in the lives of these women on the spectrum who have shared their personal experiences so vividly it will be as if you are walking in their shoes?’ – This is the opening pledge of Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism and, oh, how it delivers.
Spanning multiple stories from first-hand accounts of various international autistic females, Spectrum Women is a comprehensive guide to the ins and outs of female autism, delivered through an anthology of short memoirs, findings and the ever-helpful supervision of Dr Michelle Garnett (an autism professional who is waiting readily at the end of each chapter to examine any prior thoughts in a manner that one could only dream of when first receiving a diagnosis).
Featuring topics for autistic girls, women and parents of autistic girls and women, Spectrum Women is the perfect jumping on point for anyone looking to start their journey into autism and its omnibus of autistic authors always makes every chapter feel new, exciting and deeply personal – when sharing their vast array of knowledge on topics including:
- Puberty
- Gender identity
- School
- Parenting
- College
- Homelessness
- Mental health disorders
- Forming friendships
- Living independently
- Navigating social circles
- Taking medication
- Coping with addiction
- Hygiene (I told you it was comprehensive)
Of course, there are many areas in which I have boundless high praise for Spectrum Women: Its heart, its honesty, its wealth of different experiences and opinions. However, the biggest compliment I can give it (and pretty much any book on this list) is that its inviting insight made me (a shunner of all things non-fiction) want to read more.
Thankfully this wasn’t too hard, as the resources mentioned throughout Spectrum Women all but ensure that you are covered for whatever subject you need to know next. As such, my journey into an all-out female autism book binge began – which subsequently inspired this list!
(Find Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism on Amazon by clicking here)
Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women
Beginning as somewhat of a ‘my first autism’ book but then quickly gaining momentum and becoming so much more, Dr Sarah Bargiela’s Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel which warms readers up to the world of autism (and how gender plays a role in the condition) and then depicts, in glorious detail, 3 interviews with women who have struggled and shone on the spectrum.
Of course, the written content of Camouflage is impeccable in its own way but the first thing that grabs you is the stunning colour palette and imagery throughout. Sophie Standing did an awesome job on the artwork of this must-read and I can’t help but love the irony of how the colours’ pop in a book about blending in.
But Camouflage isn’t just awesome, it’s phenomenal (hence its inclusion on this list), there are brilliant moments when writing and art come together so perfectly that you can’t help but smile. For example, when the writing covers eating restrictions, the imagery depicts daily meals of boring porridge and then a woman in shock at the idea of a full English breakfast – demonstrating that it’s not that autistic people just enjoy the same foods, it’s also about consistency they give us.
Although Camouflage may be aimed at younger autistic women, within its breezy 46 pages, there are multiple moments which will make you laugh followed by a gut punch – covering troubling concepts of dating, toxic relationships and emotional manipulation.
There is also one use of the word ‘sex’ – something you might want to be aware of if showing this book to a VERY young autist. However, none of this ever feels inappropriate and every word is necessary to the lessons being taught.
It’s not often that I encourage people to judge by its cover but if ever there was a time, it would be when looking at this masterpiece of a manual by Dr Bargiela & Stranding.
(Find Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women on Amazon by clicking here)
Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World
Finally, If you’re looking for a book on autism in females and want to know, well, everything, then Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World has your back. An autobiography written by journalist Laura James, Odd Girl Out is a retrospective look at an autistic life – through the lens of someone who was late diagnosed and, my God, is it good.
Through perceptive accounts and consistently enlightening knowledge bombs, James bridges the gap between autism understanding and autism acceptance with every chapter, every page, every sentence. Turning what seems straightforward in nature into a winding journey between reader and writer, it’s incredible to be part of James’ acceptance of her identity and I have no doubt the book’s messages will help others on similar paths.
In typical journalist fashion (well at least good journalism), James has gone to incredible lengths to build on Odd Girl Out‘s personal, touching and engaging anecdotes by fleshing out the many stories with insight and relevant information from academics and advocates around the world including the legendary Tony Attwood.
Whether discussing the breakdown of a marriage or just what to wear, James ensures that every topic is given its due time and its meticulous detail charmingly invites you to understand James’ conflicted mind, making her anecdotes and experiences feel like an open discussion with a very close friend – something many autistic females may benefit from.
Odd Girl Out really does leave no stone unturned and its diversity of subjects is undoubtedly its greatest strength. While some may read it looking for answers to classic autism questions, its obscure but enticing topics, like how autistic girls cope in a post-Brexit world, will take that basic understanding to a whole new level.
(Find Odd Girl Out: An Autistic Woman in a Neurotypical World on Amazon by clicking here)
Carry on the Conversation
What books discussing autism in females would you recommend? Let me know in the comments below. And, if you are looking for autism books of a more fictional variety, then why not check out my Top 3 Books with Autistic Characters: 2018?
As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.
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Thank you for reading and I will see you next Saturday for more thoughts from across the spectrum.
