Growing in to Autism

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.

About the Author

Professor Sandra Thom-Jones has undertaken numerous research projects in partnership with the autistic community on the experiences of autistic people, and the knowledge and attitudes towards autism in the broader community. Her research won the Autism CRC’s 2019 and 2021 awards for research translation and the 2022 award for inclusive research. Thom-Jones worked in leadership roles in the university sector for over two decades, and is an honorary professor at the University of Wollongong. She works as an independent autism researcher and consultant.