It is a pleasure to read Rachel's autobiography for what it is, a sensitive disclosure of her life and personal experiences, viewed through her unique lense as an individual. I believe that it is always tempting for those who are neurotypical to grasp at a kind of "branding" or seek to reinforce sweeping stereotypes in an attempt to understand the autistic mind. Unfortunately, some fictional film characterizations of autism have reflected this tendency to create caricatures that include every "symptom" and possible quirk listed in the woefully deficient DSM-IV, all rolled into one person. So, I really appreciate and rely upon the publication of frank, honest memoirs of autistic individuals to tell their own stories as individuals. As an autistic woman, this is especially important. But what is so wonderful about Rachel's book is that it never gives in to that American NT need for a cult of identity. She is able to speak for herself and others with autism by merely sharing the many parts of herself so generously.
Rachel's life story and developing sense of self-understanding is viewed through the lense of post-diagnostic reflection, but without bearing heavily upon her process of telling that story. That is the point. This is who she is, these are the events of her life, and this is her experience. Autism is who she is, and knowing that does not change what she has lived and experienced, but can offer a clear way of explaining where she is coming from to those who are not. She does so beautifully.
Her stories of her childhood, her family, marriages and career path are both moving and distressing. We can appreciate her viewpoint as an educated woman, a mother and a Jew. Her childhood memory of breaking her piggybank to try to "bribe" her mother to prevent physical abuse was heart-wrenching. It brought me to tears, no mean feat. As an autistic women, I was able to identify with many of her experiences such as sensory sensitivities, the spock-like analysis of human interactions, bullies and a preference for communicating through writing. But I was especially struck by the commonality of the experience of shunning, following the misunderstandings and projections of others.
Her book is filled with all of the color and wonder that make our detail-oriented lives such a blessing, and she is able to convey this in such a warm and positive way, recognizing the small joys life has to offer. Now part of a welcoming community and an active influence in autism self-advocacy efforts, she continues to express herself in ways that foster her creativity. The courage of her active disclosure is a tremendous benefit to those of us in the workforce who are still on the fence. My hope is that her book will help inform others in relationships or at work, to create a broader level of acceptance for neurodiversity. Rachel and her work have had a major impact upon my life, and I am truly grateful for her presence.
