The Subtle Spectrum: An Honest Account of Autistic Discovery, Relationships and Identity

Am I autistic, or is autism something I suffer from? Should I come out, to my friends, to my family, to the people I work with? Should I drop the mask? How can I explain my experience to a neurotypical world? The Subtle Spectrum offers an exploration into the postdiagnostic landscape of autism and the transformative journey of one woman, from her awareness of difference, through acceptance, to an embracing of autistic identity and beyond as she questions the cultural identity of autism. Joanna's narrative is enriched with insights from a range of diverse contributors, creating a reflective opportunity for people to gain a better understanding of the experience of being autistic. With a focus on relationships built across a neurodiverse divide, the book considers topics as broad as mental health, work opportunities and abuse, weaving theory and research with lived experience to give true insight into the life of an autistic person, both pre- and post- diagnosis. Written with a raw and engaging honesty, this is a crucial read for anybody who identifies as autistic as an adult or teenager, or anyone looking to support somebody exploring diagnosis. It will also provide an invaluable insight for social workers, educators and relationships counsellors working with autistic people.

Joanna Grace is the founder of The Sensory Projects and works as a sensory engagement and inclusion specialist. She has been a special school teacher, a foster carer and a support worker for people with disabilities and neurological diff erences. She grew up on a boat at sea and now lives in rural Cornwall close to the ocean that she loves. Joanna is autistic.

Introduction Mapping Experiences of Being a Diagnosed Autistic: More of a Doodle than an Ordinance Survey Map Travelling from Autism Awareness to Autistic Identity Fragments of Difference Reflections on Difference Fragments of Awareness Moving Between Difference and Awareness Diagnosis The Report Blog Part One: The First Weeks after Diagnosis Reflecting on the Impact of Diagnosis on my Identity Blog Part Two: The First Months after Diagnosis Reflection Blog Part Three: Half a Year after Diagnosis Reflection: History Repeating Love Across a Neurodiverse Divide Reflection: Interoception Emotional Connection Pregnancy Special Interests Reflection: Recognising the Impossibility of Change was Crucial To be Identified is Our Pride Bibliography