Being Autistic

Being Autistic written by Niamh Garvey and illustrated by Rebecca Burgess is an excellent middle grade book for children and adults that is both informative and user friendly. This fully illustrated graphic guide helps the reader understand what it means to be autistic. The author helps readers understand the differences between sensory seekers and avoiders, why an individual might find some things super easy and other things extra challenging and even begin to understand and navigate the variety of emotions.

Topics covered in the book include neurodiversity, autistic traits, and other differences that autistic individuals may have (e.g. learning differences, ADHD, etc.). The book is written in a way for both older children and adults can understand which can make it a wonderful book for both home and school libraries. From my experience as a speech language pathologist, autism is often not explained to others or even the person themselves. This book can be a helpful guide and tool for both educators, families, caregivers and more! Being Autistic is also written by an autistic author and an autistic illustrator.