Is This Autism?: A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else

Though our understanding of autism has greatly expanded, many autistic individuals are still missed or misdiagnosed. This highly accessible book clarifies many ways that autism can present, particularly in people who camouflage to hide their autistic traits.

The authors take the reader step by step through the diagnostic criteria, incorporating the latest research as well as quotes from over 100 autistic contributors that bring that research to life. They also describe many aspects of autism that are not included in the current diagnostic criteria, such as autistic strengths and co-occurring disorders. Readers will learn about highly relevant topics, such as different types of empathy, sensory systems that are not well known, neuro-crash and burn out, and relative versus absolute thinking.

This book provides a deep, current, and neurodiversity-affirmative understanding of the less obvious presentations of autism. It is relevant to all healthcare professionals, educators, family members, autistic individuals, and anyone who is curious about autism.

Table of Contents

Part one: What can autism actually look like?

1. Our framework: The current diagnostic criteria
2. Reciprocity
3. Nonverbal communication
4. Relationships
5. Repetitive or idiosyncratic behavior
6. Flexibility
7. Intense or atypical interests
8. Sensory differences Part two: What else might be part of this presentation?
9. Common co-occurring challenges
10. Autistic strengths

The End

"Is This Autism? is a towering accomplishment, bringing together the state of the art of scientific and clinical insights into autism with the lived experience and perspectives of autistic people. Sensitively written, meticulously observed, and profoundly compassionate, this book will transform your understanding of autism, whether you're a clinician, a family member, or an autistic person yourself."
- Steve Silberman, author of NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity

"Is This Autism? is just brilliant – genuinely one of the best books I have ever read! Drs. Henderson and Wayland embrace neuro-affirming practice, bringing together their clinical and life experience to give a richness that is much needed within the medical and therapeutic field of autism."
- Barb Cook, MAut, DipHSc, developmental educator, Director NeuroEmploy Pty Ltd & NeuroDiversity Hub, founder Spectrum Women

"This book presents a respectful, rich, and expansive description of what autism really looks like across individuals. It provides an invaluable resource to help clinicians move past the often inaccurate, restricted, and stereotypical expectations that have historically limited an appreciation for the full 'spectrum' of this diagnosis. It is a must-read for all neuropsychologists as well as all who work with this population whether we know it or not."
- Kira Armstrong, pediatric neuropsychologist, co-editor of The Clinical Neuropsychologist’s Special Issue: Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders

"This book is a MASTERPIECE. The information is new, beautifully stated, organized, important, helpful. Just gorgeous. I love it very much."
- Carol Stock Kranowitz, author of The Out-of-Sync Child