Late Bloomer by Clem Bastow

BOOK

A fabulously honest and self-aware memoir of an Autistic person who grew up not knowing they were Autistic. A non-linear retelling of their life to-date, Clem peppers the personal stories with lessons in the history of Autism (with references!) and explanations of psychological terms, theories and behaviours. They dispel a lot of the myths about what it means to be Autistic and reflects on what may have been gained or lost if they had received their diagnosis earlier.

Image from Hardie Grant Publishing

Douglas by Hannah Gadsby

COMEDY

As the follow-up to their now infamous comedy special, Nanette, Hannah Gadsby’s Douglas takes you even deeper into her life and mind, focusing particularly on their Autism diagnosis and what it meant to them. Their reflections on how their diagnosis helped them to feel more like themselves are beautifully expressed, and their retelling of past experiences through an Autistic lens are equal parts heartbreaking and hilarious. They do a great bit about vaccines and Autism too, which needed to be said.

Image from hannahgadsby.com.au

Chloe Hayden

EVERYTHING

In addition to embodying the Autistic fan favourite, Quinni, in the revamp of Heartbreak High, Chloe Hayden is a disability advocate, podcaster, author, vlogger, social media personality, motivational speaker and probably a whole lot of other things because this woman does everything. As an Autistic actor, her portrayal of Quinni helped to bring Autistic young women into the mainstream. As an advocate, she is incredibly down to earth and honest about the positive and negative sides of being Autistic. She’s also incredibly practical in her advice to both Autistic and neurotypical people. Chloe is the Autistic role model for young women we love and need.

Photo by Benjamin Hardwick

Yellow Ladybugs

PODCAST (+ MORE)

Yellow Ladybugs are an Australian charity with a global reach, run by and for autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse folks, and their families. Their Yellow Ladybugs podcast is a collection of stories and discussion from Autistic people about their experiences, and experts in neurodivergence. They cover some pretty heavy topics, but are all about affirming and supporting Autistic people to thrive in the world as their true selves. Their episodes directed at the families and friends of Autistic people are great to share, and each episode is accompanied by relevant resources. Yellow Ladybugs as an organisation is a fantastic Autism resource.

Image from yellowladybugs.com.au

Growing in to Autism by Sandra Thom-Jones

BOOK

A spin on the concept of ‘growing out’ of behaviours and ways of being, Sandra Thom-Jones recounts how her later-in-life Autism diagnosis helped her to ‘grow in’ to her true self. If you are wondering why so many women are only now receiving a diagnosis in their 30s, 40s and beyond, Sandra’s story is a must-read. Like many women, her diagnosis came about after the diagnosis of her children. Her experiences discovering and then advocating for who she is and what she needs has benefited not only herself, but her family, friends and colleagues too. An hosted and moving celebration of neurodiversity as a net good.   

Image from Hardie Grant Publishing

Bonus: Please Like Me

TV SHOW

If you find you’re in need of more Hannah Gadsby, check out the series Please Like Me, created by and starring comedian Josh Thomas. Gadsby gives a brutally good performance of a depressed woman who is very likely Autistic. No doubt drawing from their own experiences (I mean, they name the characters after themselves) the whole show is filled with people you don’t usually see on television. Neurodiverse people, mentally ill people, gay people, straight people, twenty somethings and the middle-aged – every depiction is treated with respect and dignity. As a result, yes, you do in fact like them all.   

Image from ABC iView