This is a very clear and informative book on autism spectrum disorder. It goes a little into the history, a little into the story of some of those with autism, a little into what it is to live with autism, and a little into what it means to be part of a diverse community and have autism. It doesn't sugar-coat the reality, nor does it castigate the disability. Overall it is very well presented. ( )

Very good primer about autism and neurodivergence and how it intersects with every aspect of life. Well written and well organized. I appreciate how Garcia integrated personal experience into analysis and interviews without making the book solely a memoir. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that! Memoir is one of my very favorite genres.)

I recommend this especially for those newly diagnosed/discovered with autism as adults, and/or their friends and families.

Thank you to #NetGalley for providing an advance copy, with my apologies for taking so long to review.

Using examples from his own life and from persons he has interviewed, Garcia shows that neuro-diverse persons can be contributing & interactive members of society. There are no solutions here for overcoming the challenges of housing and companions that are necessary for persons with almost constant support needs. It does include a good example of one person who found a friend to be their companion, and of a couple whose support needs allow for being each other's support.
As a parent of an adult child with autism, I fall into the category of "people who try to control our lives", according to the author. The book pays little more than lip service to nonverbal persons (altho it is quite possible the author is much more accepting and involved in the full spectrum).
Just as Garcia's starting point, a lot of messages I received 20 years ago was "of course you would want to try anything/everything possible to help your child be able to live a full life", and while I had the good sense to avoid the more invasive and punitive procedures, I don't see what is wrong with nutritional supplements or dietary modifications to help some of the digestive issues that are often co-occurrant with autism. How does he suppose Baggs learned to use a communication board unless someone had made if available to them & presented it in a manner they could understand. One aspect Garcia is silent on is what medications or supplements or therapy do people with autism choose on their own initiative to use? What do they see as helping them feel better or accomplish goals? Or perhaps that is a pointless question, because his thesis is that they are all fine as they are.
This book is still good for helping neurotypical people to expand their acceptance, and just maybe, someday, decide they can be a friend with someone who is not like them. ( )