Firstly, I wanted to thank both Abigail Balfe for writing this book, and one of the psychologists who diagnosed me with autism for recommending it (if either of you see this review, hello!!!).
Recently, I was diagnosed with autism, and have been in the process of finding resources to help me further understand myself and my autistic traits. And no surprise, I have a lot of them (traits, not resources haha – unfortunately, there is not too many of the latter)! One resource I have found extremely helpful in those beginning steps of self-discovery has been the book “A Different Sort of Normal”.
This book a collection of information on autism, alongside lots of anecdotes on Abigail’s on experiences with her own autism. I teared up throughout the majority of this book, as it is so hard to find disability representation in media, and this book made me feel so seen. It also helped me recognise my own autistic traits, that I had not previously identified. The autistic community is so beautiful and lovely, and full of amazing souls like Abigail, using their voices to educate and inspire.
At the start, there is a dedication in the form of a beautiful poem. This is where Abigail mentions that this book is aimed at everyone, from autistics, to family members/ friends wanting to learn more. It is advertised as a children’s book, for readers aged 8-12, but in the book, Abigail states that this book should not be restricted in readership due to this factor, as she intended it to be read by anyone. Autism has no age restrictions, and neither should this book.
Throughout the book, Abigail address the ableist (and sometimes misogynistic as well) stereotypes faced by many autistic people, and I really appreciate her addressing this, and even mentioning her own experiences, as they are very relatable for so many autistic people, myself included.
In conclusion, I think everyone should read this book. It is informative and hilarious, and jam-packed with creative illustrations. It is an accessible resource for anyone wanting to learn more about autism.
Dorothy's Bookshelf 