Is This Autism?

Autism is not my primary interest, rather, it’s early developmental trauma. However, while taking one of Dr. Wayland’s classes on parenting challenging children, I noticed that most of the parents in the class either had children who were autistic or had adopted children who had experienced trauma. Many of the challenges with which some (not most!) adoptive parents like me and (some?) autism parents struggle are strikingly similar.I am also a researcher in the field of social science. So, the first thing that impressed me was the approach the authors took toward developing the book. They relied not only on research, but also on their own clinical experience and on extensive input and reviews from autistic individuals. This is a terrific example of community-based participatory research. Researchers are increasingly recognizing the limitations of traditional, western research methods as well as the validity of information coming from individuals with “lived experience.” (Personally, I don’t like the term “lived experience,” because all people have experience living. The issue is WHOSE lived experience we take into account; too often, it isn’t that of the population of focus). I appreciated the authors’ use of the straightforward term “experts” to describe their autistic contributors. We need to acknowledge individuals from populations being studied as having equal–if not more–expertise compared with researchers or providers (clinicians). One equity question I have, though, is whether autistic contributors were compensated in any way. This could have been a challenge, if the authors didn’t have any grant funding for the book (which may have been the case).The authors were intentional in taking an equity-based approach–another increasing and important goal in social science research. At the beginning of the book, they explain wording choices they have made. Many authors recommend using “person first” language (e.g., an individual with autism), to suggest that a particular characteristic does not define an individual. However, I think what really matters is how members of the population of interest want to be referred. Sometimes a characteristic or experience is a key part of their identity. For example, I have talked with a number of individuals who consider foster care as a key part of their identity, so they would prefer to be referred to as “former foster youth” rather than “a person who has experienced foster care.” Based on input from autistics, the authors often use “identity first” language (but not always, since preferences varied among the autistic experts.)In addition, while adhering to DSM and ICD diagnostic criteria, the authors clearly describe the many varying ways in which autism can present. It probably wouldn’t have been appropriate for this book, but I’d be interested to hear the authors’ thoughts on the diagnostic criteria and whether they think any should be changed. I’d also be interested to learn more about people who have some of the neurodivergent characteristics of autism, but who don’t meet the diagnostic criteria (again, outside the scope of the book.)Another important equity piece is the authors’ intentional inclusion of research on girls. In the past, most medical research has focused on White males (excepting research that was highly risky for study participants, such as developing gynecological medical procedures or learning about the long-term effects of syphilis; in these and other studies, researchers exploited Black people). Research that focuses only on White males can put females and BIPOC individuals at risk, if findings are generalized to them. For example, heart attack symptoms can be very different for men versus women. Relying only on men’s heart attack symptoms means that heart attacks are more likely to be missed in women than in men.The book is very readable–not too technical (or boring!), with many quotes from autistic experts. It is also very well edited–in part, thanks to detail-oriented autistic reviewers. Part one includes separate chapters on features of autism. Part two discusses both challenges for and strengths of autistic individuals.I won’t list the similarities in the symptoms, behaviors, challenges, and strengths that I noticed were common across people with autism and those who’ve experienced early developmental trauma (there were a lot!) but now I’m intrigued to learn more about WHY these similarities exist. (though I don’t think the research is there yet!) I also think it’s important to consider that many of the supports and services that benefit autistic individuals could also benefit individuals affected by early developmental trauma. This could be an efficient way to increase the quality and breadth of supportive services to more than one population.

Newly late diagnosed - I've found this book to be extremely helpful, informative, and easy to read. It's been an awesome tool to start learning more about myself.

I'm an Autistic therapist with a special interest in Autistic experiences, therapy, and assessment (meaning I've consumed a LOT of related content)--so when I find a resource that teaches me something I haven't encountered already, I make note! This book taught me several new things, while also explaining with clarity and compassion other bits I already knew, all in one organized, readable, research-supported book. Also--a must for me--this book is genuinely affirming and included actual Autistic input. That makes it one of my top recs for professionals and clients alike.I also highly recommend its partner book on diagnosis, even for laypeople who want to strengthen their understanding of Autistic experience or firm up self-identification/"self-diagnosis" or dispel lingering doubts about a formal diagnosis they've received.

Hands down the best book of its kind I’ve read to date. Perfect blend of professional and personal writing, including pertinent and relatable anecdotes. Best of all, the book is up to date with regard to current thinking about autism spectrum disorder in both genders. Lays a lot of anachronistic theories to rest. So glad I bought this book!

Wonderful wanting to learn more about the diagnosis in children. Highly recommend

I feel like this book gets down to the facts without a lot of fluff. And yet, it's not boring.

Is This Autism?I have had the pleasure of reading Is This Autism: A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else and Is This Autism, A Companion Guide for Diagnosing by Drs. Donna Henderson and Sarah Waylan. These books, and their associated training by the authors, should be considered the gold standard in texts on neurodiversity-affirming evaluations of Autistic individuals across the lifespan.Anyone providing Autism assessments or supports should read and follow the guidelines provided in these thoughtfully written works. Many Autistic individuals were interviewed and included in the process of informing the author’s work for these books, and they treated this process with the respect and care that the Autistic community deserves.To clinicians involved with assessment and support for Autistic and/or other Neurodivergent individuals (which includes almost all providers-- whether they know it or not), this set of books should be required reading to guide and inform your clinical practices.To my fellow Neurodivergent tribe, Congratulations! The mental health field is finally starting to understand. I also recommend this book to you; I believe this book will be an invaluable guide in your process of seeking identification or validation of your lived experience. This book will also help you to be a more informed consumer of clinical evaluations of Autism and Autistic mental health care and supports.--Neurodivergent Neuropsychologist,Dr. Jennifer I. Huffman