I received an advanced reader copy of The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens by Yenn Purkis and Sam Rose in exchange for an honest review.

This may come as a surprise to some people, but autistic people are significantly more likely to be trans than neurotypical people. There is a huge portion of the trans community that is neurodivergent. I think a book like this, the Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens, is an excellent resource for young people who may be just discovering their own neuro- and gender-divergence.

The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens is a straightforward read, easy to understand for someone first learning about trans and autistic identities. It is concise and to the point, and could easily be read in a single sitting. Acting as a starting point, or a first resource for its intended audience, this book contains a plethora of definitions for various identities and labels, and even repeats them in a glossary in the back for easy access.

I appreciate that this book acknowledges the discourse surrounding identity-first and person-first language. Many large organizations, such as @utism $peaks (which is a hate group by the way, trying to eradicate autism rather than support autistic people), preach that we must use person-first language: person with autism rather than autistic person. However, all of the autistic people I personally know say they prefer identity-first language, because their autism is a part of their identity, just like their gender or sexuality. This book explains this distinction, and encourages the reader to choose for themselves which they prefer.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the list of trans and/or autistic celebrities and notable figures. Having a list like that is important for an introductory text like this, so that the reader can know about specific other people like them and that they are not alone. It gives them people to look up to that they otherwise might not have known about.

Throughout the book there were activity pages, encouraging the reader to do some self-reflection about the subject of the chapter. If utilized, these will help the reader to better understand their own identities.

One thing I wish this book had touched on was the prevalence of self-diagnosis in the autistic community. Self-diagnosed autistic people are embraced by the autistic community for many reasons. Getting a diagnosis can be difficult, especially when many of the guidelines for diagnosis are discriminatory against women and people of color. There are a lot of autistic kids out there who go undiagnosed, and this would be a great tool for them, if they knew self-diagnosis was valid.

Overall I think The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens is a book that will potentially help a lot of people, and I am glad that it is being published. Thank you NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for the advanced reader copy.

4.5 stars

First, I would like to thank the possibility to read this book! As someone questioning their gender, this book was somewhat helpful and was another piece to add to my inner discourse surrounding gender presentation and neurodivergency. I would like to start by acknowledging the tone of the book. At first, I thought it might have been too soft, not addressing the kind of discrimination and trauma that both autistic people and trans people face. But then, I understood that I was doing that thing that adults do, the “I’m only preparing them for the violence of the real world” and I stepped back. Now, I believe the tone is brilliant! Autistic trans kids deserve kindness, softness and a moment of silence and since this guide will also be read by parents, educators and practitioners, it models this kindness in their treatment. It's interesting the things you discover when reading. Continuing with the positives, I adore the idea of a coming out script and the scripts for answering questions. First, it should be indispensable in neurodivergent non-fiction and self-help to have them. Second, they are so helpful and kind, focusing on respect. The only thing I would include is non-verbal scripts, for non-speaking or overwhelmed autistics. I’m aware you said we don't have to answer but sometimes the answer should be told non verbally. Now for the things I wish to comment on. One of the resources you used Genderbread, while an amazing concept and incredible tool, seems a bit incomplete due to the lack of androgynous or neutral alignments and intersex options. But I still applaud the use of this type of tool, because I have used it in the past and found it incredibly important but it is still important for it to be inclusive. The second thing is while I like the idea of activities, maybe it shouldn't include numbers. As an autistic, it can induce anxiety when I don't know all of the answers and this might be the case for more people. Perhaps, just a line for answering would be preferable and a square for you to cross if you feel you need to research the topic more. That way if the guide and the activities are used in the classroom, there is space for continuous learning or possible project touching on these activities. Another thing is the enumeration of bipolar disorder as a mental illness when bipolar is a neurodivergency. This connects to a point missed relating to self-awareness of other neurotypes in case the reader has a hybrid neurotype. Awareness of how our brain works is essential to calm anxiety. The last thing I would like to write about is something that I wished was included in the book. The guide talked about hormones, pronouns, names and gender dysphoria but missed one huge topic for autistics. Clothes, concerning gender expression and sensory differences. Masking through clothes would have to be discussed, and while the readers may be a bit young to deconstruct their masking, the knowledge would be valuable. The chapter could also discuss passing and how a change in wardrobe needs to be a compromise between ideal self-expression and sensory differences. Overall, this is a really good book and I hope it changes many people’s lives. This is a kind of book that its own existence makes the world richer and better. Thank you, authors, for making it!

