April 2 was World Autism Day, and April is Autism Awareness month (or Autism Acceptance month, as we are trying to move forward from just being aware of autism to accepting those who are autistic and being inclusive and challenging stigmas.)
Current issues
As 2024 unfolds, what are some issues that are particularly relevant to autistics? Some that are top of mind are:
- Diagnosis – I have had a number of adult friends and family members diagnosed with autism recently. Getting a diagnosis as an adult can be a big part of getting the supports needed. Self-diagnosis is becoming better accepted in autistic social circles, but practical and financial supports tend to require a doctor’s diagnosis. It is becoming easier for adults to be diagnosed, but there are still a lot of barriers.
- Mental health – around 80% of autistics deal with comorbid mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are major components. It’s vital not to just write off mental health issues as “part of the package” and to address them to the greatest extent possible. Another aspect of mental health is autistic burnout and overwhelm. The constant assault of a world that is too bright, too fast, and too loud can be exhausting. The constant struggle to battle physical and social barriers doesn’t end.
- Employment – the above issues and presumed incompetence make it especially difficult for autistic individuals to get satisfying and financially adequate employment. Differences in communication and social interaction complicate issues and employers may not be willing to take the time to learn about, support, and accommodate the needs of autistic adults. These are barriers to living independently.
- Acceptance, identity, and neurodiversity – there is still a lot of stigma about autism and other neurodivergence. We have a lot of biases and prejudices to push through.
Books
Looking for some books by or for autistics for yourself or the newly-diagnosed autistic in your life? (Or anyone who may be interested in some good autistic reads?)
- Adulting on the Spectrum: A Practical and Fun Guide to Building Independence and Thriving as an Adult with Autism by Samuel Cole
- Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum by Jennifer Cook O’Toole, author of Asperkids
- Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman – one of my favourites!
Better support
How can you and I support the autistics in our lives and social circles?
- Presume competence – treat autistics as capable individuals
- Communication styles – find out preferred communication styles and respect boundaries – some prefer face-to-face communication, some prefer time to read and think about it, and many other variations
- Sensory awareness – be mindful of sensory stimuli and sensitivities – ask about ways to accommodate sensory issues. Every person is different
- Inclusion – promote inclusive spaces and workplaces and amplify autistic voices
And more books
How about some fiction including autistic and neurodiverse characters?
His Hands Were Quiet
He’s better off dead anyway.
Hired to investigate the death of an autistic boy in a treatment facility, PI Zachary Goldman is concerned about the therapies he sees there. While he is assured that the children there are not actually being hurt, his investigation leads to the discovery of even deeper institutional abuses.
Battling the ghosts of his own past, Zachary fights to uncover the facility’s dark secrets and to get as many children as he can out of harm’s way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The way that PD Workman showed the autistic perspective in contrast to the mainstream views about us was lovely. I appreciated it more than I can express in words. She did thorough research on multiple sides of the issue and it shows. She gives multiple autistic perspectives, not just one, and the way they were presented brought me to tears multiple times … The story itself was a solid mystery with many exciting twists and turns along the way. Even if I wasn’t personally invested in the topic (being autistic myself and having autistic children), I still would’ve enjoyed it as a mystery. I’m extremely likely to pick up more of her books now that I’ve read this one!
Zachary Goldman, Private Investigator, is flawed with a capital F. Shattered by the tragedies of his own life, he will somehow still manage to pick himself up and dig just a little bit deeper than anyone else to find the vital clues.
Maybe being broken makes it easier for others who have faced tragedy to trust him. Walk with Zachary as he solves cases that will stretch his abilities to the limit.
Even with his own life in shambles, Zachary Goldman is still the one you want on the case.
Investigate this P.I. mystery now!
Make it a bundle:
The way that PD Workman showed the autistic perspective in contrast to the mainstream views about us was lovely. I appreciated it more than I can express in words. She did thorough research on multiple sides of the issue and it shows. She gives multiple autistic perspectives, not just one, and the way they were presented brought me to tears multiple times … The story itself was a solid mystery with many exciting twists and turns along the way. Even if I wasn’t personally invested in the topic (being autistic myself and having autistic children), I still would’ve enjoyed it as a mystery. I’m extremely likely to pick up more of her books now that I’ve read this one!
Toxo
Caleb, an autistic teen is mistakenly arrested.
Bad turns to worse when he is then apprehended from his family by DFS.
His mother could never have predicted the chain of events in a million years.
In trying to protect him, DFS has actually put Caleb in harm’s way.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”Yet another winner for PD Workman. I’m amazed that this lady isn’t acknowledged more. She writes about very serious subjects and is an advocate for mental health.”
Once again, Gabriel and Renata have teamed up to right injustice and to get Caleb to safety. But Andrew Searle is on the case, and it’s his job to see that they don’t succeed and that Caleb remains in foster care.
Ripped from the headlines, you won’t want to miss this intriguing plot!
Just like every other P.D. Workman book I’ve ever read, the gritty, raw realism of Toxo does an absolutely incredible job of taking my breath away.
Britt, Goodreads reviewer
Virtually Harmless
From award-winning and USA Today Bestselling Author, P.D. Workman
Micah lived a quiet, comfortable life, her involvement in law enforcement limited to the composite pictures that she produced with her computer and colored pencils.
But everything is turned upside down when she involves herself in the case of an infant found abandoned in the Sweetgrass Hills.
With the help of her knowledge of DNA and law enforcement contacts across the country, Micah is closing in on a killer. But her investigation draws the killer’s attention, and she finds herself in the middle of an operation that could mean the end of her career—or worse, her life.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This cosy thriller with a neurodivergent, aro-ace MC will keep you turning the pages long after you should have logged into your day job. Oops.
Love CSI and other forensic mysteries? Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author brings you this fresh new nail-biter for your next read.
Join Micah as she picks up her pencils and starts on a new case.
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“P. D. Workman has outdone herself with this riveting techno-thriller featuring Micah Miller, a forensic artist specializing in composite renderings based on forensic DNA phenotyping … This book offers plenty of thrills, chills, suspense and white-knuckled tension as the plot unfolds and it kept me turning pages until late into the night. The story is clean and well-written, the plot is fascinating, the pace is relentless and the characters are realistic and relatable. I highly recommend this absorbing and thoroughly enjoyable thriller to anyone who favors CSI, NCIS, Cold Case, Forensic Files or any high-tech inspired crime-solving theme.”
—Kim, Goodreads reviewer
