Autism in Heels

woman who has autism. She is a natural talent who, in Autism in Heels, has indeed written a love letter to all women. Her memoir will change our perception of autism and how those with autism will perceive themselves." -Tony Attwood, PhD, bestselling author, international speaker

"Funny, moving, compelling, deep . . . Autism in Heels is an absolute must-read not only for women on the spectrum, or people who love them, but anyone who likes a good conversation with an utterly brilliant mind."" -Maia Szavalitz, bestselling author and award-winning journalist covering neuroscience and addiction for Time, Scientific American, and more

"Jennifer O'Toole allows us to witness the workings of her beautiful, brilliant mind, to share in her vulnerability, and to be thoroughly entertained by her storytelling. Through both her content and style we get a glimpse of the intense empathy and passion that is so often misunderstood about autism, and in particular, about the unique experience of women on the spectrum. Ultimately this is a book for everyone. -Jed Baker, PhD, bestselling author, international speaker

"Autism in Heels is a compelling must-read that proves autism doesn't have a set appearance. Witty and full of real-life experience, readers will love O'Toole's writing. She inspires hope, individuality, and certainty for those of us on the spectrum that we are not limited by our uniqueness. We really can do anything we set our minds to." -Rachel Barcellona, autism self-advocate, Miss Southeast International, Unicorn Children's Foundation Ambassador

"Autism in Heels hit me to the core. Exposing the pain of perfectionism, anorexia, bullying, abuse, and loneliness, Jennifer outlines the sheer need for this memoir in exposing the vulnerability that many girls face from being gifted, talented, and on the autism spectrum. This is an incredible, necessary book that will change lives for the better." -Barb Cook, editor and author of Spectrum Women, founder and editor in chief at Spectrum Women Magazine

"Told like no other, this book leaves all of us, autistic or not, better human beings for having known Jennifer O'Toole." -Sharon Lee Cummings, copublisher/editor at large of Zoom Autism Magazine, Autism Society of Virginia board member

"I was immediately captivated by Jennifer's intimate story telling. Autism in Heels is a story of honesty and empowerment, and is a must read for women with and without autism." -Michelle Dean, assistant professor of special education at California State University, Channel Islands, technical consultant for the Netflix/Sony show Atypical

"Autism in Heels is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an autistic woman. It's a must-read for anyone without autism to learn a new side of tolerance and inclusion. And for my fellow autistic women, you'll hopefully find parts of her life that parallel your own, as I did, and know you are not alone." -Carly Fulgham, Autism Society of California board member, Art of Autism board member

"Honest, raw, intimate. Jennifer O'Toole's description of the female autistic life experience will resonate with many generatons of autistic women to come. -Christa Holmans, autistic author and advocate, Neurodivergent Rebel Blog

"Jennifer O'Toole spares nothing of her experiences and methodically dissects the internal and external realities of what it's really like to be an Aspie female. I urgently recommend this book to clinicians, parents, self-identified, self-curious humans. Reading it will increase your knowledge, your sensitivity, your worldview, and your love." -Carol Moog, PhD., clinical psychologist and co-author of The Autism Playbook for Teens"

"An essential read that I cannot wait to share. Writing with a radiating kind of aliveness and breathless honesty, O'Toole tackles all the tough issues-trauma, eating disorders, self-harm, depression, self-doubt-alongside the grace, hope, and joy of a life lived full of meaning and self-discovery." -Shana Nichols, PhD, clinical psychologist specializing in female ASD, lead author of Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum

"Thanks to Jennifer O'Toole, we have established a sturdy, hard-won narrative tradition that has the power to change hearts and minds." -Valerie Paradiz, PhD., Autism Speaks board member; Director, National Autism Leadership Institute

"Jennifer O'Toole systematically examines issues faced by this group and illustrates with examples from her own journey. . . . Although Jennifer accentuates the positives, she does not sugarcoat vulnerabilities, dangers, and despair that women on the spectrum are likely to face. Her powerfully punching wit and insight are of a beauty and efficacy that only a spectrum mind could imagine." -Lars Perner, PhD, Autism Society of America executive board member

"This slice of life on the spectrum illustrates just how diverse our lives can be, and how different our inner realities may be from what observers assume." -John Elder Robison, bestselling author, advisor to the US Department of Health and Human Services, World Health Organization Autism Advisor, Institute for Autism Research co-chair

"Brave, warm, and fiercely honest, Jennifer has broken the autism mold open with her riveting story. From anxiety and eating disorders to relationships and self-doubt, Autism in Heels will provide invaluable relief for girls and women around the world who have too-long struggled to fit in. A jewel of a book!" -Susan Stifleman, PhD., bestselling author, Huffington Post columnist, Today Show contributor

"In this chipper memoir-cum-inspirational guide . . . O'Toole's compassion and enthusiasm are infectious." -Publisher's Weekly