The Awesome Autistic Guide for Trans Teens is a self help book written by autistic and trans writers. It gives a basic overview of what it means to be trans and what it means to be autistic, and everything is explained clearly and simply.

The book features activities, making it engaging for teens, with a structure that will help autistic teens get the most from it. There are helpful scripts for social situations such as coming out or encountering rude questions, which I wish I'd had when I was a teen! There are also examples of autistic and trans role models, giving trans autistic teens role models, and showing them that they aren't alone, and that they can achieve their potential.

At times, the way topics are treated with a broad overview sometimes feels a little vague, and the book expects teen to have the ability to do their own research. Obviously many will be able to, but there are varying levels of disability amongst autistic people so some teens may need more help than others. Unfortunately the vagueness is probably an unavoidable side effect of trying to make the book apply to as many geographical regions as possible, and there are some further resources provided at the back of the book.

My favourite thing about this book is that it doesn't describe autism as a negative or deficit. Instead, autism is described using positive or neutral language. 'Passionate interests' rather than restrictive, 'heightened sensory experiences', 'logical approach to life'. This is super refreshing. It's really nice to read something that doesn't pathologise autism.

Given the way that people have been attacking the trans community lately, and actively trying to stop autistic trans people from accessing transition, a book like this is a blessing.

A solid and simple introduction to the topic(s). Short and very readable, I wouldn’t have minded more detail or additional chapters (my autistic trans younger self would have eaten up as much information as humanly possible if given the chance.) Even so, It is definitely a resource I would have loved to find in my library when I was in middle school.

The INCLUSIVITY is everything. Extremely necessary demographic to target - the lack of published stories with this identity compared to the entire YA landscape can be astonishing at times. I truly cannot wait to have this in my schools library.

Very basic to me but maybe it's helpful for the younger people to whom it's actually targeted? Felt like the style was geared towards middleschoolers at best.

This is minor but allistic is what you call non-autistic people (whether or not they are also otherwise neurodivergent) and I thought it was funny that they omitted this. Could've used a few more transfemme examples but again idk.

I'm reviewing an ARC from NetGalley (thank you!) so take everything that I say with a grain of salt. I can see this being helpful for younger autistic trans people, so my library is likely to acquire this.

Such an important book for teens! It goes into autistic and gender variant terminology, breaks down autism in bite sized pieces, and is so easy to read.
I wish some of the suggestions were a bit more detailed and incorporated solutions that lean on autistic positives, for example something they suggest is "learning to like and value yourself" for good mental health, but it's pretty vague. This would have been a good opportunity to segue into positive stimming, special interests, or sensory seeking. I loved the focus on gender divergence but it lacked some of the specifics of autism that can be utilized in a positive way.

Absolutely amazing I reccomend to any autistic trans teens, or just anyone in general. it was an easy read and good to just pick up and put down whenever, and had some really good tips. Many people I know plan on reading it soon and I think it's really nice to see a book representing people


Goodreads user iris gay

Books like this are really important for people with transgender and autism. It is essential that we do not see people as their labels and instead understand strengths and differences.

This guide gives a great overview of gender and neuro- diversity including different language and terms as well as information on coming out and having difficult conversations. There are also workbook elements for self reflection and to help find resources.

This is a fantastic book for autistic and trans teens, but would also be a good read for family members and allies who want to raise their awareness

⅘ stars

I rarely read non-fiction books but as an autistic non-binary teen, I was curious about the information.

I knew a lot of the information in this book but I think if you’re just starting to explore your identity this will be helpful. Immediately you know the information will be given with care because both authors are autistic and trans.

