Being Autistic (and What That Actually Means) - by Niamh Garvey (Paperback)

About the Book

Written by autistic author, Niamh Garvey, with lively illustrations throughout, this is the ultimate guide for 8-12-year-olds to learn all about what being autistic actually means.

Book Synopsis

You're autistic - but what does that really mean?

Welcome to the ultimate guide to understanding who you are and what it means to be autistic!

In this fully illustrated graphic guide to what it means to be autistic and discover the differences between sensory seekers and avoiders, why you might find some things super easy and other things extra challenging and even begin to understand and navigate all of your big (and small) feelings.

Best of all, learn what makes you totally unique. You might just come away with some cool facts to share with your friends and family!

Review Quotes

I absolutely loved this book. I think autistic kids will gain a great deal from reading this. It is strongly focussed on strengths and inclusion and supporting autistic kids to be proud of who they are. Highly recommended. --Yenn Purkis, Autistic advocate and author of books for autistic kids.

This terrific book explains what being autistic actually means. It's written with clarity, warmth and humour and the illustrations are exceptional.

A wonderful book that will help every child (and adult) understand what 'being autistic' means.

--Sarah Webb, children's author and book reviewer

An exceptional resource. Accessible and easy to understand, this is a must read for autistic children (and for everyone else!). Looking at areas of strength and areas of challenge as a point of fact, Niamh and Bex both capture and affirm autistic experience beautifully. I can't recommend it enough.--Sharon McCarthy, Neurodivergent lecturer, advocate, author and parent

An informative guide for young Autistic people wishing to understand themselves better. Written in Niamh's friendly and gentle tone, it's a safe companion for this important journey of self-discovery.--Claire O'Neill, Autistic author and teacher.

Being autistic and having a good understanding of your own authentic autistic self is as valuable a gift you could ever give yourself - and this wonderful, realistic, optimistic, artistic book is a resource that could aid you towards that glorious understanding of self that all autistic people deserve.--Dr Luke Beardon, Senior Lecturer in Autism, Sheffield Hallam University

This is a fantastic book; a perfect combination of Niamh's wonderfully clear, practical, affirming information and Rebecca's gorgeous illustrations. It is a must read for children and young people, and indeed anyone who wants to learn about autism and being autistic.--Dr Micaela Connolly, senior educational and child psychologist

About the Author

Niamh Garvey is an autistic author. She graduated with a Diploma in Autism Studies from University College Cork in 2021. Niamh is a registered nurse, and lives in Cork, Ireland with her husband and three children.

Rebecca Burgess is a comic artist and illustrator working in the UK, creating award winning published and small press work. Along with drawing comics for their day job, Rebecca also loves drawing webcomics in their free time. Being autistic, they are particularly passionate about bringing more autistic characters into stories! Outside of drawing and cuddling their cat, Rebecca also loves playing RPGs with friends, going on deep dives into history and growing vegetables in their humble Bristol garden