Hear Me Speak: Understanding Autism Through Our Voices

Hear Me Speak: Understanding Autism Through Our Voices

This book is a compendium of narratives compiled by a team of volunteers at the Autism Society of Iowa [ASI]. Each narrative describes life from one of two perspectives: either an autistic adult or a parent/caregiver of an individual with autism. For the purposes of this book, the definition of autistic is based on self-identification. Autism Society of Iowa [ASI] worked extremely hard to collect the broadest and most diverse collection of narratives for this book. ASI solicited individuals from their adult autism networking group, parent/caregiver support group, monthly newsletter, and by word of mouth. Each narrative was printed as it was submitted with changes made only to grammar and format. Throughout the book, you will also see art and photographs from both self-advocates and parents/caregivers. We thank each contributor for sharing their story and appreciate their candor, honesty and vulnerability. Read their stories—hear them speak. Some photos, graphics and artwork may have been removed from the e-book version of, Hear Me Speak, due to formatting restraints.