Hi everyone!
I just finished this great book about autistic women and autism. I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5!

I was looking for some cool graphic novels on NetGalley when this gorgeous cover caught my eye! This book is about autism and autistic women. I've always been very curious about how the human brain works. I had already read some articles about autism and the fact that usually autistic women camouflage better.

This novel analyzes in depth what it means to have autism and the differences between autistic men and women. It covers some issues in the tests for women. It also features 4 autobiographies about their lives and diagnosis. I loved hearing about their experience with the diagnosis. In fact sometimes autism can be confused with anxiety, depression.

The writing was simple, but with some technical terms. I loved the illustrations and Sophie Standing's lovely style! Sophie had already illustrate many books about forgiveness, trauma, anxiety and pain, so if you like her style like me, you should definitely check them out (you can find them here).


Ratings

Plot: 4 out ot 5
Illustrations: 5 out of 5
Writing: 4 out of 5
Interest: 5 out of 5
Diversity: 4 out of 5


Final thoughts

This was a lovely, quick and interesting read about autism and autistic women. I think everyone interested in autism, how gender affects autism or psychology should read this graphic novel! Even if you feel different but can't figure out why, this could help you (even if you should definitely ask a professional) understand if you, or someone close to you, have autism.

This short graphic novel is an excellent, aesthetically pleasing primer on autism, especially autism in women, which often goes undiagnosed. Centering three women as the primary sources in this non-fiction narrative, "Camouflage" shines a light on an often voiceless group in society. Informative, beautifully illustrated, important.

Sophie Standing is not a new name to me. Having done research on trauma in autobiographical graphic novels, I gathered all kinds of articles and books, including her collaboration with Steve Haines for “Trauma is Really Strange,” which is an essay on trauma in, well, comic format. The “Really Strange” series (Singing Dragon), also includes volumes on pain and anxiety, which I recommend you check out. “Camouflage: The Hidden Lives of Autistic Women” goes along the same line: informative, eye-opening, and gorgeously illustrated!

Since I was already a fan of Sophie’s work, I thought I might look into Sarah Bargiela before reading “Camouflage,” I was surely impressed to find that her research focuses on the experiences of young women with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“Camouflage” defines the terms for its reader, pointing out why there are fewer girls and women diagnosed with autism compared to boys and men, which – it pains me to admit – is not something I even considered. If you’re thinking she would be a female version of “Rain Man,” read this book! It’s not even close…

The core of this book is based on the stories Sarah Bargiela gathered doing interviews with three autistic young women: Paula (24), Ellie (19), and Mimi (30), trying to deconstruct labelling women on the spectrum, often dismissed by people as anxious, depressed, or simply shy, explaining how they tried to “fit in” by “pretending to be normal.” Whether it’s creative writing, crafts, or playing music, finding friends with common interest has helped these women to better understand themselves and the others to better understand their autism.

At the end, there is a “Further reading” list of articles, books, and websites, if you want more information or share the knowledge! “So once you’ve read it, pass it on!”

This tiny book is hugely important!

A fast and informative read about women and Autism.
It was interesting to see how women dealing with Autism have adapted to 'fit in'
How modern testing is not geared toward women because they have done so well at hiding certain aspects of themselves.
I would recommend this book to a woman who has grown up feeling different, but has not been able to figure out why.
Many women do not fit the Autistic mold and this book may answer some questions for them.

Camouflage is a beautiful mashup of images and text. This is an important book, well done, and acts as a wonderful example of graphic novels.