Kirjahaku

What's it like to realise you're autistic? And how do you start to ask the world around you to accept that?From the outside looking in, Sandra Thom-Jones was living a successful life: she had a great career, a beautiful home, a caring husband, two loving sons and supportive friends. But from the inside looking out, she was struggling to make sense of her place in the world, constantly feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, and convinced that her challenges with daily life just meant that she had to try harder. In Growing In to Autism, Thom-Jones tells the story of gradually realizing that she was autistic, and that she experienced the world in ways which were markedly different from neurotypical people. This was a profound awakening – throughout her life she had been masking her true self and this effort had come at great physical, mental and emotional cost. Applying her skills as an experienced and expert researcher, Thom-Jones delved into the literature on autism in adults, learning much more than she already knew as a parent of two autistic boys.Part personal, funny, endearing and enlightening memoir, and part rigorous explication of the nature of autism, Growing in to Autism is a book for all people, memorably conveying the need for better understanding and ways of making space for a group of individuals in our society who have so much to offer.

From the outside looking in, Sandra Thom-Jones was living a successful life: she had a great career, a beautiful home, a loving family and supportive friends. But from the inside looking out, she was struggling to make sense of her place in the world, constantly feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, and convinced that her challenges with daily life just meant that she had to try harder. In Growing in to Autism, Sandra tells the story of gradually realising she was autistic, and that she experienced the world in ways which were markedly different from non-autistic people. Applying her skills as an experienced and expert researcher, Sandra delved into the literature on autism in adults, learning much more than she had already known as a parent of two autistic boys. Part personal, funny, and enlightening memoir, and part rigorous explication of the nature of autism, Growing in to Autism is a book for everyone. This updated edition includes a revised preface and afterword, in which Sandra reflects on reader responses, how the book has furthered her own growth, and the subsequent changes in her life. Reader feedback has also inspired a fully updated chapter on autistic strengths. In the words of her readers, Growing in to Autism helps autistic people feel 'understood, validated and less alone'. It also gives non-autistic readers a genuine insight into ways of understanding and making space for a group of individuals in our society who have so much to offer.

Sandra Thom-Jones has tried all kinds of work - selling flowers, tending bar, office work, university leadership. Along the way she has made some mistakes, had some successes, and learnt a lot about the barriers and facilitators for autistic people building a career in a predominantly neurotypical work environment. Thom-Jones shares her personal experiences and reflections as well as those of her colleagues, providing insights into the challenges and benefits of both being and working with an autistic employee, co-worker and employer. Autistics at Work is also informed by two decades of study into the autistic experience, and covers all aspects of the employment journey, from entering the workforce to senior leadership. Autistics at Work is essential reading for autistic individuals who are in, or considering entering, the workforce. It is also an invaluable resource for managers, colleagues, employers and employment professionals. This accessible guide includes tools and activities, and each chapter concludes with practical advice for autistic employees and their non-autistic colleagues and employers. We shouldn't be asking what jobs are suitable for autistic people, but how can we make this job suitable for this autistic person?

Embracing neurodiversity, Autistics in Academia amplifies the voices of thirty-seven autistic academics from around the world, unveiling their unique perspectives in academia. Sandra Thom-Jones, an academic and advocate, spotlights overlooked contributions, addressing challenges veiled by stigma. The book aims to dismantle barriers and foster a more inclusive academic landscape. Drawing on first-hand narratives, this work not only raises awareness but also provides insights into how non-autistic individuals can actively contribute to the success and enrichment of autistic academics. This book is an essential resource for those seeking to understand, support, and champion the contributions of autistic individuals within the academic world, and for anyone interested in building a more inclusive academy.

Embracing neurodiversity, Autistics in Academia amplifies the voices of thirty-seven autistic academics from around the world, unveiling their unique perspectives in academia. Sandra Thom-Jones, an academic and advocate, spotlights overlooked contributions, addressing challenges veiled by stigma. The book aims to dismantle barriers and foster a more inclusive academic landscape. Drawing on first-hand narratives, this work not only raises awareness but also provides insights into how non-autistic individuals can actively contribute to the success and enrichment of autistic academics. This book is an essential resource for those seeking to understand, support, and champion the contributions of autistic individuals within the academic world, and for anyone interested in building a more inclusive academy.