Recently, I reached out to the neurodivergent community to ask for their thoughts on my book. Specifically, I wanted to know if they felt it was okay for me, as a non-autistic person, to write about autism, and if the representation in my book felt respectful and accurate. This was incredibly important to me because I believe that stories about historically marginalised people should be shaped primarily by their voices.
I was fortunate to have a few volunteers step forward, but due to Amazon’s restrictions on gifting books to people in other countries (my volunteers were in the U.S.), I was only able to share my book with one person. That person, a neurodivergent reader and writer, generously took the time to read my work and share their thoughts.
I’m thrilled to say that their review was overwhelmingly positive, and I’m so grateful for their thoughtful and detailed feedback. You can read it in full on Substack: What is the Tangram Method?.
In their review, they wrote:
“The author has done an incredible job of portraying autism in a way that feels authentic and respectful. It’s clear that they’ve done their research and approached the subject with care and empathy.”
This meant so much to me because authenticity and respect were my top priorities when writing this book.
I wanted to create something that not only resonated with readers but also honoured the experiences of autistic individuals.
They also touched on the broader question of whether non-autistic people should write about autism:
“While it’s crucial for autistic voices to be centered in conversations about autism, there’s also room for allies to contribute—as long as they do so with humility and a willingness to listen. This book strikes that balance beautifully.”
This feedback was incredibly validating, as it reinforced my belief that storytelling can be a collaborative effort. While I may not have lived experience as an autistic person, I hope that my work can still contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of neurodiversity.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the reviewer for their time, insight, and generosity. Their words have not only reassured me but also inspired me to continue learning and listening.
If you’re curious about their full review, you can find it here: What is the Tangram Method?. And if you’ve read my book or have thoughts on the topic, I’d love to hear from you too. Let’s keep this conversation going!
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
