Autism in Heels

June 25, 2018
In this chipper memoir–cum–inspirational guide, O’Toole (the Asperkids series) documents life with Asperger syndrome, a classification within autism spectrum disorder. O’Toole’s primary audience is girls and women on the spectrum, who are often underdiagnosed and “camouflage” their condition. Her book aims to help them and their families and friends see autism as “a neurological, not pathological, profile” and recognize the gendered ways in which that profile presents itself by using examples from her own life. O’Toole details her own childhood spent obsessing over Little House on the Prairie and the Smurfs, tirelessly rearranging her mother’s nativity set, and pleasing adults but alienating other kids. As an adult, her Asperger’s left her vulnerable to an eating disorder and abusive relationships. Each chapter includes a synthesis of research or explanation of autistic traits, and references to her current work as a motivational speaker. She offers encouraging, if trite, adages throughout: “I believe that kitchens are for dance parties (and brownies). That there is no such thing as too much glitter or too many ‘I love you’s.’ That life is an endless feast of adventure and possibility and wonder.” Regardless, O’Toole’s compassion and enthusiasm are infectious.

Starred review from July 1, 2018
When O'Toole was diagnosed as autistic at age 34, she was relieved, rather than despairing. Finally, there was a reason why she felt so smart but so stupid. Why she could memorize facts but couldn't get to an appointment on time. Why scents, sounds, and colors were so distracting. Autism is usually considered a male disease; O'Toole speaks for the many females who haven't been diagnosed. Like heart disease, autism presents differently in women and is often misdiagnosed. Women are often able to keep their anxieties well hidden. O'Toole opens the world of autism to readers in this frank memoir, enabling them to understand how complicated simple actions can be when you're being bombarded by sensory stimuli. She talks of navigating life without a rule book, of misunderstanding social cues, and of facing bullying and abuse. O'Toole, author of the Asperkids series and an outspoken advocate for Aspies (named after Asperger's), doesn't apologize for being neurologically different. She contends that autism forges connections and perspectives that aren't available to the neurotypical. She is for acceptance, rather than impatience. This insightful, candid book, filled with memories from own her life and the stories of others, will be a lifesaver for anyone facing similar challenges and those close to them.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)