I feel like this collection of stories would be better off if each story was slightly longer. Normally, in a short story collection it would be okay if the stories were 1-6 pages long, but in a graphic collection of short stories you only get so much space to tell your story or give your tips or whatever you choose to do with the space.
Another critique is that the constant changing of the font, art style and colour was jarring, Some fonts were harder to read than others or were in a small size so I'd have to zoom into the picture to see what was being said. A lot of the stories repeated the exact same thing (see all the stories about masking), and i don't necessarily mean they discussed the same topic but that they discussed it in the exact same way. I get that these stories were collected from some challenge or hashtag but at the end of the day you need to be able to cut a story if it talks about the same thing as another story from earlier but with new art. This issue led to me needing to skip some of the stories entirely if it was starting to say things that I had already read multiple times in this collection alone.
I was excited to see what this story had to offer but unfortunately I didn't like it. Maybe it's just because I'm reading it from the perspective of someone who has not been diagnosed as autistic because it seems the other advance readers who have rated this seem to have really enjoyed it.
I didn't enjoy it but I'm going to leave a decent rating because others are enjoying this and I don't want to tank the ratings for this if the authors are genuinely helping other people and providing relatable media for consumption.

Over 30 Autistic creators have come together to share their experiences on the spectrum. From whether to use “people first” language or refer to a person as “Autistic,” to experiences of Autistic people who are Asexual and Non-binary, and so much in-between, this is an amazingly creative look at Autism, from people who are Autistic.

This is one I’ll be adding to my home collection, as well as the library’s Teen and Adult graphic novels. You have neurodiverse and Autistic people in your life, and this book deserves your time.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for sending me a digital advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
I think this graphic novel is great for other autistic people because it makes them feel seen and it’s something they can relate to, even if it’s just one comic. And for allistic people, it helps to give perspective on the lives and struggles of autistic people. It’s more important to have autistic representation for autistic people by autistic people. And I really appreciated the emphasis on listening to BIPOC and WOC autistic voices, especially because they face more stigma sometimes even in their own community. The only thing I think could be better is perhaps having title pages or some kinda sections to organize the comics so it’s a little easier to follow, but other than that it was great.

WOW!!! I haven't felt so represented autistically before in my life! I loved the representation and discussions about later-in-life diagnoses and the misogyny, racism, etc. from doctors when it comes to even getting diagnosed. It's rarely talked about in any autism-based media and is so important for many of us to remember and see.

5/5 stars

I really enjoyed this comic anthology! The different art styles really emphasize how much autism varies from person to person, and it gave me so much to think about. I can see this being helpful to many students who know or suspect that they are autistic/have autism.

I really enjoyed this anthology. I myself am not autistic and, to be honest, for a long time I did not know much about it. All I knew were the little things I saw on TV shows, and those tend to be stereotypical and sometimes borderline offensive. It was such an informative read. As the comic mentions, autism looks different for each person, the experiences can differ but also relate, and there is no single definitive experience. Everyone deserves the right to be seen, heard and feel safe. We must listen and read the stories of autistic people and do our best to always support them.
Regarding the art and illustrations, I loved seeing so many different art styles and also different ways of telling stories, it was very interesting to read and see all these artists coming together to create such and amazing collection.

This graphic novel’s presentation of the differences between different autistic people was well done. Some of the work between the 30 autistic creators was repetitious, but because each is different, they all placed a unique spin on it.

Autistic people like myself won’t find much here they don’t already know. But the book comes with such a strong sense of belonging that it was an absolute joy to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

As someone who is on the neurodivergent spectrum, this book gave me such a sense of comfort and being seen. I feel among friends, even though I don't have autism.

Miigweetch NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

"Sensory: Life on the Spectrum" is an OwnVoices anthology of short comics by autistic people. Topics range from the journey of being diagnosed, formal vs. self-diagnosis (and how both are valid, and why!), masking, burnout, and so much more. Many of the comics in this anthology began online as #ActuallyAutistic people began sharing their stories online. These types of Own Voices stories are so important because they come directly from the communities whose narratives are being told, so I am very happy that the online work came to the page in the form of a book as well.

I enjoy a good comics anthology, and this was no exception. I didn’t love every single art style deployed, however, I did find something insightful and valuable from each of the works. Most of the comics are short, one or two pages, which makes this a quick read. I recommend this for all school libraries, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about autism.

