What I Mean When I Say I'm Autistic: Unpuzzling a Life on the Autism Spectrum

Annie Kotowicz

Oct 2022 · Neurobeautiful

About this ebook

In this intimate and insightful mix of memoir and manifesto, Annie Kotowicz invites you inside the mind of an autistic woman, sharing the trials and triumphs of a life before and after diagnosis. 

How might it feel to be autistic? Why are autistic and non-autistic people so puzzling to one another? How does neuroscience explain the spectrum of autistic traits? And what could you discover about your own mind—neurotypical or neurodivergent—through learning about another? 

Drawing on popular stories from her blog Neurobeautiful—along with memories never shared before—Annie Kotowicz has created a nuanced analysis of her autistic thinking, an engaging guide to autistic thriving, and a beautiful celebration of autistic brains. 

What I Mean When I Say I’m Autistic will inspire autistic people and those who love them, offering help and hope to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the autism spectrum.

Ratings and reviews

I bought the ebook and devoured it in 2 days myself. Definitely recommend it to everyone. Whether you're autistic, think you may be autistic, love someone who is autistic, or just want to learn more about the many, varied experiences of living as a human, this book is worth reading. I am much better at tactile reading, definitely getting the paperback, but I didn't have a hard time taking in the bite-sized sections via an ebook on my phone. I found it to be an insightful, relatable, uplifting, relieving, and perspective-shifting read. The way the book is broken up into short, manageable sections makes this an enjoyable read that is very clear and concise. Grateful for those who share their experiences with the world and for the magic of books: Connecting people Relating experiences Opening worlds, possibilities, and perspectives Revealing that you're not alone, revealing kin you didn't know you had.

This was a good read and helped with having a deeper understanding of Autism without being complicated, especially if you are late diagnosed like myself. A very useful source from the writers perspective. I highly recommend.

good book, easy to read and worth the time to do it.

About the author

Annie Kotowicz is an autistic author and advocate. After a late diagnosis at age 28, she created the blog Neurobeautiful to process her ongoing discoveries about autism and neurodiversity. 

Since then, she has become a Chief Technology Officer, Special Education Teacher, and member of Mensa. She is happiest when writing, dancing, practicing parkour, drawing Celtic knots, or organizing her cozy and colorful home near Washington, D.C. 

Annie is the author of What I Mean When I Say I'm Autistic: Unpuzzling a Life on the Autism Spectrum. She has also written articles and poetry for Edutopia, NeuroClastic, and Spaces Literary Journal.