While I knew a lot of the information getting in I believe this book could be incredibly helpful to kids just starting to question their gender identity, parents that want a little more insight into what their teen is going through, or people who just want to learn more about being trans and autistic. There are many helpful terms and explanations, as well as some organizations you can reach out to. I do believe it might leave you with more questions in the end but I do think this is a good place to start.

Overall, I think the book is helpful and I definitely recommend it.

as an autistic trans person, i thoroughly related to the experiences described in this book and would recommend it to those who share my identity.

This book was everything I needed despite I'm not a teenager, it affirmed me and told me what I needed to hear. I love there are activities where you have space to write in response to the chapter you've just read. it's wonderful. this will comfort and help so many teens.

This was such a cute little guide! It's quite short and a bit basic for me, but for a kid or teen who is just starting to question their gender, this could be really helpful. Statements were pretty straight-to-the-point which is definitely something I appreciate about this book and kept it short and sweet. Especially with trans kids under attack in legislatures at the moment, this book could be really important for someone who is learning to cope with ableist and transphobic structures.

This is a short and succinct book about the intersection of autism, gender identify and teenagers. I would say that it is written for the younger end of teenagers, or even pre-teens.

It is written with very clear and straightforward language. Written by autistic, gender-divergent people for teens who may, or may not, identify as either autistic or gender-divergent. I say "or may not" deliberately, because in the book the authors encourage the reader to consider whether or not descriptions of autism and gender are true for them and does not exclude them if they don't fully resonate with all or some.

I think the book suffers a little from the tall order that it has set for itself. It attempts to deal with three spectrums: gender identity, autism and age. Other authors might have given up before even starting on the basis that it will be impossible to hit the mark that encompasses this trifecta of spectra (couldn't resist - though I probably should have!). So I have to give kudos to the authors for putting this out there. It's a great introduction - part of why I think it's for early or pre-teen age group. It's an important book and I'm very glad it exists. I'll be recommending it to parents of trans and/or autistic teens that I know.

I really appreciated that this was written by #ActuallyAutistic trans people, and not by "allies". I think there's a lot to be gained from this text, and I certainly have students who will benefit. As an autistic person myself, it's especially important to me that books on autism be written by autistic people and not neurotypicals.

I am an aspiring gender and sexuality-focused therapist, so I am always looking for books to keep in my future office to reference for clients. This book seemed wonderful, and it will definitely be on my shelf when the day comes that I have my own office!
I love that both authors of this book are trans and autistic! It's so great that this book exists because so many gender-diverse people are also autistic, and vice-versa; this book is needed! I think this book will be a great starting point for autistic teens who may be beginning to question their gender identity, or those who are already confident in their trans identity and have recently learned they are also autistic! I do wish the scientific information was cited and differentiated, but the general information is great!

Thank you to the publisher and @NetGalley for the E-ARC copy of this book. The rating of this book is entirely of my own opinion. #NetGalley

The audience of this book are teens who are trans and autistic, and the writing style is particularly aimed at younger teens. So I am confused as to why certain things are defined (such as what autism is) and why certain things aren’t (‘gender is a social construct’). There was strange information that was considered as a fact (such as “More likely to be trans/queer” and “love for animals” being call characteristics of autism) without any sources to actually prove those points. In fact, there weren’t any sources at all, which was strange to say the least. Certain parts also felt like they should have been moved around, such as the ‘what is transphobia’ section, which should have appeared earlier in the book before transphobia had already been mentioned. Despite this issues, I did appreciate the trans identities mentioned in this book and enjoyed learning about new ones I hadn’t heard before. Unfortunately, that just doesn't save this book for me.

It's a decent resource for young people, written from the perspective of two trans and autistic authors. Its' simple language and examples make this book accessible, but at times I felt some extra explanations were needed.

That being said, I feel like this guide was written with a quite specific person as a reader. I'm afraid that some teens, maybe those with smaller social capital, may end up a bit confused, and with more questions regarding their identity.