Autistic Experience

Jordan James is The Autistic Photographer. Having experienced a very traumatic childhood and early adulthood prior to being diagnosed as autistic, he is determined to ensure no child or adult experiences the same combination of disadvantages and poor understanding that he did. His photography has attracted critical acclaim, and he is building a platform from which to inform and empower other autistic people. He does extensive outreach work in schools and with organizations such as Autism Oxford and Neurodiversity Training International, and has appeared as a regular guest speaker on the post-graduate courses of renowned academic and autism expert Dr Luke Beardon. Marie-Laure Del Vecchio is a Swiss psychologist and psychotherapist who specializes in the systemic approaches as well as Emotionally Focused Therapy. She focuses on autism and helping people be their authentic self. She has also been offering trainings to medical professionals in order to raise awareness on the diversity within the autistic spectrum. She is affiliated with the Swiss Federation of Psychologists and by the Association of Psychologists from the Vaud Canton.

The authors have ensured that autistic people can express themselves in their own voices, which makes the writing rich and profound. The testimonials provide a better understanding of the sometimes-uncomfortable realities experienced by neurodivergent people in a world that is often not adapted to their needs. One chapter also includes advice given by the participants to their peers, on the one hand, but also to those around and to the medical community, on the other. A good read for anyone wishing to explore the myths surrounding autism and better understand the experiences of autistic people.