Off the Spectrum - by Gina Rippon (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Who comes to mind when you think about an autistic person? It might be yourself, a relative or friend, a public figure, a fictional character, or a stereotyped image. Regardless, for most of us, it's likely to be someone male. Autistic women are systematically underdiagnosed, under-researched, and underserved by medical and social systems-to devastating effects. In Off the Spectrum, cognitive neuroscientist Gina Rippon sheds light on how old ideas about autism leave women behind and how the scientific community must catch up. Generations of researchers, convinced autism was a male problem, simply didn't bother looking for it in women, creating a snowball effect of biased research. To correct this "male spotlight" problem, Rippon outlines how autism presents differently in girls and women-like their tendency to camouflage their autistic traits, or how their intense interests may take a form considered to be more socially acceptable. When autism research studies don't recruit female participants, Rippon argues, it's not only autistic women who are failed; it's the entire scientific community. Correcting a major scientific bias, Off the Spectrum provides a much-needed exploration of autism in women to parents, clinicians, and autistic women themselves"--

Book Synopsis

A cognitive neuroscientist reveals how autistic women have been overlooked by biased research--and makes a passionate case for their inclusion

A New Scientist Best Book of the Year

Who comes to mind when you think about an autistic person? It might be yourself, a relative or friend, a public figure, a fictional character, or a stereotyped image. Regardless, for most of us, it's likely to be someone male. Autistic women are systematically underdiagnosed, under-researched, and underserved by medical and social systems--to devastating effects.

In Off the Spectrum, cognitive neuroscientist Gina Rippon sheds light on how old ideas about autism leave women behind and how the scientific community must catch up. Generations of researchers, convinced autism was a male problem, simply didn't bother looking for it in women, creating a snowball effect of biased research. To correct this "male spotlight" problem, Rippon outlines how autism presents differently in girls and women--like their tendency to camouflage their autistic traits, or how their intense interests may take a form considered to be more socially acceptable. When autism research studies don't recruit female participants, Rippon argues, it's not only autistic women who are failed; it's the entire scientific community. Correcting a major scientific bias, Off the Spectrum provides a much-needed exploration of autism in women to parents, clinicians, and autistic women themselves.

From the Back Cover

"This timely and engaging book illuminates the history of overlooked girls and women in autism research, unpacking cutting-edge genetic and neuroscience findings alongside insights from autistic women and girls themselves. A vital call to action, it charts a bold path forward to revolutionize research, understanding, support, and outcomes for this unique population."
--Felicity Sedgewick, PhD, author of Autism and Masking

"Off the Spectrum shines a much-needed spotlight on the critical issue of autistic females being overlooked and misdiagnosed for far too long. This book is a powerful, well-researched exploration of how both science and the voices of lived experience must come together to bridge gaps in understanding. By weaving research with authentic perspectives from the community, Off the Spectrum offers a pathway toward ensuring that future generations of autistic women are recognized and supported--not left behind. It is an essential read for anyone who cares about fostering true inclusivity and understanding."
--Maureen Dunne, PhD, author of The Neurodiversity Edge

Review Quotes

Winner of a British Psychological Society Book Award

A New Scientist Best Book of the Year

"[An] excellent, state-of-the-art account of autism in girls." --New Scientist

"Off the Spectrum is important because it argues passionately and persuasively that autism is not a male condition." --The Washington Post

"Off the Spectrum shines a much-needed spotlight on the critical issue of autistic females being overlooked and misdiagnosed for far too long. This book is a powerful, well-researched exploration of how both science and the voices of lived experience must come together to bridge gaps in understanding. By weaving research with authentic perspectives from the community, Off the Spectrum offers a pathway toward ensuring that future generations of autistic women are recognized and supported--not left behind. It is an essential read for anyone who cares about fostering true inclusivity and understanding." --Maureen Dunne PhD, author of The Neurodiversity Edge

"An urgent read, necessary for parents, educators, doctors and, most importantly, autistic women and nonbinary people themselves who may gain solace and a sense of belonging from the text." --Bookpage

"Powerful." --The Telegraph

"This immersive treatise will enlighten anyone whose life has been touched by autism." --Publisher's Weekly

"This timely and engaging book illuminates the history of overlooked girls and women in autism research, unpacking cutting-edge genetic and neuroscience findings alongside insights from autistic women and girls themselves. A vital call to action, it charts a bold path forward to revolutionize research, understanding, support, and outcomes for this unique population." --Felicity Sedgewick, PhD, author of Autism and Masking

"With intellectual rigor, deep empathy, and a masterful balance of science and storytelling, Off the Spectrum reveals Rippon as a humble scientist, compassionate humanist, and effective knowledge translator." --Science Magazine

About the Author

Gina Rippon is emeritus professor of cognitive neuroimaging at the Aston Brain Centre, where she uses brain-imaging techniques to investigate patterns of brain activity in developmental disorders such as autism. The author of Gender and Our Brains, she lives on the Warwickshire/ Northamptonshire border in England.