Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum by Jennifer Cook O’Toole
Non-fiction suggested by Janice
from Amazon – An intimate memoir reveals the woman inside one of autism’s most prominent figures, Jennifer O’Toole. At the age of thirty-five, Jennifer was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, and for the first time in her life, things made sense. Now, Jennifer writes of the constant struggle between carefully crafted persona and authentic existence, editing the autism script with wit, candor, passion, and power. Her journey is one of reverse self-discovery not only as an Aspie but–more importantly–as a thoroughly modern woman.
Whether it’s body image, sexuality or self-esteem, Jennifer’s is as much a human journey as one on the spectrum. Because autism “looks a bit different in pink,” most girls and women who fit the profile are not identified, facing years of avoidable anxiety, eating disorders, volatile relationships, self-harm, and stunted independence. From her own struggles and self-discovery, she has built an world of empowerment, inspiring women to realize they aren’t mistakes. They are misunderstood miracles.