Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I smiled and cried and felt my heart grow three sizes. I felt seen while reading this graphic novel. As a self-diagnosed autistic person, I have struggled with feeling valid in so many of my feelings, as I think most of us have. The forty artists in this anthology are all amazing people with so many great things to say, in both advice and support. If you are autistic or questioning, read this anthology! And if you're not, if you're neurotypical, then please read it! It will help everyone to understand a lot more about autism.

I'll be purchasing a copy of this graphic novel for myself - so that I can have it as a reminder to myself to be open and supportive to everyone (including myself!) and so that I can show it to the people around me to help them understand me better. Thank you to every one of those artists for putting this collection together!

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free comic anthology*

"Sensory: Life on the Spectrum" is an anthology of short comics by people with autism for people with autism (and allistics). I believe that I am not autisitic, though I have ADHD and many symptoms overlap, plus I have many friends who are on the spectrum. The comics are sweet, easy to understand, and very valuable. I learned so so so much! They're a mixture of self-help, self-discovery, self-love, and overall just feeling seen and understood. The spectrum is so wide and the comic does a great job trying to cover at least some nuances of what it can mean to be a person with autism.

#actuallyautistic people writing about autism is very important (#ownvoices), which is why this comic anthology is incredibly valuable.

5 Stars

Thank you so so much to all the people that contributed to this anthology! I’ve been researching autism for awhile now, especially trying to find out more about females on the spectrum. This book and Jennifer O’Toole’s book Autism in Heels has helped me feel seen and not alone. I related to most of all these stories and it helped me put my feelings into words. And boy was I surprised when I checked off every single thing on the checklist in Autism in Heels as well! Growing up in the 90s and being female, I never got a diagnosis but with the help of books like this, it helps me to understand what is essentially “wrong” with me and why I never could fit in. Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this in return for an honest review!

This comic book anthology featuring 40 artists who actually are on the spectrum is so heartwarming and informative! Not every person with autism is the same and I'm so glad they're able to share their voices and through this also make information more accessible, for those who are and aren't on the spectrum. While not every illustration style is my favorite I really liked the range of the topics each comic covers. Bottom line: I wish everybody in the world would read this!

“Sensory: Life On The Spectrum” is one of those gems that belongs on every bookshelf. Featuring 40 autistic artists sharing their lived experiences and wisdom, the comics in this anthology range from the informative to the cathartic.

As a woman with ADHD, this book honestly had me feeling affirmed in so many ways, as ADHD and autism share many of the same symptoms. Alice Williams’s “Cover For Me”, for example, tackled the topic of “masking” in such a powerful way that I found myself tearing up.

And there is so much valuable advice to be found throughout, in pieces like Tea’s “Tips For Autistic Adult Life” and Bex Ollerton’s “Masking And Mirroring”.

The wide range of art styles seen in this anthology is a real treat, and helps make it accessible for young readers— who are quite likely to walk away from this book feeling empowered to share their stories through comics.

I am excited to see what Bex Ollerton and this fabulous group of artists all do next!

I feel honored to have been able to read an advanced readers’ copy of this book— all opinions are my own.

as an adult that has been recently diagnosed with ASD, this book was amazing to read, is good to hear similar experiences from other people

This collection of comics is from a range of artists who are all actually autistic. They discuss a wide range of topics; some will be more useful for autistic readers and others will be more useful for neurotypical readers. A lot of information about autism isn't written by autistic people, so it's great to be able to hear from a wide range of autistic people in just one book. I also liked that they give some websites and advice for further research.

Very different and insightful of the emotions that those on the spectrum have when they tell others they are on the spectrum.
Also had no clue about the origin of the name Autism.

Before anything I just want to thank all the artists who put their time and resources into making this. Explaining what it's like with autism is hard (I know because I too am autistic) and to make it that palatable for non autistic people is basically magic. You are all fantastic.

ANYWAYS, also as an autistic person, I gotta say this is ACCURATE. Not every autistic person is the same, but a lot of us go through extremely similar scenarios, and I felt that in this book. I identified with so much of this, with made me feel less alone.

About the actual book - it was originally just individual comics for Disability Pride month, and I'm really glad they put them all together into a book. To have that many autistic voices in one space is amazing. The comics are short, so you don't have to commit to long chapters and such, and they don't all focus on super negative, they give so so much to think about the autistic experience.

The different art styles make it really easy to see where one comic starts and another starts, and while they aren't all my favourite art styles, they're all unique and tell the artists stories so well.

This book is a guarenteed accept on Netgalley (at the time of this review, that is where I got it). I highly recommend anyone interested in autism at all go read it!

Sensory: Life on the Spectrum edited by Rebecca (Bex) Ollerton is "a Comics Anthology featuring comics from autistic creators about their experiences of living in a world that doesn't always understand or accept them."