My son was recently diagnosed with ASD. The wealth of information out there is dizzying, but the lack of first-hand experience info to explain what it feels like is glaringly obvious. This comic book actually helped me understand so much, and in such an easy way. I have ADHD and I often feel a little like salt on my son's wounds, because a lot of my own traits seem to go against his grain. Getting insights really helps me picture much more clearly what he needs from me, and what I should reign in when he gets anxious. I really needed this book and I hope there will be more like it, that this is the beginning of a long collection, or that it will inspire other artists on the spectrum to share more of their experience - admittedly I am a sucker for graphic memoirs so I would read any book like that quite greedily!

I’m allistic (a new word i learned from this book) but read it after hearing it was a useful read for every one. I think the comics could have used a like but more differentiation. Like a title, some had titles it looked like new sections, but other sections were really only different by color and characters. But I really liked the content, it was useful to hear another autistic story. Every has a different story and different experience, but i love memoirs and this one was a god one at skimming the surface of one’s life with autism.

Wow such an interesting collection! It gives glimpses about the spectrum of autism, how it's different on every person and it shouldn't be generalized. There's more than 30 artist assembled in this collection and of course they have different style and different story. But it only strengthen the point that "spectrum of autism is wide and it's different on every person". Very insightful.

If you are autistic or know someone who is autistic, this can be a very comforting book for you. I cried a few time just discovering that my son is not alone and learning new things about him through this book.

Even if you are allistic, this book is wonderful. You can really see through the world through a different POV which is always a good thing. As a neurodivergent person I still related to some things in this book.

This book will become a treasured book in our house, and I cannot wait to hold the physical copy.

As an autistic person, just knowing this book exists makes me feel like crying with joy. I read most of this with tears streaming down my face because it feels so good to be seen and heard by the media in an accurate and safe way. This is SO important. I'm so glad that this exists. I will be purchasing this when it comes out and using it as teaching material for several panels and workshops I'm hosting.

"Maybe it isn't so bad to be known."

This book has a really cute and nice looking cover, its what drew me in. Theres a bunch of little comics in here, plenty of art styles. It also has a very diverse 'cast' and every flavour of autism is well presented.

What bothered me a bit is that the jump to other comics was very chaotic, a blank page or title page in between every comic would've made it a bit easier to follow. It also would've been nice if it was divided into chapters about a certain topic, because now it feels like the book jumps around a lot.

But, all in all, a pretty entertaining anthology of comics!

I have a child with autism and from the start of their diagnosis, was lucky to hear from actually autistic people that I *should* be hearing from actually autistic people to understand what helps, what hurts, and what my kid might be dealing with. They are still young, and I find it particularly helpful to hear from people who have been through childhood so I can learn and do my best to be supportive in a world that often tries to make autistic people try really hard to act neurotypical versus being accommodating or understanding. This is a brilliantly accessible book that sheds a lot of light on autism.

I found it helpful for myself, and may buy a copy and share some of the work with my child so they can also see that others share their experiences (and, they love art, so even better!). #OwnVoices work is so important, and this is a great one.

3.5 stars

An anthology of short comics by autistic writers & artists on their experiences of being autistic. Charming, relatable, & encouraging!

[What I liked:]

•I found many of experiences shared in this anthology very relatable as an ND person! What is even better is how many of the comics encourage you to find things that help, accept yourself, & not be ashamed of who you are.

•Several of the comics also share tips, resources, & information on what has worked for them.

•There is some nice variety in terms of tone, topic, art style, & voice.


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•A few of the fonts were difficult to read.

CW: bullying, sexism, racism, ableism

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

A diverse, diverting and altogether wonderful collection of comics by so many collaborators with all sorts of experiences as autistic people and creators.

This book is a definite necessity! Produced in comic book form by people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it provides much insight for those interacting with people diagnosed with ASD.

As the grandmother of a young child with ASD, I realize there is much I have to learn given that at 3 years old she is still nonverbal and cannot express her thoughts to the family as her older sister can. Within the first 10 comics I learned so much because all of the people involved in producing the comics used have ASD. Therefore, you are learning from the experts.

I am so grateful for this resource and I encourage everyone to pick up a copy of this book. Even if you don’t think you know or interact with someone who has ASD, you very well may do so now or in the near future. This will also make an excellent gift or reference resource.

Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and review this Advanced Reader’s Copy. The comments and thoughts I have expressed are my own.

Sensory: Life on the Spectrum is a comic book anthology featuring 40 artists on the spectrum. Beside being informative and insightful, I found the comics really beautiful and heartening.

Given that the original idea was a series of webcomics meant to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, the comics were rather short, and to the point in delivering their message. I often felt I wanted to read a little bit more, but considering these comics were first and foremost created to celebrate and raise awareness, they definitly succeeded.

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeels Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. And many thanks to Rebecca Ollerton and all artists who contributed to this much needed, beautiful book.