Wall Street Journal BestsellerWINNER “TOP AUTISM BOOKS OF ALL TIME” – BookAuthority.comWINNER “Best-Selling AUTISM BOOKS OF ALL TIME” – BookAuthority.comThe face of autism is changing. And more often than we realize, that face is wearing lipstick.Autism in Heels, an intimate memoir, reveals the woman inside one of autism’s most prominent figures, Jennifer O’Toole. At the age of thirty-five, … prominent figures, Jennifer O’Toole. At the age of thirty-five, Jennifer was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, and for the first time in her life, things made sense. Now, Jennifer exposes the constant struggle between carefully crafted persona and authentic existence, editing the autism script with wit, candor, passion, and power. Her journey is one of reverse-self-discovery not only as an Aspie but–more importantly–as a thoroughly modern woman.
Beyond being a memoir, Autism in Heels is a love letter to all women. It’s a conversation starter. A game changer. And a firsthand account of what it is to walk in Jennifer’s shoes (especially those iconic red stilettos).
Whether it’s bad perms or body image, sexuality or self-esteem, Jennifer’s is as much a human journey as one on the spectrum. Because autism “looks a bit different in pink,” most girls and women who fit the profile are not identified, facing years of avoidable anxiety, eating disorders, volatile relationships, self-harm, and stunted independence. Jennifer has been there, too. Autism in Heels takes that message to the mainstream.
From her own struggles and self-discovery, she has built an empire of empowerment, inspiring women the world over to realize they aren’t mistakes. They are misunderstood miracles.
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I felt like she wrote about my life! I am on every page! I can share this book with others and know they will better understand me afterwards.
The author was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. She explained through her own life experiences and years of research about the syndrome. She acknowledges boys are diagnosed but it has taken a long time for doctors to understand that females also can have it. Jennifer calls these girls Autism Spectrum girls. People without the syndrome are called Neurotypical. Spectrum girls are usually extremely intelligent but very misunderstood because of there challenges socially. Neurotypical people often take extreme advantage of this. It was sometimes hard to put myself in the place of a spectrum girl but I do feel I understand better how they think.
Very informative and insightful. Wish I had read this before I retired from teaching.
Very interesting, but a little hard to read unless you have some experience with
Autism.
A great text book for how to raise responsible children and launch them successfully and responsively into adulthood. Well done!
My husband has Asperger’s but was never diagnosed. It took till I was 70 to figure out how to work with him. Women with Aspergers have an even tougher time with different characteristics and little known about how they they see the world as compared to their male counterparts. It is an eye opening book which is very helpful for parents, spouses and educators. Much more needs to be written to help everyone.
Eye opening account of what it’s like as a female with autism and the struggles with diagnosis and perception. I really enjoyed it, although at time too wordy and I would have to skim, but she disclosed that possibility in the beginning if the book.
Too long
Very informational
This is a good read for those of us who grew up feeling different. When others judge what they can see on the outside, they miss who and what we are on the inside. It is good to realize that there are others dealing with the inner turmoil that may not match our exterior.
Not interesting enough to hold my attention. Didn’t get very far and didn’t finish.
More like a textbook than a commentary.
I learned so much from this book. I will try very hard in the future to be less judgmental and be more understanding when a person seems rude or mean.
I’ve looked for this book my whole life! Thanks for finally telling the public that we have great things to contribute to society and those around us.
A revealing introduction requiring further reading. I am like the autor in many ways, including hyperactive reading. I am rereading it and will work through some of the author’s resources. Thank you, Book Bub.
The flow is a little difficult, but that is because it is written by a person with a non-normative style of thinking, and the editors allowed her to write in her own voice as much as possible. Very interesting, good information, etc.
I am glad I read this book. As an autistic woman who is mother to autistic children, the writer has a special viewpoint. Her age and circumstances open a window of understanding that I have not found in other books. Definitely worth a read.
As someone with average intelligence and average looks, I found it hard to relate. I almost feel like I’m not fabulous enough for an autism spectrum diagnosis. I do relate to many of the traits she describes, and I always rate autistic on self diagnosis tests. I really related to her description of relationships, and how she knows that eventually she’s going to do something to piss people off without knowing what it was. Though I haven’t been professionally diagnosed, I know that I am on the spectrum, ever since my daughter, also on the spectrum, pointed out to me that many of the traits we share are ”spectrummy.” There were a lot of aha moments, but also a lot of moments I didn’t relate to at all, and that was disappointing. I wish someone would write a book for those of us women with average looks and IQs who know we must be on the spectrum.
When you read a book and you continually find yourself saying…oh it’s not just me? Well, that hits home. I’ve marked funny and entertaining because the author is both, but she also informs in ways that allow you to consume vast quantities of information and insight within a few sentences. I loved this book and what I learned from it is immense.
Autism in Heels open my eyes to the world of autism from the inside view. Jennifer O”to tells the story of her life and her quest to find herself in a world that doesn’t make sense to her. Her account is courageous and encourages us to expand our view of autism and to accept them for who they are.