Neurodivergence is the term used when describing the difference in the way "someone's brain can process, learn, and/or behave differently from the norm. "Autism is so misunderstood, it can feel lonely at times...it doesn't have to be that way."

Thoughts and feelings of some of the comic creators of this graphic novel:

"Being non-verbal is just one trait that can exist in a person's autism 'soup.' And just like ingredients in soup, there's many different traits and amounts of each in an individual."

"Art has been my best coping mechanism. I've never had much confidence in my words and still struggle sometimes...So I'm happy that I have this way to express myself."

"Sometimes it feels like I'm a bridge apart from everyone. I don't seem to think the same as them or act the same...Nowhere felt like home."

"...I wish you knew about masking...How much conscious effort [is needed] to mirror your speech and body language."

"Autistic fatigue is very real and sensory overload, masking and stress can all cause it."

[There are] "Misconceptions that autistic people are rigid or unfeeling through the way we express ourselves and our emotions may vary [from what you are used to]"

Before having read this excellent, heartfelt and detailed tome on autism, I had watched a 16 part Korean television series, "Extraordinary Attorney Woo". Woo Young-woo is a lawyer with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who works for a large law firm. She has an encyclopedic command of the law, having memorized everything she has ever read. She uses unique and creative strategies to win court cases, a result of thinking outside the box. A series about a fictitious autistic lawyer begs comparison to the written words and beautiful graphic illustrations expressed in this anthology.

Quotes from Extraordinary Attorney Woo:

"Anxiety can be relieved if pressure is put on the body during sensory overload."
**Pressure therapy can be very soothing. This can be done with a tight hug. Sound cancelling headphones can reduce ambient noise. Attorney Woo wears headphones every day while traveling to work.

"My name is Woo Young-woo. Whether it's read straight or flipped, it's still Woo Young-woo. Kayak, deed, rotator, noon, racecar. Woo Young-woo."
**Repetitive behavior also includes the rituals Attorney Woo must complete before entering a doorway.

"You keep popping into my head like whales. Even though you're not one."
**Whales are a special interest to Attorney Woo. Interjecting dialogue about whales at inappropriate times must be channeled. Whales can only be discussed at lunchtime. Social interactions need to be coached, and will be, by some supportive friends and co-workers.

There will always be naysayers promoting a false narrative, listing shortcomings of the series. However, I'm thankful that Extraordinary Attorney Woo adds to the conversation, bringing more public awareness to ASD.

Autism is a different way of thinking and experiencing life. This comics anthology was written for autistic readers and to promote a better understanding of life on the spectrum. It is an exemplary, informative read. Highly recommended.

Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this comic.

40 different autistc artist made an anthology about having autism and living with ASD and it's such a good and informative read. I recognized a some of the tools described in some of the stories to prevent anxiety attacks etc and I only wished I've seen this comic when I was younger.
Some of the stories hit home more than others, but that is only to be expected. All of them are important and I really reccommend reading all of them to educate and help understand the people and the diagnosis in it self.

If my anxiety would let me, I’d want to shout about this book from the rooftops. I’d want to hand a copy to every single person that has ever encountered me. – and I mean everyone. Friends, family, definitely my employer. Past employers. Ex friends, ex husband, EVERYONE. Including that woman that sold me a copy of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the other week. The one who looked rather taken aback as I excitedly told her that she had just sold me my 14th copy of the book, and how I collect different editions. She laughed at me and said “bless you”, her tone quite patronising. I was with my mum, so she probably thought she was my carer. It took me years to figure out why people say bless you when you haven’t sneezed. It is one of those terms that I have Googled numerous times, to try and understand the other ways that it is used.

That woman, in our small encounter, probably formed an opinion of my that isn’t correct. It happens a lot. I once had a work colleague ask me about living with my mum. They were rather surprised when they discovered I am 32 years old, live in my own home with my two children. It may not always be obvious when you meet me, but I am a fully functioning intelligent adult. I do require support at times, that is true. I felt it was needed to add in that I’m intelligent. – because people often talk down to me, and underestimate my capabilities.

I’m sorry for waffling there! Back to the book!

Sensory, life on the spectrum is an anthology book, short comic book stories told by different writers and artists of their own experiences with being on the spectrum. Every story within this gem of a book is very relatable to me. In fact, believe it or not.. I sometimes struggle to put what I want to say into word. This doesn’t happen when I write, only when I talk. I’m a good writer, terrible speaker. Many of the stories I found were able to put many of my feelings into words, when I haven’t been able to. It is one of the reads that has made me feel excepted, made me feel that I’m not alone. The book also contains some coping strategies and advice on coping with ASD as an adult.

I did receive an eBook of this book to review, however I have been so blown away with how brilliantly done it is, that I’ve pre-ordered myself a copy and will be telling everyone who will listen to read it.

