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A Different Sort of Normal
by Abigail Balfe
Published by Penguin Random House
ISBN 9780241508794
This is a fascinating read into the world of autism written by a self-described "sort of adult" who only found out that she is autistic after school. The book is filled with the usual typed text presentation plus Abigail's doodles and drawings. It is just the way things work for her. She gives a good introduction into the world of an autistic person trying to fit in living a normal life with the rest of the population.
Strictly speaking his book is named as for 8 - 15 year olds, but really as a much older adult (I'm not going to give my age away) I found it fascinating and informative. The author says it's a book for introverts, extroverts, mothers, fathers, people with extraordinary minds, atypical beings, teenagers, in fact for everyone. I agree, especially if you haven't interacted with anyone who is autistic before, or not understood how to communicate with an autistic person and what makes them tic.
Abigail explains the things that are irksome, the things that are worrisome and the things that autistic people may just not be able to cope with at all. She also explains why sometimes she doesn't have any particular facial expressions and how this can get her into trouble. Like the time as a child when she went to a pool party and thanks to a friend she was saved from drowning.
It written and presented with humour and remarkable drawings. Did I mention it's also for people who feel they don't fit in and how to find their place in this world.
Overall, it is a handy book for anyone to own, read as in the usual way one reads a book, but also to refer to in sections as and when you may need to. A good book for your home library or school library.
