Reading this beautiful review from a woman who has lived with an autism diagnosis for 15 years moved me beyond words. Her response captures the very reason I wrote Learning the Language of Autism — to help bridge understanding between neurodivergent and neurotypical experiences. Her words, “they will recognise that they are in the same world but look through different eyes,” echo the essence of the book’s message — that difference does not mean distance, and empathy begins with awareness. 

To know that the book brings her hope and joy — that it offers a sense of deep understanding and connection — is the highest affirmation I could receive as an author. Her expression of finally feeling “seen” and having “a language to explain” is exactly what I hoped readers on the spectrum would take away: validation, empowerment, and the sense that their experience matters. 

This review not only touched me personally, it reminded me of the responsibility we all share to listen with intent and honour neurodiversity. I’m deeply grateful to her for her openness, and I hold her kind words close as I continue this work. 

Here is her full review: 

“I am a quarterway through this book and am filled with hope and joy. The hope is that after reading this book people will notice and listen to those people who have Autism in a new way. They will recognize that they are in the same world but look through different eyes, hear through different ears, feel through a different skin, and taste with a different tongue. Children and adults with Autism will be seen like they never have before. As someone who has an ASD and feels misunderstood most of the time — reading a book that understands me deeply brings me joy. It makes me feel connected to people and gives me a language to explain myself and others who are on the spectrum. Thank you, Belle!!!!” 

Thank you, truly, for this beautiful reflection — it fuels my purpose.