Well done to everyone who worked on this book. You’ve created something amazing


moodywritesabouteverything.art.blog
Link to blog review will be shared on my social media accounts
Review will also be posted to Amazon & Waterstones

ASD is such an interesting “disorder” and although I’ve never been diagnosed, I still highly related to the stories in this. Autism is not a bad thing to have and this definitely proves it. The artwork from all these authors and artists is absolutely beautiful and their stories made me feel so many different emotions. Happiness, sadness, excitement, worrisome, understanding, etc. This is truly eye opening and very light hearted which I think is perfect for anyone wanting to know more about ASD or how those who are diagnosed live their everyday lives.

I’ve always wondered if I may has ASD but never felt the need to get a professional medical opinion on the matter. Simply for the fact that I am content with not knowing and can feel comfort knowing I am different than the average person. Almost every story in this is relatable to me in some way which is awesome because I know I’m not alone!

I recommend everyone giving this a read! It’s very quick, engaging, beautiful, and very educational. 5/5 stars.

This ebook was provided by NetGalley.

I don't have ASD diagnosis however this felt validating. I do believe I have ADHD but due to various factors, I cannot get a diagnosis and this book validated me more than anything else could. Nobody knows your brain better than you do. It's like someone took time to listen to me and promise me that everything is okay and I am not weird. We need more stuff like this on our shelves. More books to help young and older people feel seen and loved.

And I loved seeing how the style of each artist is so different and unique, I just love it.

I loved this book so much I could scream. I am not autistic, but I am neurodivergent (ADHD) and even though autism and ADHD are not the same thing, I felt so seen and validated while reading this book. The artwork, the stories, the tips on how to navigate the world as a neurodivergent person were all invaluable. I am so happy I read this book.

This was a lovely little comic about what it's like to be autistic from autistic artists. Like most anthologies, I found that I liked some stories more than others, and in this case some art more than others. And while some of the comics became repetitive after a while, overall this was a good book for anyone wanting validation in their experiences with ASD.

First off, I'm definitely buying a physical copy of this book when it comes out. I have a similar compendium of gay comics and this compendium of autistic comics is its perfect twin. While I don't have the diagnosis, I strongly identify with pretty much all the experiences, concepts, and behaviors expressed in this book. I was so delighted to learn that how self-diagnosis is accepted by most of the community...and horrified to learn about the origins of "Asperger's"! I found the Tips for Autistic Adult Life to be very helpful, and the concept of Autistic Burnout to be the best description and explanation of my sensory overload tantrums. I'm amazed at how one book has managed to be entertaining, humorous, cute, informative, and inspiring all at once. I can only hope this book will be as interesting to allistic readers as it is to the autistic community!

40 different autistic artists made comics for this anthology, about being autistic (diagnosis, struggles, coping mechanisms, prejudice etc.). It was interesting to see the different art-styles, and as an autistic person myself, it was interesting to hear how others describe their experience. Some of the stories were so close to being my own, I almost thought I had written them and forgotten about it

🍎Teacher’s Corner🍎

Rebecca Ollerton’s “Sensory: Life on the Spectrum” is a comic book anthology featuring the work of forty Autistic authors. This book came together out of a desire to share the experiences and perspectives of Autistic people in their own words and through their art. Short, vibrant, and well-drawn comics highlight the challenges of being Autistic and Neurodivergent in a Neurotypical world. Authors explore and explain concepts such as masking, sensory overload, stimulation and stimming behaviours, communication, and coping mechanisms, among others. This collective, diverse in more than its neurodivergence, features voices from different minority groups.

⭐️This is an excellent book for people who have been recently diagnosed as autistic, and will help them see that they are not alone and are in fact part of a much greater community.

⭐️This book is great for helping Allistic people better understand and support the people in their lives who are Autistic or who have other Neurodivergent conditions.

⭐️Though this book is primarily about Autism, it also deals with other conditions considered Neurodivergent, including: ADHD, OCD, Depression, and Giftedness.

⭐️There is a lot of practical advice that many Neurodivergent people of all ages can pull from these highly engaging comics.

😍 I am going to buy a copy when it’s published to put in my class library.

A great collection of comics by 40 different #actuallyautistic artists about their experiences being autistic. A quick read with each section only being a few pages, but the focus was wide and I learned so much from this small, but mighty book. I strongly believe that those from the community should be the loudest voices that we defer to and listen to, and while no group is a monolith it felt like this book did a great job of pulling many different voices and experiences to show the many different impacts and experiences of autism on autistic people.

A great book for those who aren't autistic to learn more about those who are and for those who are to see themselves and their experiences reflected.

My only very very small note is that I wish that the authors information would have been put at the beginning of each section (at least their name) since I found myself flipping to the front to find their name and piece's title then to the back to find their socials to see more of their work.