A Different Kind of Normal - by Abigail Balfe

About the Book

"Hi! My name is Abigail, and I'm autistic. But I didn't know I was autistic until I was (kind of) an adult. This is my true story of growing up in the confusing "normal" world, all the while missing some Very Important Information about myself. There'll be scary moments involving toilets and crowded trains, heartwarming tales of cats and pianos, and funny memories including my dad and a mysterious tub of ice cream. Along the way, you'll also find some Very Crucial Information about autism. Important, funny, and completely unique, this book is for anyone who has ever felt different"--

Book Synopsis

In this joyfully illustrated memoir, Abigail Balfe recounts her journey growing up autistic and the challenges of navigating the "normal" world around her. This is a perfect book for both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids to learn more about neurodiversity.

When Abigail was growing up, she was missing Very Important Information about herself. The information? That Abigail is autistic! In fact, Abigail didn't know she was autistic until she was (kind of) an adult.

This is Abigail's story about what it was like growing up autistic in a confusing "normal" world. With entertaining anecdotes and funny accompanying illustrations, Abigail details her experiences and explains some Very Crucial Information about autism. And about neurodiversity too-- a word that celebrates the importance of all brain types!

Essential, funny, and completely unique, this book is for anyone who has ever felt different.

Review Quotes

"Heartfelt and insightful, this remarkable book has the potential to be life-changing, not only for adolescents with autism, but also for the people who care for them." - School Library Journal

About the Author

Abigail Balfe is a Brighton-based writer, illustrator, and creative producer. Original storytelling has always been at the heart of Abigail's career, and she has spent a decade leading social media campaigns for some of the biggest TV and entertainment clients in the world. Abigail also used to perform stand-up comedy and won several tiny trophies for her onstage humor, which involved life-size illustrations, ridiculous songs, and rambling stories about her family.