Abigail Balfe

Growing up thinking she was different, author Abigaile Balfe learned at age 33 that she was autistic. In the meantime she had given herself all sorts of labels and masks.

But having learned about the allistic brain vs the autistic brain, she believes it’s important for those with autism to be proud of who they are and be accepting of themselves.

This book is written and illustrated with humor, acceptance and clear facts. Autistic people need to be accepted and loved for who they are; not just trained and masked to fit into an allistic world.

I laughed as I learned – including the humorous suggestion that when things get overwhelming, allistic brained people may want to try rolling around on the floor a bit to see how grounding and good it can feel.

Although the author says this book is for 8-12 year olds, there is information on sexuality that may be more apropos for junior/senior high than the lower end of the range who would be 3rd graders. For example on page 12 there is a roulette wheel of 11 different sexual orientations terms such as ‘androgyne’, ‘neutrosist’ and others that may unfamiliar. The chapter on puberty also describes the many variations of being instead of just ‘man’ and ‘woman’.… (mehr)

Growing up, Abigail had difficulties fitting in and joining in activities that many children enjoyed. It wasn’t until she received a diagnosis of autism in her mid-thirties that she began to understand and embrace her differences. Through her art and words she explores this in "A Different Kind of Normal".

It was a heartfelt memoir and self-help book (there are resources at the end.) Many of her experiences struck a chord and made me think it would be a dull world if we were all the same kind of “normal”.… (mehr)

This book reads like one of those awesome, long, juicy letters you might get from an old friend... Any other pen pal people here? It is written specifically for teens, but I think it makes a great quick read for families, friends, teachers or general humans who are trying to wrap their heads around the autism spectrum and perhaps people in their lives who have this gift. It is by no means a "guide" or scholarly article, but this is the biggest part of its charm. It's accessible and conversational- a book you can read through in one sitting. It is worth noting that this is a memoir, so its one single experience with ASD and specifically from a person who was not diagnosed until adulthood and is now looking back on their experiences as a teen and that all-too-familiar teen feeling of not fitting in and trying to figure out who you are. A delightful celebration of uniqueness and loving yourself!… (mehr)