The Undercover Autistic

Whether you self-identify as Autistic, or have a formal diagnosis, coming to this realisation can generate a lot of questions and new challenges. In a culture where Autism is still poorly understood, and timely support difficult to access, this book provides a detailed look at the impact of identification and strategies to help. Here Leigh examines her journey in some depth, from euphoric highs to crashing lows. She knows what it is like to have lived one life pre-diagnosis and be confronted with a whole new perspective on that life. She understands the effort carving out a new path demands, and the time and energy involved in reconnecting with one's personal history. While she appeared to be coping on the surface, by the time she discovered Autism she had been overloaded by her use of camouflage and hypervigilance for decades. Working 24/7 to interpret and manage a world which often overwhelmed her, she carried a lot of negative baggage about herself which needed unpacking in light of her diagnosis. For Leigh, discovering other perspectives on Autism proved life changing. Invaluable concepts like: Neurodiversity, energy accounting, camouflaging, sensory sensitivity, and Autistic burnout, are often easy to miss as we try to understand this new information about the way our brain works. This book unpacks these important perspectives and techniques. Leigh also calls out the ways in which our culture and the dominant medical model of Autism undermines people who experience the world differently. Post-diagnostic support is often limited and expensive, Leigh's book shares lots of ideas which may help you move forward if formal support is not readily available to you. "What a revelation. When I was first told I was Autistic I didn't know what to do or think. Leigh's book is packed full of useful information and ideas. Her perspective gave me hope and the confidence to think about my diagnosis in a whole new way." Gail (47) "Leigh emphasises the importance of taking a positive approach, looking at our strengths first. She introduced me to concepts which have gone on to change the way I choose to live my life". Pete (36)